Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin intends to institute new policy and procedure guidelines within days of his inauguration.
District Court Judge Todd Plewe administered Nowlin's oath of office at a public ceremony on Tuesday. In an interview with The Cortez Journal last week, Nowlin said he'd rely on one of the country's most trusted organizations - Lexipol - to develop temporary standard operating procedures for deputies and jailors. Lexipol offers state-specific policies and verifiable policy training for public safety administrations.
"The new policies will be standardized, defensible and easy to follow," said Nowlin. "I plan to put the policies on the sheriff's office website, so everyone will know what's expected."
The interview was granted last week. After taking command of the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office, Nowlin said additional personnel training would be one of his top priorities. He said he wants to build the most highly trained and respected law enforcement agencies in the state.
"2015 is going to be the year of training," said Nowlin.
Nowlin explained that he didn't intend to clean house by firing current sheriff office employees, but added that current deputies and jailors would be subject to retesting as he works to streamline the agency.
"The current employees are entitled to a job, but they aren't entitled to a rank," Nowlin said.
During his first 100 days in office, Nowlin has vowed to enhance health benefits for employees and their families, improve communications with the public via greater media access, institute alcohol and drug counselors inside the jail and beef up security efforts at area schools. He's also promised an agency-wide audit.
"I want to do everything I can to make the sheriff's office better," said Nowlin.
Nowlin said one of his first investments would be to ensure that all video cameras inside the Montezuma County jail were operational. He also intends to examine what type of body and vehicle-mounted cameras would work best.
"I want to make sure the cameras function correctly," said Nowlin. "I don't want to waste tax dollars on cameras that are unreliable."
Recognizing that video cameras could help alleviate citizen complaints, for example, Nowlin was quick to add that officers were ultimately responsible for ensuring they acted properly to protect and serve the community.
"Before they make any decision, I want them to ask themselves if it's legal, ethical and moral," said Nowlin.
Residents can also expect the re-formation of separate auto theft and narcotic interagency task forces. Nowlin said he has met with three other newly elected sheriffs in La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta counties, and all were committed to collaboratively fighting crime across the region.
Saying that he was grateful for the opportunity to work side-by-side with his colleagues along the state's Southwest border, new La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith said Montezuma County should be proud to have Nowlin as its new sheriff.
"I worked with Steve while he was an investigator with the state patrol," said Smith. "He has a good reputation in law enforcement, and I look forward to identifying opportunities where we can benefit one another."
Looking into the future, Nowlin said he hopes to establish a mounted patrol within the sheriff's office. Possibly formed with the help of donors, Nowlin anticipates an equestrian division could be utilized in search and rescue operations, assist with cattle and forest patrols and serve as crowd control agents at large community gatherings, such as the county fair or rodeo.
"A mounted patrol would be a great public relations tool too," Nowlin said.
In regard to community relations, Nowlin said he also intends to hold a series of meetings with various organizations.
Nowlin said he has met with Ute Mountain Ute tribal officials.
The ceremony
Newly elected officials for Montezuma County will be sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. at the County Annex located at the corner of Montezuma Avenue and Chestnut Street.
District Court Judge Todd Plewe will swear in Steve Nowlin as sheriff, Kim Percell as county clerk, James Lambert as county commissioner, Scott Davis as assessor, and George Deavers as coroner.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
COMING TUESDAY: The Cortez Journal will report on Nowlin's choice for undersheriff at cortezjournal.com
