Town of Mead adding first-ever police department as small town grows

MEAD, Colo. -- History is in the making for the small town of Mead. The town that sits to the north of metro Denver is growing so fast, it's now launching its first-ever police department.

“You know, it's one of those small towns where everybody knows everybody," said First Officer Ismael Aldana.

It’s a place of rural friendliness and encroaching urban sprawl.

"We're getting that Denver metro presence," Aldana said. "Two police officers to start will be a challenge."

To start, it will be a two-man police force, Aldana and new Police Chief Michael Maudlin.

"We're not here to cause any issues, we're here to help," Maudlin said.

“This community is a very peaceful community,” Aldana said. “It's a beautiful community."

Chief Maudlin said they're determined to get this right.

"Heavy handed law enforcement is not what this community needs," Maudlin said. “There will not be speed traps as long as I'm Police Chief. We will do radar enforcement and traffic enforcement, yes, but it will be safety-oriented.”

With a budget of just $300,000, Maudlin said frugality is the only option.

They bought used police SUV's from neighboring Windsor at a bargain $50,000 total for four units.

"We are not going to be a revenue generating organization. That's not what I was asked to do,” Maudlin said. “I was asked to work with the community, to blend in to the community."

“We're here for the community," Aldana said. “I'm really excited about seeing it through and seeing it develop.”

Chief Maudlin told Denver7 the department will also rely on volunteers for certain projects.

“This is really going to be a community police department,” Maudlin said.

The department has the funding to add a third officer this spring, and at least one school resource officer before the start of the next school year. The applications are flooding in.

“We had one from as far away as Northern Ireland,” Maudlin said. “The timing is right. This community is on the precipice of growth. They’re ready to go.”