Submitted Biography
Brian Lovato is a law enforcement supervisor, instructor, veteran, and community leader with experience in patrol operations, school safety, training, corrections, and executive management. Brian currently serves as a Sergeant with the La Junta Police Department, where he has served as a K9 Handler, School Resource Officer, Training Coordinator, and Director of the Reserve Police Academy. He also teaches at the Otero College Law Enforcement Academy, helping prepare future officers for a career of service. Brian previously served in the United States Air Force and as Chief of Security at Crowley County Correctional Facility. His background also includes executive leadership experience overseeing staffing, budgets, operations, and personnel accountability. His priorities include strong leadership, proactive policing, visible patrol presence, supporting deputies and detention staff, responsible use of taxpayer resources, and protecting the safety and values of Otero County communities.
Campaign Phone
719-980-4200
My top priorities are leadership, accountability, visible patrol presence, supporting employees, and responsible management of taxpayer resources.
During my first 100 days, I will focus on strengthening the foundation of the Sheriff’s Office by establishing clear expectations, improving communication, and ensuring deputies and detention staff have the leadership, training, and support needed to succeed.
Strong leadership means being present, setting professional standards, holding people accountable, and creating a culture focused on service to the community.
I will work to increase visibility throughout Otero County, especially in our rural areas. A proactive Sheriff’s Office should not operate only by responding after a crime occurs. Consistent patrol presence helps deter crime, improves response capability, and builds stronger relationships with citizens.
I will also evaluate staffing, equipment, policies, training, and budgets to ensure resources are being used responsibly and effectively.
My goal is to build a Sheriff’s Office centered on professionalism, accountability, public trust, and service to the citizens of Otero County.
The Sheriff has a responsibility to enforce the laws of the State of Colorado while also upholding and protecting the constitutional rights of the people we serve. Those responsibilities must work together.
I believe laws should be enforced fairly, consistently, and professionally. Public safety decisions should be guided by the Constitution, the law, community needs, and ethical law enforcement practices.
The Sheriff also has a responsibility to prioritize resources effectively. Violent crime, drug trafficking, crimes against children, repeat offenders, and issues that threaten the safety and quality of life of our communities must remain a priority.
Strong enforcement and strong community relationships are not opposing ideas. Trust is built when citizens know law enforcement will act with fairness, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
As Sheriff, I will ensure the Otero County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our communities, respecting individual rights, supporting victims, and enforcing the law with integrity.
Reducing subsistence crime requires law enforcement programs that combine accountability, prevention, and connecting people with resources.
I support strengthening partnerships with mental health and substance abuse professionals, including co-responder programs where appropriate, so deputies have additional resources when responding to individuals in crisis. I also support working with treatment providers, probation, community organizations, and other agencies to address problems before they become repeated criminal behavior.
The Sheriff’s Office should also focus on proactive policing strategies, including increased patrol visibility, problem-solving partnerships with communities, and identifying repeat offenders who continue to negatively impact residents and local businesses.
Programs focused on youth engagement, mentorship, and positive interaction with law enforcement are also important for prevention and building trust.
Compassion and accountability must work together. The goal should be reducing crime, supporting victims, addressing underlying issues when possible, and ensuring Otero County remains a safe place to live.
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