New partnership allows Pitkin County to continue with safety improvements at its facility
PITKIN COUNTY, COLO. (January 12, 2022) - At noon on Thursday, Pitkin County deputies escorted seven inmates to the Eagle County Detention Facility in Eagle, Colorado. The inmates, formerly housed at the Garfield County Jail, will be housed in Eagle County’s facility while Pitkin County continues to make short term safety improvements and work towards longer term solutions for safety and capacity needs.
The partnership with Eagle County – a sheriff-to-sheriff courtesy hold – allows Pitkin County to continue its collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies.
“We partnered closely with Eagle County during the Lake Christine Fire and we are thankful for another opportunity to collaborate, this time in the criminal justice space,” said Jon Peacock, manager for Pitkin County.
Pitkin County’s inmates were moved from the county’s jail in Aspen to Garfield County in 2021 after Pitkin County officials determined substantial safety improvements were needed at their facility. Since then, county staff and members of the criminal justice system have been meeting regularly to discuss the future of the jail. Goals such as staying on the leading edge of evidence-based practices that lower recidivism, protect public safety, and reflect community values have been priorities in the process.
“With Eagle County temporarily allowing us to house our inmates, we can pursue what’s needed at the jail and continue to explore ways to reduce hazards and increase safety for inmates and staff. We are thankful to Eagle County Sheriff Van Beek for providing housing and care to our inmates,” said Michael Buglione, Pitkin County Sheriff.
The transition of Pitkin’s inmates from Garfield County to Eagle County comes after the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office sent a letter this week to Pitkin County, notifying the county that they were ending an agreement to house Pitkin’s inmates. Pitkin County extends its gratitude to Garfield County for housing its inmates prior to this transition.
At the Pitkin County Jail facility in Aspen, the work release program and intake process are operational. The work release section of the facility received a substantial safety upgrade in 2022. Conversations will continue in 2023 about the future of the jail with a variety of stakeholders including the Pitkin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, county commissioners, county staff and the community.
Media contact: Marci Suazo, marci.suazo@pitkincounty.com, (970) 309-2343
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