Sheriff David A. Weaver
September 2012
MUCH MORE INSIDE: The Ron King Memorial Ride, a calendar of events, stories about cop heroes, neighborhood parties, Facebook feedback and more. POLICIES… PROCEDURES… PERFORMANCE — OH MY! The Sheriff’s Office wins praise from CALEA assessors. “I’ve never seen it done as well as here.” SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE
HERO AMONG US The Parker Chamber of Commerce honors Deputy Jay Martin for his fundraising efforts. Meet the man you can’t say ‘no’ to. Page 8
The Deputy Jay Martin
SEE PAGE 5 FOR BEARCAT
CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS
DID YOU PASS? •
SEE THE RESULTS PAGE FOUR • NEW INSPECTION PAGE 13
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-660-7505 www.dcsheriff.net Non emergency: 303-660-7500 Patrol: 303-660-7546 Jail Info: 303-660-7550 Traffic Safety Hotline: 303-660-7539
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
SAFE, SOBER
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Message from the Sheriff: •
The HEAT is on
The heat is on drunk drivers this month. Douglas County deputies and all other law enforcement are on the lookout for swerving and speeding cars. Every day in Colorado, more than 72 people are arrested for drinking too much alcohol and thinking they can still drive. They can’t. 26,000 drivers in Colorado are arrested for DUI every year, according to the CDOT. Each year, those drunks kill 150 people. Please don’t put our friends and families at risk.
Don’t drink and drive
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
TOP OF THE CLASS
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SHERIFF’S OFFICE “EATS, BREATHES AND LIVES” EXCELLENCE DCSO poised to be named among the best law enforcement agencies in the world The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is about to be named the first law enforcement agency in the county that’s accredited internationally by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). “This is a milestone event in the 151-year history of the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff David A. Weaver said. “It will bring even more prestige to the residents of Douglas County as well as the men and women in the Sheriff’s Office who strive daily for excellence.” CALEA conducted a four-day on-site assessment of the DCSO in August. The assessors called it “one of the best inspections ever” and said the people who work there are incredible and said they were impressed with the staff’s “job knowledge and enthusiasm.” The credentialing authority evaluates law enforcement agencies worldwide for their abilities to deliver public safety services, for efficient use of resources and setting standards and goals, among many other things. Agencies with CALEA accreditation have high standards and operate under best practices. Studies show workers compensation, liability coverage, and property claims drop significantly in accredited organizations. DCSO began preparing for accreditation two years ago. The office completed a self-assessment of its policies and procedures, then took steps to meet the standards set by the commission. During the on-site visit, CALEA praised the numerous crime prevention, volunteer and youth programs conducted by DCSO. The assessors were also “really impressed” with the traffic investigation unit, the sex offender registry, the crime lab, the property and evidence facility and staff, in addition to the Sheriff’s patrol, investigations, court, records, dispatch and emergency management units. “You should all pat yourself on the back for doing a great job,” the assessors said. They were so impressed, the evaluators planned to present several of the DCSO programs and annual reports to their own police agencies out of state so that they can be replicated there. The DCSO evaluation will be reviewed by the CALEA commission, which will then award the official accreditation in November. “The work doesn’t stop here. Now, we work toward reaccreditation which will be in 2015,” Deputy Cocha Heyden, accreditation manager said. “We will now work diligently to demonstrate continued excellence and compliance with law enforcement CALEA standards.”
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
RIDING SAFE INSPECTION FINDS INSTALLATION ERRORS, SAFETY LATCH PROBLEMS AND OUTDATED CHILD SAFETY SEATS. Douglas County Fairgrounds—Members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Team and the Castle Rock Fire Department examining car seats for children in August found a host of problems with installations and fixed them all.
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Sgt. Rich Taylor explains car seat safety
“During the inspections, we found numerous installations errors, including improper placement in the vehicle, and improper use of the LATCH and safety belts,” Sgt. Rich Taylor of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, said. “All errors were brought to the drivers’ attention, and were easily fixed before they left.”
5-year-old Jack is good to go!
Officials inspected 32 car seats at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock on August 18th. They replaced six seats that were expired, damaged or on the recall list.
The child seat replacements were given to parents free, courtesy of Corporal Heather Cobler of the Colorado State Patrol who was able to donate the seats for the event. Parents thanked the Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Department throughout the day for the free inspection.
