Meet Dave
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I raised my children, Courtney and Amanda, in Louisville where they attended St. Louis Catholic School for their elementary education, Louisville Middle School, and Monarch High. My youngest, Amanda, graduated from the University of Colorado, and my oldest, Courtney, graduated from Colorado State University
I have served those who live, work, and visit Boulder County, for over four decades. I graduated from a joint Boulder Police Department-Boulder Sheriff’s Office Academy in April of 1978 and served the Boulder Community until 2014.
In 2014, I was appointed Chief of Police in Louisville where I continue to serve.
As your Boulder County Sheriff, I will work to help ensure public safety for all those who live, work, and visit Boulder County.
I have served those who live, work, and visit Boulder County, for over four decades. I graduated from a joint Boulder Police Department-Boulder Sheriff’s Office Academy in April of 1978 and served the Boulder Community until 2014.
In 2014, I was appointed Chief of Police in Louisville where I continue to serve.
As your Boulder County Sheriff, I will work to help ensure public safety for all those who live, work, and visit Boulder County.
My accomplishments at the Louisville Police Department include:
Established First Master Plan-2017
Oversaw attainment of first accreditation for department (Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police/County Sheriffs of Colorado)-2018
Oversaw the implementation of Value Based Management System, up-to-date Policy Manual, Tasers, new Records Management System, Brazo’s Electronic Ticketing, the “Beast” Property and Evidence Management System, and Bodycams
Established working relationships with Louisville’s two hospitals – Avista and Centennial Peaks (medical and mental health), the Boulder Valley School District (which operates 7 public schools in Louisville), Boulder County Housing Authority, and Places of Worship
Oversee the establishment and operation of the City of Louisville’s FM Radio Station (Public Safety)
Oversaw the establishment of the Department’s Co-Responder-Mental Health Program
Oversaw the establishment of “Learning Teams” in the Department-designed to assist Officers/Staff in becoming more resilient
Oversaw the implementation of Value Based Management System, up-to-date Policy Manual, Tasers, new Records Management System, Brazo’s Electronic Ticketing, the “Beast” Property and Evidence Management System, and Bodycams
Established working relationships with Louisville’s two hospitals – Avista and Centennial Peaks (medical and mental health), the Boulder Valley School District (which operates 7 public schools in Louisville), Boulder County Housing Authority, and Places of Worship
Oversee the establishment and operation of the City of Louisville’s FM Radio Station (Public Safety)
Oversaw the establishment of the Department’s Co-Responder-Mental Health Program
Oversaw the establishment of “Learning Teams” in the Department-designed to assist Officers/Staff in becoming more resilient
Serve on the City Manager’s newly established Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
Oversaw the implementation of information cards issued by Louisville Police Officers for those in need food from the Louisville/Superior Food Bank, how to obtain a new county court appearance date, and how to access other resources (including Mental Health, Addiction and Housing Assistance).
Work tirelessly during the COVID Pandemic helping to ensure a safe community and that our First Responders have needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Throughout the Pandemic, Louisville Police Officers continue to respond to medical calls with the Louisville Fire Protection District. During the COVID-19, Louisville Police Officers saved four lives with the use of Narcan. I support wearing masks as well as COVID Vaccinations.
Oversaw the implementation of the BolaWrap which is a less-lethal tool for police. The BolaWrap helps Officers take a person into custody without harm. This device serves as an alternative to Taser, and other weapons that can cause injury. The Louisville Police Department is one of only two Boulder County Law Enforcement Agencies who have adopted the use of this device.
Implemented a policy that directs Officers to consult with on-duty supervisor, hospital staff and on-call Deputy District Attorney, before deciding to charge/take a person into custody on criminal charges who is suffering from a mental illness.
Oversaw the implementation of information cards issued by Louisville Police Officers for those in need food from the Louisville/Superior Food Bank, how to obtain a new county court appearance date, and how to access other resources (including Mental Health, Addiction and Housing Assistance).
Work tirelessly during the COVID Pandemic helping to ensure a safe community and that our First Responders have needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Throughout the Pandemic, Louisville Police Officers continue to respond to medical calls with the Louisville Fire Protection District. During the COVID-19, Louisville Police Officers saved four lives with the use of Narcan. I support wearing masks as well as COVID Vaccinations.
