The Briefing Room, Autumn 2014

The Briefing Room | Autumn 2013 The magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Civic Duty

YOUR TOWN Community Safety Volunteers (CSVs) give back where they live, work, play

SHOOTOUT!

Join in Click here for video about CSVs 1

Who are better marksmen?

Deputies from the DCSO or the ACSO? Find out inside.

THE BRIEFING ROOM The magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109

COVER STORY: Civic Duty Autumn 2014 COVER: CIVIC DUTY Husband and wife Walt and Gwynne Wohlgemuth serve the DCSO and county as Community Safety Volunteers.

THE BRIEFING ROOM is The magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s produced by Community Resources, www.DCSheriff.net.

EMAIL EDITOR & Public Information Officer Deborah Sherman at DSherman@DCSheriff.net.

Inside this issue: Message from DCSO Sheriff Tony Spurlock

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Beware of the treat - marijuana laced candy

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Behind the Badge with Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth

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Citizens academy

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Catching criminals with computers

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DCSO Commanders

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Sgt. Dave Beyer’s triple play

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Phone scams COVER STORY CIVIC DUTY

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The CSV king

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Join our CSVs

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Safe travel tips

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Safety days

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A howling good time Community emergency response training

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How to talk about suicide

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DCSO vs. ACSO

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Park Meadows philanthropy Deputy honored for helping kids

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CONTENT: Photography, copy, graphic design by Deborah Sherman unless otherwise indicated.

SUBMISSIONS: Have a story idea for The Briefing Room? Please send it to DSherman@DCSheriff.net.

CONTACT: The DCSO at 303.660.7500

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“The CSV program has made

a huge difference both for the sheriff’s office and for the citizens of Douglas County.”

– Sheriff Tony Spurlock

MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF TONY SPURLOCK

W

hen people compliment the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, we have to mention our right arm -- the men and women in the Community Safety Volunteer (CSV) program.

Without their help, our office would take a lot longer to respond to non-emergency situations such as traffic control, checking vehicle VIN numbers and informing you about warrants. CSVs also help prevent crime.

They are literally your neighbors who go out, sometimes in the middle of the night and in bad weather, and help protect our county side-by-side with our deputies.

Our CSVs are exceptional people, who give at least 16 hours of their time, for free, every month to the DCSO and the county. This issue is dedicated to them, with our thanks.

The Briefing Room, a magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 2

BEWARE OF THE TREAT YOUR CHILD COULD EAT This Halloween/Harvest Festival Season has an added risk in Colorado because of the legalization of marijuana and edible marijuana candies.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW The THC (the main mind-altering ingredient found in the Cannabis plant) can induce hallucinations, change thinking, cause delusions as well as other potential issues. In the 1980’s THC levels were only about 7%, however with the edible marijuana products of today the THC levels can be as high as 95%. After eating them it can take up to one or two hours before the THC takes effect. Also, it’s still not known how marijuana edibles react with certain prescription medications.

If your child is on medications and ingests marijuana edibles further complications could result.

SAFETY TIPS DON’T EAT UNWRAPPED TREATS Marijuana edible candies look just like real candies from a grocery store. A person cannot tell the difference just by looking at the sweets. The best practice should be ‘if the candy is not in a closed or sealed wrapper, then discard it into the trash compactor!’ If you suspect the candy is laced with THC you can contact the sheriff’s office or local police department.

Can you tell the difference?

Marijuana Gummy Bears

Candy Gummy Bears

IF A FRIEND WANTS TO SHARE, IT’S BEST TO BEWARE We have had incidents in Douglas County with friends sharing candy laced with THC. So, ask your child not to take candy from anyone no matter how well they know them or how much they may ‘love’ that particular treat.

THE CANDY LABEL MAY LOOK REAL -- SO READ IT CAREFULLY Some marijuana candy wrappers look almost identical to the actual candy labels of those from the stores. So, please take an extra minute to read all the labels carefully before allowing your child to rip open the package and indulge in the sweet.

