JOINT COMMUNITY MESSAGE: Transition of Policing Services in Ouray

October 28, 2026

Dear Residents of the City of Ouray and Members of the Ouray County Community,

We are excited to announce that the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office has officially taken over municipal policing and law enforcement services within the City of Ouray. This transition, made through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), aims to optimize public resources, enhance emergency response capabilities, and establish a sustainable framework for public safety.

Under this agreement, the Sheriff's Office will bring in the necessary personnel, which includes hiring and training three full-time deputies, two full-time corporals, a full-time investigator, and additional staff. Sheriff Justin Perry, who previously served Ouray as Chief of Police and City Administrator, is deeply committed to providing high-quality law enforcement services. He emphasizes the importance of trust, accountability, and building genuine relationships with our community.

"Having previously served the City of Ouray as Chief of Police and City Administrator from 2013 through 2020, this community holds a very special place in my heart. My time serving the city gave me a firsthand understanding of its unique character, its challenges, and, most importantly, the people who make Ouray such an extraordinary place to live, work, and raise a family. Returning to serve this community in my role as Sheriff is something I take tremendous pride in, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with it.”

Our commitment is simple: to provide the people of Ouray with the highest level of professional law enforcement service, built on trust, accountability, accessibility, and genuine relationships with the community we serve. Effective policing is about much more than responding to calls. It is about knowing our residents, listening to their concerns, building relationships with business owners, being present in our neighborhoods, protecting our children, and working together to prevent problems before they occur. That is the foundation of community policing, and it will be at the heart of our approach in Ouray.

Residents can expect to see a renewed emphasis on proactive, community-oriented programs, including Business Watch, Safe Schools, Safe Neighborhoods, and Traffic Safety. These programs are designed to strengthen partnerships, address community concerns, improve safety, and ensure that our deputies are engaged and visible throughout the city. Our goal is not simply to provide law enforcement services, but to build a policing model that residents recognize, trust, and feel confident in.

We have already extended offers to five individuals who will begin their training program in November, marking an important first step in building our team. We are also actively seeking additional applicants, particularly local residents from and throughout Ouray County who have a genuine desire to serve their community. Through a sponsored program, we hope to help qualified local candidates obtain the required certification and build a career in law enforcement right here at home. We believe there is tremendous value in having people serve in the communities they know and care about.

I understand that transitions like this can bring questions and uncertainty. I want the residents of Ouray to know that we are approaching this responsibility with purpose, careful planning, and a sincere commitment to doing things the right way. My team and I will work closely with the City of Ouray, its businesses, and its residents to ensure a smooth transition and establish a strong, dependable, and lasting law enforcement presence.

My connection to Ouray has never been simply about a position or a title. It has always been about the people. I care deeply about this community, and I believe the people who call Ouray home deserve to feel safe, heard, respected, and confident in the individuals entrusted with their protection. My team and I are here to serve, to listen, to build relationships, and to earn that confidence every day.

We are proud to serve the City of Ouray, and we look forward to building a strong future together."

Warm regards,

Sheriff Justin Perry and Undersheriff Tammy Stroup

Mayor Michael Underwood of the City of Ouray adds:

"The City of Ouray and the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office have forged a strong, dynamic bond. This partnership provides a well-trained organization to police our municipality and a unified dedication to a beneficial ongoing relationship. Extensive community engagement and commitment to excellence have led us to this agreement. We are relieved to have such capable leadership in Sheriff Justin Perry and Undersheriff Tammy Stroup.

Sheriff Perry's experience as a former Chief of Police and City Administrator equips him with the necessary knowledge to address our city’s policing needs. The City of Ouray is committed to working collaboratively with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure our community is well served.

Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that Ouray remains a safe and thriving place for all residents."

Sincerely,

Michael Underwood

Mayor, City of Ouray

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