Oversaw the implementation of the BolaWrap which is a less-lethal tool for police. The BolaWrap helps Officers take a person into custody without harm. This device serves as an alternative to Taser, and other weapons that can cause injury. The Louisville Police Department is one of only two Boulder County Law Enforcement Agencies who have adopted the use of this device.
Implemented a policy that directs Officers to consult with on-duty supervisor, hospital staff and on-call Deputy District Attorney, before deciding to charge/take a person into custody on criminal charges who is suffering from a mental illness.
My accomplishment at the Boulder Police Department include:
At the Boulder Police Department, I served in several roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Commander and Deputy Chief of Police.
During my career at the Boulder Police Department, I provided law enforcement services during the “Halloween Mall Crawls”, riots on the Hill, fires and the 2013 flood where I was assigned to oversee services to those displaced by the flood and flown into Boulder Municipal Airport.
Deputy Chief of Police, Support & Staff Services Division
1998-2001, 2013
Identified law enforcement trends and developed strategic plans to address public safety issues in the community.
Supervised and direct Police and Fire 911 Communication Center, Training & Personnel, Records & Information Services, Victim & Volunteer Services, Property & Evidence, Fiscal & Facility units
Complete special projects as directed by the Chief of Police
Deputy Chief of Police, Operations Division
2001-2008, 2014
Supervised and directed Patrol, Detective and Traffic Services units; set department direction, established department policy, identified law enforcement trends, and established strategic plans to address public safety issues in the community; interacted with city staff and the University community
Commander, Traffic Division
1997-1998
Managed the department’s response to citywide traffic issues including the coordination of traffic-related Engineering, Enforcement, and Education
During my career at the Boulder Police Department, I provided law enforcement services during the “Halloween Mall Crawls”, riots on the Hill, fires and the 2013 flood where I was assigned to oversee services to those displaced by the flood and flown into Boulder Municipal Airport.
Deputy Chief of Police, Support & Staff Services Division
1998-2001, 2013
Identified law enforcement trends and developed strategic plans to address public safety issues in the community.
Supervised and direct Police and Fire 911 Communication Center, Training & Personnel, Records & Information Services, Victim & Volunteer Services, Property & Evidence, Fiscal & Facility units
Complete special projects as directed by the Chief of Police
Deputy Chief of Police, Operations Division
2001-2008, 2014
Supervised and directed Patrol, Detective and Traffic Services units; set department direction, established department policy, identified law enforcement trends, and established strategic plans to address public safety issues in the community; interacted with city staff and the University community
Commander, Traffic Division
1997-1998
Managed the department’s response to citywide traffic issues including the coordination of traffic-related Engineering, Enforcement, and Education
Oversaw the operation of the department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program
Commander, Patrol Division
1994-1997
Supervised and directed patrol officers and sergeants assigned to the night shift
Sergeant, Patrol Division
1986-1987, 1994-1997
Supervised and directed a squad of patrol officers; managed calls for service, schedule coordination, evaluated officer performance
Sergeant, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office
1992-1993
Directed a county-wide task force created to investigate and prosecute a child abuse case involving a multiple victims and hundreds of allegations that occurred in several jurisdictions
Sergeant, Office of the Chief of Police
1987-1992
Investigated allegations of misconduct made against members of the police department; completed staff inspections; conducted liability investigation; completed special projects as directed by the Chief of Police
Police Officer & Detective, Patrol & Investigations Divisions
1978-1986
As a police officer, attended the basic certification academy and completed the Field Training and Evaluation Program; provided direct law enforcement service to the community
As a detective, investigated all crimes against persons; complaints of fraud, forgery, and burglary; prepared case files; assisted the District Attorney’s Office with the prosecution of cases
Commander, Patrol Division
1994-1997
Supervised and directed patrol officers and sergeants assigned to the night shift
Sergeant, Patrol Division
1986-1987, 1994-1997
Supervised and directed a squad of patrol officers; managed calls for service, schedule coordination, evaluated officer performance
Sergeant, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office
1992-1993
Directed a county-wide task force created to investigate and prosecute a child abuse case involving a multiple victims and hundreds of allegations that occurred in several jurisdictions
Sergeant, Office of the Chief of Police
1987-1992
Investigated allegations of misconduct made against members of the police department; completed staff inspections; conducted liability investigation; completed special projects as directed by the Chief of Police
Police Officer & Detective, Patrol & Investigations Divisions
1978-1986
As a police officer, attended the basic certification academy and completed the Field Training and Evaluation Program; provided direct law enforcement service to the community
As a detective, investigated all crimes against persons; complaints of fraud, forgery, and burglary; prepared case files; assisted the District Attorney’s Office with the prosecution of cases
Overall professional accomplishments include:
Elected Vice-President of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (2021)
Serve as the Co-Chair of the Denver Metro Chief of Police (2021-)
Serve as chair of the state-wide Public Safety Communications Subcommittee (PCSC)-(2018-present)
Chaired a statewide steering committee regarding Colorado’s statewide digital trunked radio system (DTRS) that consisted of, and represents, the diverse public safety stakeholders across Colorado, to make recommendation regarding where best this critical public safety program and infrastructure should be organized within the state government. This steering committee was tasked with and completed:
Part-time instructor, Criminal Justice, Arapahoe Community College (2013-present)
Managed the development and implementation of Laptop and Bike Registration Programs in conjunction with the University of Colorado.