A mom reads a poster about car seat safety at an inspection
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
The BEARCAT
The Sheriff’s Office has a new BEARCAT: Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Assault Truck to rescue people and to protect law enforcement during dangerous operations. DCSO got the BearCat in May with homeland security grants and some drug forfeiture money. It weighs 20,600 pounds, is bulletproof and sits on a Ford F550 truck
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
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READY TO HELP
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Who ya gonna call? There are new faces in Community Resources at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Introducing…. Tom has done it all after working in law enforcement for more than 42 years. Today, Tom coordinates education and partnership programs for seniors in addition to other responsibilities. Tom loves to travel with his wife. TOM CORNELIUS TCornelius@ DCSheriff.net 303.663.7246
Welcome back! Deputy Chad Teller is back in Community Resources filling in as a spokesman after stints in dispatch, jail, patrol and as a school resources officer. The CO native has a son in college. Chad loves camping and sports. Go Broncos! DEPUTY CHAD TELLER CTeller@ DCSheriff.net 303.660.7510
DEBORAH SHERMAN DSherman@ DCSheriff.net 303.814.7067
Meet… Deborah Sherman is in charge of Social Media and is a Public Information Officer for the DCSO. Does she look a little familiar? She used to be the chief Investigative Reporter at 9NEWS. She’s having lots of fun in her new assignment. She’s in love with her little boy Jack and her yellow Lab Jessie. Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public
SERGEANT RON HANAVAN RHanavan@ DCSheriff.net 303.814.7089
He’s the man… Sgt. Ron Hanavan has led Community Resources unit for seven years and two years as the chief public information officer. When reporters need information, Sgt. Hanavan gets the news out to inform the public about what’s going on in their communities. He’s in charge of DCSO events, neighborhood watch programs and much more.
“LIKE” US!
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NEW to The Briefing Room
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountySheriff “Once again, thank you for your continued support and protection of our community. It is really appreciated. I have lived in about a dozen communities (from very small 7K pop in Texas, Los Angeles, CA and three military bases to name a few), your protection ranks right up there with those military bases. Beyond reproach doesn't even come close to describing your customer service.” Facebook fan August 12, 2012 “Thanks for all you do!” Facebook fan after the Highlands Ranch Fourth of July Parade in Douglas County, July 5, 2012 “We are VERY proud to live in Douglas County and the services that your organization provides.” Facebook fan, August 16th 2012
Want to know what’s going on in the
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office? Please go to our FACEBOOK page and “LIKE” us! • Ask us questions about law enforcement, safety issues and sign up for urgent alerts. • Tell us what’s happening in your neighborhood, your schools, your work. • Read the Sheriff’s blog, The Blue Blotter, about outstanding people in the DCSO.
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
SPARE A DIME?
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A "Hero" born to raise money http://douglascountysheriffsoffice.blogspot.com/
DOUGLAS COUNTY - The Parker Chamber of Commerce presented Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Jay Martin with its ‘Hero Award’ for personally raising tens of thousands of dollars for others less fortunate. Ask Jay about it and he’ll tell you he was born to raise money. “I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid. When I was five-years-old, I would go door to door holding a tin can, asking people for money,” Deputy Martin said. He was collecting donations for his younger brother and older sister who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy, a disorder that strips away muscle strength and grows worse with time.
Jay’s brother, 42, has been in a wheelchair since he was six. The disease took his sister’s mobility when she was 40. She’s 49 today. His siblings live in Idaho. Jay has raised much more than $24,000 for the MDA over the years for research and treatment of the neuromuscular disease which affects one million Americans. “I’ve been told ‘no’ a million times and many times ‘yes.’ It doesn’t bother me to ask for money. You won’t know if you don’t ask,” Jay says. Jay’s heard ‘yes’ a lot lately. Among other things, he spearheaded a benefit for the wife and young children of a fallen South Metro firefighter killed in an avalanche. Without any recognition, he was able to obtain several donations for the family to help ease their pain during their difficult time. Jay’s also volunteered to help raise more than $1,800 for the Women’s Crisis Center. “Simply put, Jay consistently sets the example of ‘commitment to the community’ and character. He never says ‘no’ and always steps up to help, regardless of how inconvenient the need may be,” Tim Moore, Bureau Chief of Operations, said. “He’s a fantastic representative of the public safety profession.” Thanks to Jay, a disabled U.S. Army veteran is moving into a new home this fall. Martin helped build it for Cpl. Nick Orchowski. “To say that Jay ‘volunteered’ his time is an understatement. In reality, Jay led the way to locate and get a general contractor to donate time and materials; it was Jay that lead the way to organize the Build Brigade of volunteers that helped during several stages of the build; and it was Jay that lead the way in getting several local elementary schools involved by helping them conduct fundraisers at their schools for the project,” Moore said.
