My name is Joshua Craine and I am currently the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division Commander. February of 2020 was my 18-year anniversary with the Sheriff’s Office. During my career, I have had the great fortune of working as a uniformed Patrol Deputy, a Field Training Officer, an investigator assigned to the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) as an Undercover Officer, and a K9 Handler; where I was lucky enough to be able to handle two dual purpose K9’s. 

I have held the rank of Deputy, Corporal, Sergeant, and most recently Commander. In my position of Commander, I have been assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. The Investigations Division consists of four general investigators responsible for felony level criminal investigations, as well as supporting ongoing investigations conducted by uniformed Patrol Deputies. In addition to the general investigators, the Investigation Division has one sergeant and two investigators assigned to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Threat Assessment Group (TAG), whose focus is the criminal gang element in Garfield County as well as other threats to our community as they are identified. The Investigations Division also has two investigators assigned to TRIDENT to focus on narcotics crimes. The division is further comprised of two Criminal Intelligence Analysts, a Digital Forensic Technician, and an Evidence Technician. 

One of the things that makes this unit so effective is the high level of training that they receive on an ongoing basis throughout the year and their careers as investigators. I fully support their on-going education and learning, as this only makes the unit stronger and more effective for the people we serve. This also allows me as the Unit Commander to have trust and faith that the cases being presented and worked on are being done in the most thorough manner possible. I can easily say that I have the best investigative unit and group of investigators on the Western Slope, if not the entire state of Colorado, which allows me to not micro-manage the ongoing investigations. 

I have greatly enjoyed my 18 years as a deputy with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. As you can see from my time here, we have many opportunities for lateral assignments, rank advancement, and a lot of training and education.  

• Commander, Joshua Craine