Continued investigation on a 1983 homicide case resulting in obtaining an arrest warrant in December 2010 (27 years after the crime occurred)
Supervised the complete remodel of the Boulder Police and Fire Communications Center; managed the replacement of a tower at one of the City of Boulder’s Radio Tower sites; managed the acquisition of additional radio frequencies and infrastructure for Police, Fire and Public Works (2009)
Serve as the Co-Chair of the Denver Metro Chief of Police (2021-)
Serve as chair of the state-wide Public Safety Communications Subcommittee (PCSC)-(2018-present)
Chaired a statewide steering committee regarding Colorado’s statewide digital trunked radio system (DTRS) that consisted of, and represents, the diverse public safety stakeholders across Colorado, to make recommendation regarding where best this critical public safety program and infrastructure should be organized within the state government. This steering committee was tasked with and completed:
- Developing a timeline to complete its work no later than December 2021
- Creating recommendations on the ideal governance structure and agency location for the program within state government
- Completing a robust stakeholder process
Part-time instructor, Criminal Justice, Arapahoe Community College (2013-present)
Managed the development and implementation of Laptop and Bike Registration Programs in conjunction with the University of Colorado.
Continued investigation on a 1983 homicide case resulting in obtaining an arrest warrant in December 2010 (27 years after the crime occurred)
Supervised the complete remodel of the Boulder Police and Fire Communications Center; managed the replacement of a tower at one of the City of Boulder’s Radio Tower sites; managed the acquisition of additional radio frequencies and infrastructure for Police, Fire and Public Works (2009)
Managed the development and implementation of an automated records management system (2008)
Directed the development of an in-house forensic lab including needs assessment related to the ability to independently process DNA and other evidentiary materials; studied scientific trends in law enforcement; reviewed research on laboratory standards and physical requirements; identified funding sources (2001)
Oversaw the department’s separation from a jointly operated emergency dispatch center and the creation an independent one by developing the separation agreement and plan, managed the acquisition of equipment and systems, directed hiring and training of dispatch supervisors and staff (2001)
Attend national symposium on the topic of racial profiling and study its impact in Boulder, Colorado, and the United States; developed a training program aimed at law enforcement officers regarding racial profiling and related bias issues; deliver the training program to all officers and supervisors in the department (1999)
Assisted in transition to a new administration involving reorganization of staff, refocus on competence in service delivery and restoration of public confidence after a period of internal turmoil (1998)
Directed the complete revision of the department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program (1998)
Developed an education and enforcement program intended to reduce the misuse of alcohol by the community’s youth and eliminate the incidence of alcohol-related injury and death. Dubbed “Enough is Enough,” this popular grant-funded program continues to enjoy success today (1997-)
Developed a plan to address safety problems identified in the University Hill area. Subsequently lead a team of officers in the implementation of the operations portion of the plan; coordinate the establishment of a City Annex on the Hill and a volunteer program to staff it (1994)
Directed the development of an in-house forensic lab including needs assessment related to the ability to independently process DNA and other evidentiary materials; studied scientific trends in law enforcement; reviewed research on laboratory standards and physical requirements; identified funding sources (2001)
Oversaw the department’s separation from a jointly operated emergency dispatch center and the creation an independent one by developing the separation agreement and plan, managed the acquisition of equipment and systems, directed hiring and training of dispatch supervisors and staff (2001)
Attend national symposium on the topic of racial profiling and study its impact in Boulder, Colorado, and the United States; developed a training program aimed at law enforcement officers regarding racial profiling and related bias issues; deliver the training program to all officers and supervisors in the department (1999)
Assisted in transition to a new administration involving reorganization of staff, refocus on competence in service delivery and restoration of public confidence after a period of internal turmoil (1998)
Directed the complete revision of the department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program (1998)
