Douglas County is one of Colorado’s safest communities. Sheriff Darren Weekly—a vocal supporter of the proposed Home Rule Charter Commission—credits this to effective, local law enforcement. But this very safety is now at risk under a governance overhaul that promises “local control” without explaining what that truly means.

Sheriff Weekly’s Stance: “People come here because it’s safe”

Sheriff Weekly often touts Douglas County’s safety record and is campaigning to serve on the proposed Charter Commission. He joins District Attorney George Brauchler and Commissioners Laydon, Van Winkle, and Teal in claiming this charter will enhance safety.

But what’s missing? Details.

They speak of giving the sheriff’s office “extra tools,” yet neither Weekly nor Brauchler have explained what these tools are—or why they require rewriting the county’s governance.

What’s Really Behind the Charter Push?

Despite public safety rhetoric, the Home Rule effort appears to be less about crime and more about immigration enforcement and political control. Sheriff Weekly and his allies have aligned themselves with controversial anti-immigrant initiatives.

Immigration Overreach Under Weekly’s Watch

Under Sheriff Weekly, Douglas County has:

Participated in immigration raids outside county lines, like in Adams and El Paso counties, with minimal criminal outcomes.

Supported Senate Bill 25-047, pushing for more cooperation with ICE—despite evidence that this undermines community trust.

Seeing local leaders like Commissioner Teal back proposals allowing ICE agents in schools threatens family stability and due process.

These priorities suggest a shift away from community policing and toward politicized enforcement practices that divide rather than protect.

What the Home Rule Charter Could Do

Creating a Home Rule Charter would give local officials—including Sheriff Weekly—expanded authority to reshape law enforcement policy, potentially without state-level oversight.

Critics warn this could lead to:

• Bureaucratic delays that slow real-time safety decisions.
• Fragmented policing, weakening collaboration with state and neighboring counties.
• More politicized policing, with priorities set by ideology, not public need.
• Increased immigration crackdowns, damaging community trust.

The Current System Works—Don’t Break It

Douglas County’s law enforcement already operates effectively under existing structures. Sheriff Weekly has the tools he needs now. There’s no clear evidence the Charter would improve safety—but plenty of risk that it will do the opposite.

Real Safety Requires Trust, Not Political Experiments

Weekly and other Home Rule advocates argue they want “more local control.” But what Douglas County truly needs is:

• Transparent governance about law enforcement goals.
• Community investment, not divisive policies.
• Support for existing agencies, not a costly, unnecessary Charter process.

A Risk Douglas County Can’t Afford

Sheriff Weekly is at the center of this proposal. His vision matters—and so does the reality that safety doesn't require rewriting county government. It requires trust, collaboration, and priorities rooted in community needs—not political agendas.

Vote no on the Home Rule Charter Commission. Keep Douglas County safe by supporting what already works.