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
BLUE THUNDER
13th annual Blue Thunder Motorcycle Run raises more than $4,000 This year, a portion of the proceeds from The Blue Thunder Benefit Run, created in Ron Kings memory will assist the family survivors of the Englewood Officer, Jeremy Bitner, killed in the line of duty. The remainder of the proceeds will continue to fund our scholarship program, our Student Assistance program and the Officer’s Benefit fund. The fundraiser is held in memory of Deputy Ron King who was killed in the line of duty in 1999. Ron served his community as a Deputy Sheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and worked in the traffic enforcement unit. While on duty on his motorcycle, he was struck and killed by a DUI driver. It is in his honor that the Ron King Organization was formed. Ron not only believed in kids, he believed in a positive future for each and every child. He spent his working and personal hours pursuing that mission. His passion to help and to believe in kids continues through the efforts of the Ron King Organization.
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
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HUG A COP
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Parties, police and crime prevention National Night Out in Douglas County August 2012 Hundreds of people got out of their homes to meet their neighbors, talk to sheriff’s deputies and send a message to bad guys that they’re fighting back against drugs and crime. More than 30 parties were held across unincorporated Douglas County Tuesday night in the 29th National Night Out. "This is our favorite night of the year," Suzanne Wolf said, wearing a huge smile. Wolf helped throw a party on Coyote Street in Highlands Ranch for dozens of her neighbors and their children with food, activities and a visit by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad. Last year, more than 37 million people across the country took part in America’s anti-crime campaign. Patrol deputies, explorers, detention officers, dispatchers, McGruff the crime-fighting dog and even Sheriff David Weaver himself told people how they can cut down on auto theft and break-ins. They also handed out bags full of donations from Target. “Our children loved seeing all of the police vehicles and the K9 units,” Kristin Bergstrom on Glenstone Trail said. “This was the first time our daughter Addison sat on a motorcycle. She was still talking about it when she woke up.” Neighbor Rick Peterson tries to never miss the night out. “All of my friends and neighbors are here getting caught up and we get to say hi to the people who keep us safe and happy.” Peterson got to meet two 9-1-1 dispatchers who take emergency calls for his neighborhood. Before this, they were faceless, nameless voices on the phone. “I love being out here talking to the citizens and talking to the kids and showing them what 9-1-1 is for,” Keara Martin, whose been dispatching for 8.5 years, said. “They can see that we’re real human beings. It puts it all into perspective.” Dispatcher Sierra Bishop, who just started her job in Douglas County this year, was glad to get out and meet the people she talks with every day. “We normally hear bad things in emergencies, so it’s good to talk to people now without all of that happening,” Bishop said.
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
ABOVE & BEYOND
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GOOD GUY GARCIA CASTLE PINES NORTH - Retiree Jack Zelkin saw the cop pull into his neighborhood, lights flashing and grabbed his camera. The amateur photographer wanted to see what the commotion was about. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy wasn’t writing tickets. He was out of his patrol car entertaining kids. More than a dozen children climbed in and out of Deputy Mike Garcia's cruiser, plastered stickers shaped like badges on their chests and peppered him with questions. Zelkin started snapping pictures. “I instantly recognized this was a great moment. The deputy was teaching kids what police are all about, teaching them that they’re the good guys and there to help, not hurt,” Zelkin said. “A lot of kids grow up thinking cops are bad guys. Well, this guy is a teddy bear.” Deputy Garcia passed out 20 stickers while talking to the kids for nearly an hour Thursday night off Monarch Boulevard and Briar Cliff Driver in a Castle Pines North neighborhood. "They wanted to play with the lights, see the inside of the patrol car and were asking about all of the stuff I carry,” Garcia said. “It was like standing in front of a panel of judges. They surrounded me with questions, non-stop, and I was just trying to keep up and answer them all.” Nobody tells Garcia to interact with kids, it’s just something he does while on patrol. Some of the kids recognized him from last summer when he passed out 80 stickers at their elementary school. He hopes it influences some of them to become cops. “They say, ‘I want to be a police officer when I grow up.’ I say, “You should, it’s fun. It’s a great career.’” He’s been on the force seven years. Kids always ask the deputy, “What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?” It’s an easy answer. He was in a gunfight and shot exactly two years ago today. A drunk with a gun threatening to shoot up a restaurant in Franktown aimed his weapon at the deputy, blasting a dozen holes in his cruiser and hitting him once in the arm. Garcia fired back and took him down. The man’s in prison for the rest of his life and the deputy’s left with a lifelong injury that almost ended his career. Garcia figures kids need to know about every part of the job. “It’s about educating the kids. Teaching them that we’re people. We’re real, regular people and we have a job to do,” Garcia said.“I always tell them, ‘If you need us, do not be afraid to call us. We’re good guys and we’ll talk to you.’”