Developed an education and enforcement program intended to reduce the misuse of alcohol by the community’s youth and eliminate the incidence of alcohol-related injury and death. Dubbed “Enough is Enough,” this popular grant-funded program continues to enjoy success today (1997-)
Developed a plan to address safety problems identified in the University Hill area. Subsequently lead a team of officers in the implementation of the operations portion of the plan; coordinate the establishment of a City Annex on the Hill and a volunteer program to staff it (1994)
Collateral Assignments
Legislative Committee, Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (2020-present)
Instructor, various topics, including investigatory procedure, liquor enforcement, profiling issues, internal affairs, police administration (1980-present)
Board Member, Boulder County Domestic Abuse Prevention Project (1994-1998)
Member/Chair, Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, Supervisory Committee (1989-1994)
Boulder Coordinator, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (1988-1994)
Hostage Negotiator/Team Leader, Boulder Police SWAT Team (1982-1992)
Boulder Police Coordinator, United Way Fund Drive (1989, 1990, and 1992)
Instructor, various topics, including investigatory procedure, liquor enforcement, profiling issues, internal affairs, police administration (1980-present)
Board Member, Boulder County Domestic Abuse Prevention Project (1994-1998)
Member/Chair, Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, Supervisory Committee (1989-1994)
Boulder Coordinator, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (1988-1994)
Hostage Negotiator/Team Leader, Boulder Police SWAT Team (1982-1992)
Boulder Police Coordinator, United Way Fund Drive (1989, 1990, and 1992)
Education & Ongoing Development
Bachelor of Science, Political Science & Criminal Justice/Criminology
Metropolitan State College of Denver; graduated 1998
School of Police Staff and Command Northwestern University; graduated 1993
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans- Certificate of Achievement in Public Plan Policy
Pension Part 1
Pension Part 2
Supervisory Institute
Metropolitan State College of Denver, graduated 1987
[Supervisory Institute is a 96-hour course for first line law enforcement supervisors; Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training Supervisor Certification program)
National Fire Academy
Completed 120-hour on-site course in Fire/Arson Investigation, August-September 1980
Specialized Topics, including hostage negotiations; homicide, arson, and criminal investigations; interview and interrogation; field training; communication; management; diversity in the workplace; use of force issues; internal affairs; and problem-oriented policing
School of Police Staff and Command Northwestern University; graduated 1993
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans- Certificate of Achievement in Public Plan Policy
Pension Part 1
Pension Part 2
Supervisory Institute
Metropolitan State College of Denver, graduated 1987
[Supervisory Institute is a 96-hour course for first line law enforcement supervisors; Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training Supervisor Certification program)
National Fire Academy
Completed 120-hour on-site course in Fire/Arson Investigation, August-September 1980
Specialized Topics, including hostage negotiations; homicide, arson, and criminal investigations; interview and interrogation; field training; communication; management; diversity in the workplace; use of force issues; internal affairs; and problem-oriented policing
Awards & Recognition
- 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Boulder Police Department
- 2014-Police Chief Commendation, For Demonstrating Exceptional Initiative while Performing an Expected Function in an Exceptional Manner, Boulder Police Department
- 2011 Distinguished Service Award, For Extraordinary Efforts on Behalf of Victims of Crimes, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office
- 2011 Certificate and Officer of the Month nomination, Boulder Police Officer Association
- 2003 Award of Special Recognition, Boulder County Safehouse
- 1997 Award of Special Recognition, Boulder County Safehouse
- 1997 Award of Special Recognition, American Cancer Society, Boulder Chapter
- 1993 Distinguished Service Award, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office
- 1993 Colorado Juvenile Council Award
- 1992 & 1983 Officer of the Month, Boulder Police Benefit Association
- 1992 Detective of the Year, Boulder Police Benefit Association
- 1988 Award of Excellence, Boulder Police Department
- 1981 Officer of the Year, Boulder Police Benefit Association
Professional Affiliations
- Internal Association of Chiefs of Police
- Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police
- Northwestern University Alumni Association
- Metropolitan State College of Denver Alumni Association
- Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
- NAACP Boulder County