by Maureen Shul and Lane Roberts

Many Castle Pines North (CPN) residents have expressed concerns regarding future law enforcement services if incorporation becomes a reality. How could CPN possibly afford a police force?

While a newly incorporated municipality has the option of starting its own police force, it can be both a costly and ineffective choice when providing adequate protection and efficiency of services to a new city.

Master Association board members and CPN Preservation Committee leaders Doug Gilbert and Maureen Shul recently met with Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver and members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) staff. “We wanted to meet with Sheriff Weaver to discuss the possibility of contracting our law enforcement services if incorporation becomes a reality for CPN,” said Shul.

According to Sheriff Weaver, current services provided by the DCSO would not change if a future contract for services was obtained with the proposed City of Castle Pines North. In fact, there would be no increase in costs to residents of CPN from what is currently being paid in taxes each year to the DCSO. “We would basically get the same services for the same fee,” Shul said.

Gilbert and Shul discussed a range of options that would customize and enhance policing for the new city. “The Sheriff’s willingness to discuss approaches to a specific solution enhancing protection for Castle Pines North while leveraging county-wide resources was a very welcome part of our discussions,” Gilbert said.

In addition, contracting services through the DCSO would eliminate the need for start-up time and costs since the infrastructure is already in place. “It would cost us so much more to start our own police department,” said Shul. “The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has provided outstanding service to Castle Pines North and it is nice to know that this protection could continue if residents vote to become a new city.”

Shul and Gilbert also explored a variety of possible safety enforcement options that the DCSO could provide if CPN becomes a city. To learn more about the potential incorporation of CPN, please visit www.cpnpc.org.