Sean Smith started with La Plata County in October 2000, and in less than a year, he went from being a pre-trial release coordinator to running a successful day-reporting program. Very shortly thereafter, he was running a full-blown alternatives to incarceration program that saved thousands of jail bed days each year and reduced the burden on taxpayers. His program even served as an example for Douglas County and Weld County (both much larger counties than ours!). But the very best part of what Sean did was to help reform those in his program. After Sean ran the DUI program for several years, La Plata County had an astonishingly low rate of repeat DUI offenses of only 8.74 percent, while the national average rate was between 21 percent and 47 percent. Simply stated, he made our community a better and safer place to live.
Coordination and working together is something that is very important to Sean. In 2009, he coordinated the countywide implementation of a new software system which included the Sheriff’s Office, Durango Police Department, Bayfield Marshal’s office, Southern Ute Police Department, both dispatch centers and the fire departments. This allowed for data-sharing and a single “language” for all responding agencies and drastically reduced the amount of paper used by all. But the enhanced safety features and communication abilities for our emergency responders was priceless. Sean worked hard to get laptop computers into all of our Sheriff’s Office fleet, and he has many more ideas on how he can save money and redirect resources. He has also been successful in garnering grants to help make his vision a reality.
As someone who has worked his way up through the ranks, Sean will be an amazing leader because he can relate to the other positions, and he has first-hand knowledge of where improvements can be made. Sean is enthusiastic, has boundless energy and an obvious love for his job and for our community.
Join me in helping make Sean Smith the next La Plata County sheriff!
David F. Fountain
Durango