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
HEALING HEARTS
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention presents…
14th Annual International Survivors of Suicide Day Annual Day of Healing for Bereavement After Suicide
Saturday, November 17, 2012 Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9:00 a.m. – Noon Jubilee Fellowship Church 8200 Southpark Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO
1 million people die by suicide every year. They leave behind countless family members and friends to make sense of it. Join other survivors of suicide loss from your local community at this annual healing ceremony. • • • • • •
Watch the AFSP program about bereavement after suicide loss, and learn from experts who share what they know about suicide and grief. Learn from others about how they have coped with suicide loss. Participate in a breakout session about suicide and grief. Honor loved ones in a candle light healing ceremony. And most importantly, know that you are not alone in your grief. This program is free and open to the public.
For more information or to RSVP, email afsp-colorado@afsp.org.
Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS BY THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TRAFFIC TEAM
WHERE: The DCSO Highlands Ranch Substation 9250 Zotos Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 WHEN: SEPTEMBER 15TH From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
PLEASE BRING the owner’s manual for the seat and the vehicle!!!!
Sgt. Rich Taylor of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office explains child seat safety to parents last
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Please Join Cops Fighting Cancer this year in our online fundraising campaign. Every dollar raised will go directly to our Programs and impact those individuals and families who are challenged with the financial struggles that come along with battling cancer.
Cops Fighting Cancer’s mission is to provide individualized financial, practical and emotional support to Colorado cancer patients and their families. CFC serves approximately 300 children and parents each year and in its eight-year history, has distributed more than $700,000 to help families with basic needs. CFC has also visited more than 5,000 people at their homes or in area hospitals providing key emotional support. You can find stories on CopsFightingCancer.ORG. Details on Individual/Group/Company Participation - This summer we will launch an online fundraising campaign to raise $36,000 for
our programs, visit http://grouprev.com/letsfighttogether to see fundraising. • Local law enforcement and community members will launch online fundraising campaigns and will spend the next 3 months reaching out to their friends, families, co-workers and online communities in support of Cops Fighting Cancer. • Sign Up Today! We will create your own page To use to solicit donations. Details on Matching Sponsors - As a matching sponsor you will gain exposure to this audience and provide incentive to our community to meet and exceed fundraising goals. The individual and group who raises the most money will be acknowledged at our Fall Fundraiser. Sponsors are asked to match online community donations of $1000 - $1500 - A minimum contribution of $500 must be paid when the agreement is signed - Sponsors will receive the following: o Logo and brand placement on the CFC Website, Donation Page for each individual who signs up and takes the challenge, and all CFC Social Media o Sponsors will get a link to their website on the CFC homepage • All proceeds benefit Cops Fighting Cancer, Tax ID #20-1969987, 501c3 Please Contact Andrea@CopsFightingCancer.org for Questions or to Sign up Vision: To BE THE LEADER in public safety!
GOOD TIMES
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DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT Upcoming events
Douglas County
A
Calendar at a Glance SEPTEMBER 2012
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8th South Metro “Out of the Darkness” community walk to prevent suicide. 9:00 a.m. registration, 10:00 a.m. walk. At Highlands Ranch High School.
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8th Mental Health, Criminal Justice Issues Symposium, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Phoenix, Lone Tree Campus. Discussion about the homeless, school violence, elderly issues and more.
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15th Child Safety Seat Inspections, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the public parking lot at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Substation 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch. PLEASE BRING your owner’s manual for your child’s safety seat and for the vehicle.
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15th Household Chemical Roundup. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Town of Castle Rock Utilities, 175 Kellogg Street, Castle Rock, CO.
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22nd 11th Annual Octoberfest! Noon to 5 p.m. Held by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. At the Castle Pines Marketplace (Safeway Shopping Center) in Castle Pines. Features food, business expo, face painting, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies & vehicles.
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22nd Shopping Extravaganza, at the Castle Rock Outlets to benefit the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center. Tickets are $20 with $10 of every ticket sale going to the organization. The tickets include a goodie bag, lunch and discounts from most of the stores and a chance to win $60,000 in prizes, including a Coach purse. Click here for more info: http:// tinyurl.com/8sk9j7e
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29th DEA Prescription Drug Take Back, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Substation in Highlands Ranch, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO. Bring your unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-660-7505 www.dcsheriff.net Non emergency: 303-660-7500 Patrol: 303-660-7546 Jail Info: 303-660-7550 Traffic Safety Hotline: 303-660-7539 Case Tip Line: 303-660-7579 Community Resources: 303-660-7544 Records: 303-660-7545
Vision: To BEVision: THE LEADER To BE THE in public LEADER safety! in public safety!