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Cortez PD
  • 608 N Park Street, Cortez, CO 81321
  • (970) 565-8441
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Chief Vernon Knuckles
cortezpd.org
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Cortez Police Department

Chief Vernon Knuckles
cortezpd.org
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  • 608 N Park Street, Cortez, CO 81321
  • (970) 565-8441
  • Cortez Police Department on Facebook
  • Home
  • Chief's Message
  • About Us
    • Administration
    • Patrol Division
    • Detective Division
    • Cortez Communications Center
    • Annual Report
  • Crime
    • Arrests
    • Cases
    • Incident Blotter
    • Warrants
    • Missing Persons
    • Most Wanted
  • Services
    • VIN Verifications/Certified VIN Inspections
    • Victim Services
    • Animal Services
      • Animal Adoption Information
      • Pet Licensing & Permits
      • Reporting Animal Issues
    • Records
      • Sex Offender Registration
      • Statewide Sex Offender Database
    • Bicycle Registration
    • Fingerprinting & Background Checks
    • Helpful Links
  • Programs
    • Citizens Academy
    • Community Security Camera Program
  • Forms
    • Alarm Registry
    • Community Camera Program Registry
    • Complaint
    • Compliment
    • Request for Extra Police Patrols
  • Join our team
    • Job Benefits / Wages
    • Job openings / Application form
  • Outside Resources
    • Area Law Enforcement
      • Montezuma County Sheriff's Office
      • Mancos Marshal's Office
      • Colorado State Patrol District Five: Southwest Colorado
      • Dolores County Sheriff's Office
      • Durango Police Department
      • La Plata County Sheriff's Office
      • Colorado Bureau of Investigations
    • Area Government
      • The City of Cortez
      • Montezuma County
      • The Town of Mancos
      • The Town of Dolores
    • Montezuma County Office of Emergency Management
    • Family Services
      • Domestic Violence Services
      • Four Corners Child Advocacy Center
      • The Piñon Project Family Resource Center
      • Montezuma County Public Health Department
      • Adult Protection Services
      • Montezuma County Social Services
      • The Bridge Shelter
    • 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office
    • IdentityTheft.gov
    • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • Contact Us

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Narcotics Training.jpg
Photo of Cortez Police Department officers training in Feb 2025

Multi‑Day Ongoing Training Underway, Showing Our Commitment to Public Safety

The Cortez Police Department is committed to delivering the highest standard of service to our community, and that starts with continuous, rigorous training. Officers are currently in the middle of six full days of advanced instruction, strengthening their skills, sharpening their judgment, and preparing for the complex situations they face in the field.

Their training includes:
• 22nd Judicial District DA’s Office: legal updates and guidance to ensure our officers apply the law accurately and fairly.
• Report Writing: refining clear, thorough, and professional documentation.
• Detectives Division & Investigations: enhancing investigative techniques and case‑building skills.
• Less Lethal Tools: including proper deployment of OC spray (oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as pepper spray) to maximize safety and minimize harm.
• FBI Defense Tactics: defensive skills that prioritize officer and community safety.
• Firearms Qualifications: maintaining proficiency and accountability with required standards.
• Narcotics & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing: ensuring officers can effectively identify impairment and handle alcohol and drug‑related incidents.

This commitment to ongoing training shows our dedication to professionalism, accountability, and the well‑being of the Cortez community. Strong training builds strong officers, and strong officers help create a safer community for everyone.

Created Feb 12, 2026 @ 11:02 AM | Updated Feb 13, 2026 @ 8:00 AM
Narcotics Training.jpg
Photo of Cortez Police Department officers training in Feb 2025
Cortez PD
608 N Park Street
Cortez, CO 81321
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