The city Police Chief is appointed based on skills, but the Larimer County Sheriff is elected based on political activity. Why isn't the sheriff an appointed position?

Thinking about taking a run at Justin Smith's job, are you? There are definitely perks, like driving around a giant S.W.A.T. truck. But winning a public election is no easy feat.  

In all seriousness, both jobs are tough and carry a lot of responsibility. The reason for allowing voters to pick the top-ranking law enforcement official in their county, supporters of the elected-sheriff system say, is that it's an important check on law enforcement. By picking candidates they ideologically support, voters have a say in how much emphasis will be placed on topics such as traffic offenses or drugs. Our current sheriff, Justin Smith, says being directly elected helps keep him accountable to the public he serves, rather than acting as a bureaucrat.

There are two counties in Colorado where the sheriff is appointed, not elected: Broomfield and Denver. In Denver, the sheriff is also the city’s public safety manager. In Broomfield, it’s the police chief who holds that title.