The impact of the DOC transfer backlog on WCSO and the community
Published on July 16, 2025
Sheriff Reams along with 16 other sheriffs from across Colorado, have written a formal letter to Governor Jared Polis calling for action to resolve the Colorado Department of Corrections’ (DOC) inmate transfer backlog and the inadequate state reimbursement for housing state inmates in county jails.
In the joint letter, the coalition of Colorado Sheriff’s address the public safety and fiscal difficulties that result from delaying the transfer of DOC-sentenced inmates from our county jails into DOC custody.
Based on the data available regarding the operating costs of WCSO Jail for the year 2024, it costs approximately $185.51 a day to house one inmate at the Weld County Jail. With the state only reimbursing $77.16 a day for one inmate in their backlog, that leaves a $108.35 deficit that must be paid by Weld County and ultimately, the taxpayer. The state reimbursement rate barely covers 41% of the true cost of housing an inmate.
“County jails were never designed—or funded—to house state inmates for extended periods,”stated the Colorado Sheriffs. “Yet we’re being forced to expand capacity and stretch already limited staff to accommodate inmates who should be in state custody. This isn’t just unsustainable—it’s unfair to local taxpayers.”
The coalition of sheriffs are urging the Governor to take the following immediate actions:
- Accelerate and reduce the DOC transfer backlog by using emergency bed capacity or contracted facilities.
- Adjust the per diem reimbursement rate to reflect true county costs.
- Enhance the capacity of mental health treatment to effectively manage court-ordered evaluations and transfers.
- Meet with Colorado sheriffs to collaborate and identify and implement joint solutions.
“This has been a systemic issue that has only gotten worse under the Polis administration. At some point, this State must prioritize keeping the citizens safe by running an effective prison system,” said, Sheriff Steve Reams.
The letter to the Governor was signed by sheriffs from the following counties: El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, Douglas, Lake, Weld, Cheyenne, Montrose, Gilpin, Otero, Fremont, Grand, Archuleta, Kit Carson, Conejos, Garfield, and Costilla. ###