Ketchum Prioritizes Community Safety with Launch of City-Operated Police Department

City ensures no disruption to service while strengthening local control and community engagement 

At its April 9 meeting, the Ketchum City Council voted not to renew the law enforcement contract with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), initiating a transition to a city-operated police department. The new department will operate similarly to neighboring agencies in Sun Valley, Hailey, and Bellevue, all of which maintain mutual aid agreements with BCSO. While the current contract requires a minimum 120-day transition period, the City is coordinating closely with BCSO on an extended timeline, with the goal of officially launching the Ketchum Police Department at the start of the City’s 2027 fiscal year on October 1, 2026. 

The transition is designed to strengthen local control while maintaining high standards of public safety. The new department will focus on consistent law enforcement, increased community engagement, and enhanced data collection tailored specifically to Ketchum’s needs. 

“This move allows Ketchum to take a more active role in community policing while maintaining the same level of service our residents expect,” said Mayor Pete Prekeges. “We already have the vehicles and equipment in place, and residents will soon see newly branded city police vehicles on our streets. We also expect to expand bike and foot patrols to increase visibility and direct engagement in our community.” 

Because the current agreement with BCSO primarily covers staffing, along with select training and software, the transition will focus largely on recruiting and hiring personnel. Much of the necessary infrastructure and equipment is already in place or ready for deployment. 

“We are grateful to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office for their years of dedicated service to Ketchum,” Mayor Prekeges added. “We appreciate their professionalism and partnership, and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship through mutual aid as we move into this next chapter.” 

To support the transition, the City is working with a law enforcement consultant with more than 36 years of leadership experience, including service as a Police Chief. In accordance with the existing agreement, officers currently assigned to Ketchum through BCSO will be given priority consideration for positions within the new department. 

Police services will continue without interruption throughout the transition. City leaders anticipate the change will allow for greater participation in community events and stronger relationships between officers and residents, while remaining on track for a full department launch on October 1, 2026.