The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office’s line of jurisdiction will extend a bit past the county border, following a contract approval by the small eastern town.

The county department will assume law enforcement duties for the entire town of Bennett as of May 1, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The County Commissioners and Bennett Trustees approved the contract on Tuesday.

The town, which straddles the line between Arapahoe County and Adams County and is made up of around 3,500 residents, used to be enforced by the two separate county sheriff’s offices, with the Arapahoe department only covering their side. Now, the department will cover the entire 5.8 square miles.

“The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is deeply honored to provide law enforcement and safety services for the people of Bennett,” Arapahoe Sheriff Tyler Brown said in the release. “Residents can be assured that we bring a tradition of professionalism, excellence and innovation to our work and that we are looking forward to building strong relationships with the entire community.”

The new arrangement will lead to two full-time deputies and a part-time detective assigned to the town, with staffing and resource additions possible. Arapahoe County will charge the town an annual base rate of $502,129, which includes all salaries, benefits, equipment and other direct and indirect costs, according to the release.

The department will act as an independent contractor, with violations of the Bennett Municipal Code going directly through its Community Services Officers. The department will have the authority to enforce any and all laws applicable to and within the town, according to the release.

“This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to town safety,” Bennett Mayor Royce Pindell said in the release. “Together, we are committed to ensuring a safe and thriving community for all Bennett residents.”