Maketa for Sheriff - Interesting Facts

Shirk promises "More Guns on the Street"

Shirks claim of 20% sounds good, but it does not add up. Click here to read more and do the math yourself.

Here are the facts about Shirk’s claim to increase Patrol by 20%. Even if he does not fill the Undersheriff’s position, civilianized the one and only sworn Research and Development position and civilianized the PIO position, he would save maybe $150,000 according to statements he has made. That will not even fully fund 2 full time patrol deputies. His statements are grossly flawed. The PIO could be civilianized but you will lose the expertise and law enforcement experience a sworn employee brings to the position. The PIO position is very technical and is affected by many layers of legal issues. Another fact is the PIO is not only the spokes person for the Sheriff’s Office, but also handles thousands of media and public inquiries on a broad range of issue like Investigations, Patrol, the jail, Wildland Fire, budget processes, Search and Rescue just to mention a few. It takes experience and training in law enforcement to adequately and thoroughly address the demands and that is why Aurora PD, CSPD and most large law enforcement agencies use sworn positions. Shirk’s only level of experience with PIO duties is from a small town agency with 13 sworn members. His inexperience is why we took public information responsibilities from him concerning the Monument case. It was evident he did not have the expertise to address issues surrounding that case. Ironically he wants to civilianize the person who took over those duties. The Research and Development position he claims he will civilianize, could be performed by a civilian however, the skills and abilities of the person in this position, coupled with the law enforcement experience would actually require a salary in today’s market place of $75,000 to $85,000 a year, compared to $55,000 a year, if you could find a person with these same talents and expertise. Shirk’s approach is seriously flawed because that position, at the same level of performance, would actually cost more in salary.

His plan still needs to generate an additional $1.35 million to fund and support these 12 new full time Patrol positions. What he fails to recognize, the creation of a new position has additional costs and support. Twelve more patrol deputies would impact the workload of the Records Section and the Dispatch Center which is almost operating at maximum capacity now during peak times. Those two areas would require additional personnel which will come with a cost. In order to create $1.35 million to fund the 20% increase in patrol, Shirk claims he will civilianize positions as they become vacant. To put it in perspective, he would have to reduce the salary of every sworn and civilian assigned to the jail Floor Security Division by 12%. That 12% reduction would place those employees about 30% below the salary market which would have a catastrophic impact on recruiting qualified candidates. Additionally, of the 190 employees assigned to the jail Floor Security Division 42 are already civilians. That means he would have to cut the salary of the remaining 148 sworn employees by even more thus exacerbating and compounding the recruitment and retention issues He may not see the danger in this as he has never managed or lead a major jail operation housing over 1,500 inmates for up to three years. He is drawing on minimal experience and short sightedness. His plan fails to address the safety of the jail staff which is currently staffed 30 positions fewer that what is recommended. This is what he proposes for a group of employees that executed over 4,000 arrests last year compared to his police departments 56 arrests. Maybe he should dissolve his department and hire the Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services.

He fails to recognize that those sworn deputies in the jail also perform law enforcement functions during high risk situations in the public, they assist during disasters, and they perform patrols and security during major local events and patrol our mountain roadways during the summer months. They are member of our Special Response Team, Haz-Mat Team and teach in are academy and in-service instruction. He fails to thoroughly think this through and it shows. He is on record saying the only difference between a sworn and a civilian is the power of arrest. That could not be further from the truth. The difference is much greater. Sworn go through a much more rigorous testing process including a physical and psychological evaluations, that includes the use of deadly force, civilians do not. Sworn are expected to put themselves in harms way during uprisings in the jail, civilians are not. Sworn are held to a much higher standard of conduct on and off duty, not to mention 22 weeks of statutory training, including topic such as Use of Force both lethal and non lethal, Colorado State Laws, defensive tactics, verbal judo, juvenile code, inmates rights, court process and numerous other topics that they would be required to utilize during their daily duties.

Our jail has successfully defended against many frivolous lawsuits because of the quality of people we have recruited and retained. It takes a collection of dedicated, professional and highly trained personnel, both sworn and civilian, to be nationally recognized. It is the market place that decides the compensation not an inexperienced bureaucrat behind a desk. Shirk claims he would hire civilians, train them the same, and have them do the exact same job as sworn but pay them less. That is illegal under Federal Law. Not only is it illegal, it would most certainly create the pathway for a disparate impact discrimination claim under Title VII. Our community does not need that liability. Our Sheriff’s Office does not need that. Our community does not need to lose the ability of our deputies to respond to major events. Under the Shirk plan, it will happen.

