|
|
Public safety is one of the most important functions county governments have nationwide. This is not the job of a specific department performing a specific function, but rather a broad, team-based approach. In a county the size of Weld — just over 4,000 square miles — many departments have an impact in public safety. These functions not only improve daily life, but in many cases save lives as well. While the people performing these duties do so as a function of their job, what they do is heroic, and we wanted to shine a light on their efforts by introducing Weld County’s public safety warriors:
|
|
 Screen readers scroll down for information.
|
|
 Counties annually invest $29 billion to operate correctional facilities. In 2023, $37,023,068* has been invested for the operation of the Weld County Jail, and $1,582,108 for the county's work release program.
 In 2022, the Weld County Jail was expanded to add 373 beds.
|
 County's annually invest $42 billion to support 2,961 police and sheriff departments. Weld County's Sheriff's Office divisions include detention deputies, patrol deputies, K-9 Unit and SWAT.
 County, state, federal and other local governments manage, fund and operate 7,050 public safety answering points (often referred to as 911 centers) throughout the nation. Weld County's dispatch center is one of 300 internationally accredited centers.
|
|
 136,877 E-911 calls taken in 2022.
 Counties annually invest $21 billion in county courts and legal services. In 2023, Weld County's investing $2.5 million for upkeep/growth of court facilities that support county attorneys, DHS attorneys and DA Office staff & other facilities/criminal justice functions.
|
 Weld County invests $859,788 in Public Safety IT to support dispatch, jail and 42 emergency & medical services with electronic traffic tickets, computer aided dispatch system and booking software.**
 Weld County's District Attorney's Office prosecuted 11,378 cases in 2022 and has a staff of 81 - DAs, clerical and victim assistance personnel.
|
|
 Weld County allocates $3 million to support community corrections programs.
 The Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Lab was established between the Weld County Sheriff's Office and five other agencies. Weld County built and maintains the facility.
|
 In 2022, the Weld County Coroner investigated 1,771 deaths and performed 441 autopsies for the county (256) and outside agencies (188).
 In the 2022 budget book, public safety investments totaled $85 million, including funding for oil and gas, weed inspections, technology, security, transportation and more.
|
|
 The departments highlighted in this infographic are probably what most people think of when it comes to public safety. But we'd like to tip our hats to the following departments as well because they are just as involved in public safety operations: Board of County Commissioners, Fleet Services, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Health and Environment, Public Information Office and Public Works.
*Figure includes indirect costs associated with facilities, human resources, county attorneys, IT, etc.
**Total cost to operate is $2,695,335 split between participating law, EMS and fire agencies.
National information from the National Association of Counties.
|
|
By Shaley Dehner, Weld County Communications Specialist |
|
|
Question: Over the past couple weeks, I've enjoyed learning about Pops the Triceratops, I'll admit, I'm a little late in my quest for more knowledge, but I'd love to learn more about Pops' history and his overall journey from fossil to county mascot. Where can I learn more?
You're not alone in your love of Pops! There's lots of great information on www.discoverweld.com. Pops is also a social media star and can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
And don't miss a chance to see Pops at a "Weld"come home party on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Weld County Administration Building. located at 1150 O St. in Greeley.
|
|
An important restoration will soon be complete after Pops the Triceratops is revealed this Friday. In the next issue of County Roots, we'll dive into the big reveal as well as recap the steps taken to refurbish the fossil so it can continue to serve as an important part of Weld County history for years to come.
|
|
|
|
Welcome to County Roots, the official newsletter of Weld County Government. For those of us who work in county government, we think what we do is pretty interesting. So the goal of this newsletter is to highlight some of the partnerships, technology and efficiencies we are using to make government stronger and more effective for its residents.
Our goal is to establish regular communication with residents, spur interest in county projects, highlight county accomplishments and provide meaningful information to the public. In fact, our goal is to live up to the name “County Roots.” Want to know more about the meaning behind the name? Please visit our webpage, where you can also find previous editions of this newsletter.
If you have a topic idea or general feedback about this new venture, please let us know at jfinch@weldgov.com.
|
|
|
|
|
