Police chief, sheriff reflect on first months

When the results of the 2018 election came in, it meant quite a few changes to local and state government. Among them were the election of Jeremie Kraushaar as Hot Springs County sheriff and, a few months later, the appointment of Julie Mathews as the Thermopolis police chief.

Things are going well with the sheriff’s office, Kraushaar said. There is obviously the normal caseload, he noted, but that will be better when they get fully staffed. The department is currently seeking a patrol deputy and a detention deputy.

Mathews said the police department is fully staffed, but officers are often gone for trainings and vacation days. That means remaining officers have to pick up additional duties.

Deputies have been getting more time in the county than they had before, Kraushaar said. They’ve been in the more rural areas where ranchers have requested more coverage, especially during calving season. Kraushaar said it’s often believed the brand inspector is the investigator so they turn criminal matters into him. Deputies have been reaffirming with ranchers that crimes have to be reported to law enforcement.

Officers from both agencies have kept up the pressure on drugs, and Mathews noted most of the controlled substances are coming from out of state. Kraushaar added the sheriff’s office recently completed a controlled buy with police on backup.

“We’ve had a great working relationship,” Kraushaar said. “We had one little glitch in the beginning, but that’s done and over with.” He added they work together whenever they can. Mathews said she’s been looking for someone for two weeks, and let Kraushaar know. After stopping the suspect, the sheriff kept him from leaving until Mathews was able to contact him as well.

“I think almost all of our officers get along really well, and all trust each other and work together.”

A Joint Law Enforcement agreement has been signed by the Thermopolis town council and Mathews, and is expected to come before and be signed by the Hot Springs County Commissioners. Once signed, Mathews would like to discuss computer systems at the law enforcement center, and Kraushaar would like to discuss internal infrastructure. “Anything to streamline this and make it easier,” Kraushaar said. “The less time we have to be in the office or worry about things, the better.”