Elias Diggins Named Denver's New Sheriff

DENVER, CO — Mayor Michael Hancock on Monday appointed Elias Diggins as Denver's new sheriff. In a news conference, Diggins — a 25-year veteran of the Denver Sheriff Department — said he was honored to accept the position in his home city.

"Growing up in Montbello, I know how important it is for law enforcement to be part of the community," Diggins said. "Together we are going to take this department to where it needs to go."

Diggins replaces Patrick Firman, who resigned in 2019 after nearly four years as sheriff. Firman stepped down after several major lawsuits against the department.

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Diggins most recently served as the sheriff department's chief of operations. His experience growing up in Denver and graduating from Denver Public Schools will help him guide important decision-making, Hancock said.

"I've watched him firsthand engage and work side by side with residents and deputies to make this department better," Hancock said.

In 1996, Diggins was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of filing a false report. He lied to a judge about having car insurance, according to The Denver Post. Diggins alluded to the charge during the Monday news conference.

"I have had some challenges," he said. "But I am ready to move forward and lead this department to where we need to go."

Hancock also addressed Diggins' past in the news conference.

"He said to me, he is 'not the man he was then,'" Hancock said. "Through those challenges, he is much better, stronger and better prepared to lead the department.

Hancock said that "more than ever before, the new sheriff needed to be someone who understood first-hand what it means to get a second chance."

"Someone who has formulated plans, inspired by their own challenges and experiences, to continue to transform and improve the sheriff department,” the mayor said.

“Respected in the department and in the community, Elias has proven to be that kind of leader, and I look forward to working alongside him as our next sheriff.”

Throughout his career with the department, Diggins has supported the creation of the Denver Justice Center, co-led the creation of the video visitation program and overseen the department's training academy and Denver County Jail, the city said.

Diggins has also served as a board member on the National Institute of Corrections Large Jail Network Advisory Board, the Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives and as the president of the American Jail Association.

Diggins, a certified jail manager and correction executive by the American Jail Association and American Correctional Association, received his BS in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State University and Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado-Denver.

“My philosophy is to ensure that we remember our humanity in our work, as those in our custody are members of our community, too," Diggins said in a statement. "Equity, diversity and inclusion building in our culture has always been a priority for me.

“I’ve spent my career with this department, I know where we can continue our successes and get better where we need to get better, and I want to thank the Mayor for this opportunity to lead and serve beside the men and women of this department.”