In a unanimous show of support, Clear Creek County Commissioners agreed to offer the vacant job of sheriff to Littleton resident and federal employee Matthew Harris.
Harris’s resume includes several law enforcement posts spanning 27 years.
Harris replaces longtime Clear Creek County Sheriff Rick Albers, who retired “with mixed emotions” after May’s announcement of a $19 million settlement involving several agencies following the death of Christian Glass. Harris will serve as interim sheriff until the 2024 election, when county sheriff will appear on the ballot.
Currently, Harris is the assistant inspector general for investigation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to his resume. Past experience includes working for the U.S. Marshals Service as an executive officer of the federal courts and as a special agent in charge with the U.S. Postal Service.
During an interview before commissioners and the public Oct. 24 Harris said law enforcement as a whole needs to break free from lingering stereotypes and build trust with the community.
“Traditional law enforcement training is based upon combat and protecting yourself in battle, a warrior, but that’s not what we’re dealing with in this community,” Harris said. “We have to have good relationships in this community. We have to build trust. We can’t have officers who only have that battle mindset.”
After the decision to offer Harris the position of sheriff, Commissioner Randy Wheelock said that he feels residents need a fresh look and outside perspective in the Sheriff’s Office.
He added that of the group of applicants, he thought Harris had the freshest and broadest perspectives.
Commissioner George Marlin said he hopes with Harris that “some of the patterns of the past are eliminated.”
Albers retired amid criticism from the commissioners about his deputies’ involvement in Glass’ death in 2022. Glass, 22, had called 911 for help after being stranded in his car in Silver Plume but refused to get out when deputies asked. A long standoff ensued and ended when officers broke the car’s window, used a Taser on Glass and Former Clear Creek County Deputy Andrew Buen shot Glass five times, killing him, according to an indictment.
Months later, a civil suit in the multi-million dollar settlement with Glass’ family was announced. Four agencies agreed to share the costs, including the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office. In a court-ordered apology as part of the settlement, Albers placed blame on deputies who “failed to meet expectations.”
The subject of Glass’s death arose during commissioners’ interviews with applicants looking to replace Albers.
Harris said he’d seen body camera footage of Glass’ death and believes that first responders, including deputies, lacked patience and understanding.
“It was taking too much time and so you can’t let time drive decision making, to make an awful decision,” Harris told commissioners.
Buen is charged with murder in the 2nd degree, official misconduct, and reckless endangerment. In addition, former county Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kyle Gould is charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.
Prosecutors recently offered plea deals, the details of which have not been made public. Both defendants are next due in court Nov. 2.
Commissioner Sean Wood said he also watched the body camera footage.
“My reaction was (that) I’ve got to do whatever I can in the time I have left in office to make sure something like that can’t happen again,” he said.“Whoever the next sheriff is, that person is going to have a big responsibility in making sure that whatever reforms need to happen, happen.”
Commissioners had high praise for two internal candidates who applied for the position of sheriff.
Lt. Seth Marquardt and Undersheriff John Stein also interviewed for the job.
Speaking after the announcement, Stein said the Sheriff’s Office is in transition.
“Nothing changes right now,” he said. “We have jobs to do continuing operations serving the people and getting ready for him (Harris) to come in. Then we start looking at the next steps whatever that may be.”
If Harris accepts a contract with the county, several hurdles still stand in the way. Harris would be required to move to Clear Creek County and complete Colorado’s Peace Officers Standards and Training course.
If Harris would want to run for the elected Sheriff position in November 2024 by statute, he would be required to move to Clear Creek County by Nov. 3 as candidates are required to be a resident of the county for one year.
When asked if he would pursue the elected position of sheriff in 2024, Harris said it would be presumptuous to answer. He told commissioners he would want to experience the job first and see if it was a good fit for him and the community.