Marijuana candy labels

Real candy labels

The Douglas County School District and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Y.E.S.S. Program is about putting Youth’s Education and Safety as number one! Parents please help us to teach and protect your child, but more notably remember to dress up and have some fun this season!

Article by DCSO Deputy Jay Martin, Y.E.S.S. Instructor http://www.dcsheriff.net/yess/

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Douglas County Sher

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he Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is now accepting applications for its annual Citizen Academy. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the sheriff’s office in a short amount of time.

BEHIND THE BADGE WITH UNDERSHERIFF HOLLY NICHOLSON-KLUTH With the days getting shorter ahead (daylight savings is November 2), it’s a good time to remind parents about a few steps that can keep their children safe.

For school: *Make sure you know all of the routes your children take to and from school. Look around for areas that could be concerning and change the route if needed. *Also talk to your children about safety. Teach them to listen to their instincts and to leave or get help when something doesn’t feel right. *Practice having them find a trusted adult or neighbor in the even there’s an emergency. *Make sure they know how to contact you at all times.

For Halloween: *Face paint is better than a mask.

Masks can make it difficult for kids to see and breath. *Stick glow-in-the dark or reflective tape on costumes and candy bags. *Don’t’ let kids carve pumpkins with knives because they can be very slippery. Instead, give them ice cream scoopers to take out the seeds and have adults do the carving.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

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The one-day class will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, at the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility located at 9008 Hwy 85, Littleton, CO 80125.

The class will have the “boot camp” feel, making sure that the students learn as much as they can in the 10hour period. The topics will include information about

You’ll get a chance to talk to DCSO’s bomb team and watch th

riff’s Office to Host 6th Annual One Day Citizen Academy many aspects of law enforcement; including patrol operations, traffic enforcement, Detention Division operations, crime scene investigations, K-9 unit, SWAT and there will be plenty of demonstrations.

are due by October 6th. Those that are accepted will be notified prior to the class. Applications are available on-line at www.dcsheriff.net.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to come We also plan to run the students through the “Training learn about the Sheriff’s Office. The topics and instrucLabs Use of Force Simulator”, a shooting simulation tors will ensure that participants leave with a positive machine. understanding of what we do on a daily basis,” stated Even though it is a one day class, at the end of the day Sheriff Spurlock. the students will be left with a better understanding of For more information about the Academy, please contact Deputy Chad Teller at 303-660-7510. the sheriff’s office and law enforcement in general.

Space for this one day class is limited and a background check will be conducted on all applicants. Applications For more information about the Academy, please con-

hem at work

Residents test their skills against bad guys in a video-simulation robbery.

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Sheriff’s analyst helps catch criminals from h

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hen Michele Kennedy at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office IACA President Susan Hammen (left) recognizes DCSO’s Crime Analyst Michele Kennedy, (DCSO) looked at the hits on her computer screen last year, she spotted a pattern.

September 2014

Each hit was at a fitness center where someone had smashed car windows and stolen wallets, computers and phones.

tified and maintain certification standards. Sh the award September 11, 2014 at a ceremony in

Kennedy was the first of two analysts to becom internationally by the IACA in 2005.

“I’m grateful for the acknowledgement,” she sa IACA provides valuable training, resources and with the goal of reducing crime.”

The sheriff’s office considers Kennedy the corn the Pattern Crime and Property Crime Units.

“We’re all chasing the same bad guys, but they jurisdictional boundaries,” Captain Kevin Duff cently supervised the Special Investigations Un

“Michele opens up the boundaries to get all jur involved. Her analysis is like our 8-ball. She he out where the crime will happen, when it will h and leads us to the criminals.”

There were more than a dozen break-ins in Douglas County Kennedy issues weekly trend reports to let dep alone. When she expanded her search, the computer anaabout current crime patters and crime trends s lyst found similar break-ins in Arapahoe County. resources can be deployed to the areas to preve crime.