He is only saying what he thinks will get him elected. He has not studied this issue and he has no experience dealing with a large jail facility only a temporary holding facility. He has no real experience making tough decisions; he has only worked in an environment where he has always had to seek approval by a higher rank or two or three levels above his. His views fail to evaluate the long term negative consequences of his actions to this great Office and this great community.

The Undersheriff Position

Why did Jake Shirk state he would eliminate the Undersheriff’s position, which is required by State Law, on June 16th and then July 8th saying he will reduce the pay and on July 20th again saying he will reduce the pay? It’s State Law and Shirk even admits it. Kindly ask him to make up his mind, the voters deserve the truth. (See the video where Jake Shirk states this by clicking here.)

Jake Shirk also states he will use the salary of Undersheriff to fund two deputies, but that merely shows his lack of operational understanding and knowledge. The cost for one patrol deputy with benefits and operational equipment is $85,056.50, per year. He claims he will use the Undersheriff’s $110,000 salary to hire two Deputies. Either he is misleading voters or his math skills are very poor.

Election Signs - Jake Shirk Trespassing?

Ask Jake Shirk how he can claim he is very conscious of what he says and how he acts (Watch the Video), yet ask him to justify his trespass on private property, without permission, to erect large “Shirk for Sheriff” signs. And when advised by Sheriff Maketa that he has received a couple complaints against Shirk’s campaign for trespass, Shirk claimed he didn’t know who put up his signs because he has so many volunteers.

See for yourself who is putting up a sign; yes it is Shirk himself. Many of his signs are on public right-of-ways with at least three being placed on private property, which he did not seek permission. Sheriff Maketa sought permission and has a name and contact number for every location. Sheriff Maketa is proud of the fact that only 2 of his soon to be 100 signs are on public right-of-ways. All others are on private property. Yes, integrity starts at the top.

View photographs of Jake Shirk's signs on private property.

Jake Shirk's Jail Experience?

Ask Jake Shirk why he overstates his experience running a jail (Watch the Video), when it was not a jail but a 72 hour holding facility that is not nationally accredited? They held arrestees to see if they can bond and “normally moved to the County jail with 24 hours” according to an Aurora employee. Ask why he never mentions the average daily population of his holding facility. It was actually less than 50 and arrestees like murderers, with no bond holds, were moved to the County jail immediately. According to his resume he was a Lieutenant! Furthermore, ask him why following his oversight of the holding facility did the City of Aurora take the holding facility completely away from the Police Department and place under the control of the City Courts. I have been advised that the City of Aurora was so displeased with how it was being managed under the police department.

Maketa only knows the jail? - Get the Facts!

Ask Shirk how he can claim Sheriff Maketa came up through the ranks in the jail, yet Sheriff Maketa only spent 7 years of his 24 in the jail and was only promoted to Sergeant while in the jail. Ask Shirk if this is the kind of mis-information and exaggerations voter can count on if he is elected?

Click here to see what Jake Shirk thinks.
Click here to review Terry Maketa's resume.

Jake Shirk, Captain to Chief?

Ask Shirk why he was never promoted above the rank of Captain in Aurora with all his claimed qualifications. Ask why he only held the rank of Captain for 8 months before being told he had contributed all he can and it was time to move on. More specifically why he was not selected as Chief during a time when there were at least two Chief openings? What was the real reason he was asked to retire? (Watch Jake Shirk speak about this on June 16, 2010.)

Responded over 200 times? - Get the Facts!

Jake Shirk claims he sent his officers into the county over 200 times this year (Watch the Video); that is actually a false statement. His officers have only responded 127 times and 40% of those were officer initiated on cold calls and in many circumstances our deputies were on scene. The truth is last year, his officers responded into the county 129 times for the entire year. As of July this year, it’s been 127 times, but when the data is evaluated 40% of the time they weren’t requested and most were priority 3 calls meaning there was no danger. I appreciate the assistance but I wonder why he really sent them and why has he made it such a political issue. I find it deplorable that he would try to use that issue to further his political agenda. Here is the reason; they don’t have enough to keep themselves busy. They only generated 56 arrests last year and they have only made 12 arrests as of July 7 of this year. One could assume it’s politically driven to create an issue, after all he did say “he had to send them over 200 times” or it’s purely boredom considering they only patrol roughly 5 square miles. Ask why he avoids announcing the Sheriff’s Office responded into the Town of Monument 29 times last year.

5 Salary Increases for Jake Shirk?

Ask how he plans to cut pay of employees and positions when he himself has received 5 salary increases totaling 20% from Jan 2007 thru July of 2010, during these tough economic times.

