Las Animas Police Department

The Las Animas Police Department (LAPD) is the municipal law enforcement agency serving the City of Las Animas, Colorado, in Bent County. The department provides patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, code enforcement, and community policing. The city established its own police department in 2026, transitioning from law-enforcement coverage previously provided by the Bent County Sheriff's Office. The department is led by Chief David W. Dougherty, a veteran law-enforcement officer with more than 40 years of experience. The new department emphasizes community partnership, integrity, dedication, impartiality, honesty, and professional police services.