City of Las Animas Launches New Police Department, Names David Dougherty as Chief

Description: The City of Las Animas announces the creation of its own Police Department, prioritizing public safety and community policing. Veteran law enforcement leader David Dougherty begins as Chief on January 5, 2026, with a public meet and greet at City Hall. Read the Full Press Release from the City of Las Animas...

City of Las Animas to Launch Police Department in 2026, Names Veteran Chief

Las Animas, CO - As you should already know, the City of Las Animas is embarking on a new and exciting chapter. We are creating and implementing the start-up of our very own Las Animas Police Department. This initiative has been driven by a simple but powerful principle: public safety is our highest priority. We believe that every family, every child, and every senior citizen in our city deserves to live in a community where they feel protected, respected, and heard.

Over the past years, we have worked hand in hand with the Bent County Sheriff’s Department. Their professionalism and commitment to the safety of our region have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this vital partnership. By joining forces and sharing resources, we’ll ensure a seamless transition—and a stronger, more responsive law-enforcement presence for all of us.

We have chosen the person who will lead this bold endeavor: our new Chief of Police, David Dougherty. Chief Dougherty brings to Las Animas more than forty years of law-enforcement experience, a steadfast commitment to community policing, and a genuine passion for forging trusting relationships between officers and residents. Throughout his career, he has championed programs that engage youth, support victims, and build bridges between law enforcement and the people they serve. He understands that safety is not only about enforcing laws but about listening, educating, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the community.

Chief Dougherty officially assumes his role on January 5, 2026. Over the following weeks, he will be assembling a team of officers who share our values—individuals who are skilled, compassionate, and dedicated to serving Las Animas. Our goal is to have the department fully operational by March 1, 2026, so that from that day forward, you can see a visible, uniformed presence working proactively to keep our streets safe and our neighborhoods peaceful.

But this department will not thrive on structure alone. It will thrive on relationships—with families, students, business owners, and every person who calls Las Animas home. That’s why we warmly invite you to meet Chief Dougherty in person, to share your hopes, concerns, and ideas. On Monday, January 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., we will host a public Meet and Greet in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Light refreshments will be available, and our doors will be wide open.

Come ask your questions: What are his priorities for community outreach? How will the new department collaborate with existing services? What programs can we build together to empower our youth and support our seniors? Your input will help shape the department’s direction from day one. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and to welcome Chief Dougherty into our community with the warmth and hospitality for which Las Animas is known.

Let me emphasize that public safety is a shared responsibility. We need the eyes and ears of every neighbor, the courage of every citizen to speak up, and the collective strength of our community to stand united. As we launch this new department, let us commit ourselves to open dialogue, mutual respect, and the common goal of a safer, stronger Las Animas.

Thank you for your faith in this city, your dedication to our shared future, and your eagerness to support Chief Dougherty and his team. Together, we will build a police department—and a community—that reflects the best of who we are. I look forward to seeing you all on January 5th, and to walking side by side into this promising new era for Las Animas. 

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