Jake Shirk, done all he could do?

Ask Shirk why after only 8 months as a new Captain he was called into the Chiefs Office and told he has done all he could do. In many agencies the promotional probationary period for promotion is a year. Sound like he brought no value?

Listen to Jake Shirk explain how he was told "he has done all he could do."
View the first page of Jake Shirk's resume.

Is Jake Shirk involved in the community?

Ask Jake Shirk why he hasn’t been a community leader and helped tackle broad based community issues. Ask him what was his role in helping address jail overcrowding, Detox, the homeless issue, or the mentally ill issues in our community? Why isn’t he an activist now or prior to running for Office?

No Budget Authority?

Ask Jake Shirk if he has full decision authority in Monument or does he have to clear everything through the Town Manager? (Watch the Video) Has he ever had the authority to make all decisions without first gaining approval through a higher ranking official or civilian Town Manager? We know for a fact he had to ask permission from the Town Manager to relinquish public information responsibilities to the Sheriff's Office, who is actually the lead investigating agency on the Monument case.

Training for Law Enforcement Leaders

Ask Jake Shirk why he was never nominated to attend the prestigious FBI Academy, which is designed to develop future law enforcement leaders?

What rank was that?

Ask why he misleads voters saying he was a Jail Commander, Detective Commander, Dispatch Commander, Patrol Commander, yet he held those positions as a Lieutenant and uses the adjective “commander” as if it were a noun describing his rank. (Watch the Video) As a Lieutenant he reported to a Captain, who reported to a Division Chief, who reported to a Deputy Chief, who reported to the Chief. Actually his span of decision making was very limited as was his management authority. While assigned to Investigations his job description describes him as an Administrative Assistant. Is this how he plans to misrepresent facts to the voters if elected?

Only 6 to 8 Deputies? - Get the facts!

Why does he claim there are only 6 to 8 deputies (Watch the Video) when Sheriff Maketa has brought schedules to meeting for citizens to look for themselves and they tell a different story? Why does he also claim there are only 60 deputies assigned to the Patrol Division, which is not true. Why does he fail to mention that normally there are between 8 to 12 deputies on shift and during the 6 hour scheduled shift overlaps that number doubles? Why does he mislead the public when he claims 6 to 8, yet never mentions the traffic deputies, civil deputies, sergeants, crime reduction deputies and K-9 deputies which both exists to support Patrol deputies and are out on our streets taking those calls. Why does he ignore the Reserve deputies and Citizen Patrol members which handle certain calls for service? I will tell you why, he tells the public what he thinks they want to hear, he intentionally misleads to create issues. Tell Shirk his lies won’t fly.

911 calls not answered? - Get the facts!

Ask Shirk if he has any specific evidence to support his claim 911 calls are not being answered in a timely manner. The truth is he does not. (Watch the Video)

Here is a video where Shirk is actually speaking the absolute truth. (Watch the Video)

1,600 miles in unicorporated El Paso County?

Shirk claims the County has 1,600 square miles of unincorporated area (Watch the Video), which is inaccurate. There is 2,165 square miles in the County of which 1951 are unincorporated. Additionally, 13 of the 213 incorporated square miles are supported by written agreements with smaller towns for services such as investigations and tactical support including the Town of Monument.

Second Amendment Rights

Ask Jake Shirk to address how he can claim to be a staunch supporter of Second Amendment Rights and Concealed Carry when he, while in a position of leadership, has never taken a public stance locally or legislatively. He has no record of doing anything other than be a Member of the NRA. He hasn’t even been a member of the local Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition or attended a meeting until he decided to run for Office.

Colorado Chiefs Association

Ask Jake Shirk why The Colorado Chiefs Association, of which he claims to have once held a board position, has strongly opposed legislative efforts to expand Concealed Carry. Furthermore, they strongly supported legislation requiring the entering of permit holders into a statewide database, which is an invasion of privacy, and they strongly opposed legislative efforts to address illegal immigration problems in Colorado. Yet there is no record indicating anything but his support of the Chiefs Association on these matters of public concern.

Jake Shirk's Republican Activity

Ask Jake Shirk to address how he can be a lifelong Republican, but yet he has no record of actively participating in a candidate election, being a delegate, or bonus member. Quite frankly, he has done nothing but vote.

Problems with moral but a great organization?

Why did Shirk say on July 8th the Sheriff’s Office has problems with morals and ethics and it starts at the top, yet ends the debate with it’s a great organization with great people? Ask why he didn’t disclose the use of taxpayer resources for his campaign on his financial reports, which State Law requires. Our research shows it far exceeds $50.00. (Watch the Video)

Commercial Truck Inspector for Monument?

Ask Shirk how he can justify a sworn officer dedicated to be a Commercial Truck Inspector (Watch the Video), when this responsibility rests with the Colorado Department of Revenue. We call this “mission creep” and clearly he is motivated by the revenues because he is not mandated to have a truck inspector on staff. This function is currently done by civilians, with DOR.

Why "Chief" Jake Shirk?

Ask Shirk why he says his name is “Chief Jake Shirk” (Watch the Video) and uses his current "Chief's" title on political items such as his campaign website, yard signs, campaign literature, radio ads, and personal introductions when seeking election as Sheriff? According to his candidacy filing, his legal name is not “Chief.”

Arizona Legislation Concerning Immigration

During the debate on July 20, 2010 both candidates for Sheriff were asked, "What is your opinion of Arizona's recent legislation concerning immigration and do you believe that states such as Arizona and Colorado can in effect set their own policy." To hear the question as well as Terry Maketa and Jake Shirk's responses in order, click on the links below.

The Question: Click Here
Terry Maketa's Response: Click Here
Jake Shirk's Response: Click Here

Why should you care about who is Sheriff?

During the debate on July 20, 2010 both candidates for Sheriff were asked, "Why should voters of El Paso County actually care who their Sheriff is and how does what you do show the voters that the position is more than just a title?" To hear the question as well as Jake Shirk and Terry Maketa's responses in order, click on the links below.

The Question: Click Here
Jake Shirk's Response: Click Here
Terry Maketa's Response: Click Here

Jake Shirk's CORA Request?

On June 16, 2010, why did Jake Shirk make the remark he submitted a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request to obtain budget information as it relates to the Sheriff’s Office, when in fact, he has never made such a request? This has been confirmed with El Paso County as of July 19, 2010. (See the video where Jake Shirk states this by clicking here.) On July 8th, he stated he researched the same topic, but that “it was hard to find.”

Emails verifying no CORA request from Jake Shirk as of July 19, 2010 - View Images

A Question on Integrity for Jake Shirk

To see Jake Shirk talk about his integrity, click here.

Why did Jake Shirk attend a Republican meeting on Saturday, June 19, 2010, wearing his Monument Police badge and driving his town issued vehicle with CO Government plate 303-EUE? Other incidents clearly demonstrating his lack of integrity include:

July 3rd, 2010: Jake Shirk was operating a marked Monument Police Department vehicle, in uniform, while driving on the wrong side of the road, and transporting at least two (2) individuals wearing ‘Shirk for Sheriff’ t-shirts. These two passengers were seated in the rear hatch area with legs dangling from the vehicle and neither had been wearing proper restraints. He drove back and forth at least three (3) times during the staging of parade entries, in front of hundreds of witnesses, including Monument Police Officers. This is a violation of Monument Policy and State Law.
View Photograph
July 8th, 2010: Jake Shirk attended a candidate forum for the Office of Sheriff, located at Canon National Bank (518 N. Chelton Road). He drove his Town of Monument (unmarked) police vehicle to this event and was witnessed unloading and loading his campaign signs and literature from the sides and rear hatch area of this same vehicle, as he parked directly in front of the Bank’s main entrance. Another policy Violation of the Town of Monument.
View Photograph
July 10th, 2010: Jake Shirk was observed operating his Town of Monument issued (unmarked) Chevy Blazer at Woodmen and Black Forest Road while erecting a 4’ x 8’ Shirk for Sheriff campaign sign. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:20 pm, he was witnessed at a (publicly advertised) Shirk for Sheriff “Meet and Greet” on Fillmore Road in Colorado Springs, also driving his Town of Monument owned, unmarked Chevy S-10 Blazer, with CO Government Plate 303-EUE. At that time, he was observed removing campaign material from this vehicle.
View Photographs

It should be noted, the vehicle he was driving in all four (4) of the above mentioned instances were purchased and supported by taxpayer dollars. Jake Shirk has no law enforcement authority or jurisdiction outside the Town of Monument, nor were these appearances in connection with his official duties as the Chief of Police in the Town of Monument. Furthermore, Monument Policy clearly prohibits this activity.

These actions beg the question as to whether or not he will claim this campaign donation on his expenses/contribution report and should it exceed $50.00 will he self report himself as violating State Law, furthermore inviting the Secretary of State to initiate an investigation on both himself and the Town of Monument?

These are questions Jake Shirk should be asked by his taxpayers. With these instances clearly documented with photos, how can he skirt his platform of “Integrity First”?

Town of Monument Policy Manual - Political Activity - Click here to read.