Kennedy’s analytical work that day led her and DCSO detectives to figure out his pattern of behavior and catch the thief, in a parking lot, where he was about to strike again.

“The information Michele brings forward guid fight crime,” said Steve Johnson, Chief Deputy forcement.

“Crime analysis is not CSI. I never go to crime scenes,” Kennedy said. “I help deputies solve crimes from “Crime analysis is a great compass for fighting my desk with a lot of powerful tools and technology and training from the International Association of Crime Ana- we couldn’t do it without Michele’s expertise.” lysts.”

DCSO Sheriff Tony Spurlock has made it a prio The IACA awarded Kennedy for “Meritorious Contribution” office to use crime analysis to monitor, track a for eight years of helping other crime analysts become cer- crime.

Mapping like this allows detectives which areas criminals are targeting

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Pinpointing times and locations of crimes help detectives track down burglars, robbers and drug and gang activity.

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e's making sure law enforcement officers across Colorado are armed with the most current information, the best training and high tech tools to fight drug trafficking.

This month, the Colorado Drug Investigator's Association gave him an Outstanding Service Award for his leadership and dedication to the mission.

The CDIA State Training Coordinator has also received two other awards from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area executive board for his dedication and hard work.

Sgt. Beyer says it's an honor to receive the three awards and hopes the training will make officers safer and more effective in their daily operations.

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A warning from the District Attorney of the 18th Judicial District

Tax season is typically the time of year when the District Attorney’s Office receives a flurry of complaints about IRS phone scams. Since April of this year, the numbers of complaints have escalated and aren’t letting up.

voice mail messages, and in other instances, leave what appears to be a call-back number. The actual number that shows up on caller ID is oftentimes spoofed to show the 202 prefix code for Washington D.C. In keeping with the deception, the caller may identify him or herself as a One of the most disturbing aspects representative of the Internal Reveof this scam is the viciousness of the nue Service (IRS), U.S. Treasury Dethreats and bullying made by the partment, or other official-sounding caller. Reported scare tactics ingovernmental agency. In all likeliclude: immediate garnishee of the hood, these calls are originating outvictim’s wages, issuance of an arrest side of the United States. summons by local police or sheriff, threats of harassment against the How to Respond victim’s family at their place of work, NO credible company or governand threats of physical harm to fami- mental agency will ‘cold-call’ a conly members if the victim doesn’t sumer with a legitimate complaint. comply. Although the ploys that are If such a concern exists, the agency used to arouse fear are very specific, or business will mail supporting docthe caller is intentionally vague umentation explaining the nature of about the alleged act of wrongdoing the concern. If it’s a serious concern, committed by the victim. The caller the consumer will most likely receive may call back several times or leave a certified letter. In some instances,

businesses may call consumers as a last resort if repeated attempts to reach them by mail have failed.

Never engage in a phone conversation with the caller. Instead, if you don’t recognize the number, let the call roll into your caller ID and delete from there.

In the event that you are taken in this scam and believe your tax record may be compromised, contact the Colorado field office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at http:// www.treasury.gov/tigta/ contact_report_scam or 303-2916108. Also contact the IRS tax-fraud referral hot line at 1-800-829-0433.

ALL calls should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877382-4357 or www.ftc.gov.

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Watch it happen!

Click here to see a video of CSVs in action!

CSV Dennis Wohlgemuth directs traffic at accident scene in Douglas County September 2014

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In the middle of the night when blizzards blind drivers, trucks flip over and roads close, there’s no doubt Douglas County deputies will show up to help. Some of your next-door neighbors will too.

They’re Community Safety Volunteers or CSVs. “It says a lot that these people are out there, day in and day out, all hours of the night in bad weather performing the same job as we are and not getting paid for it,” Lieutenant Kevin Moffitt said.

The CSV’s are teachers, engineers, doctors, sales people and accountants who are interested in law enforcement and making a difference in their hometown. Some are retired. Some have other jobs that pay.

“These are just wonderful human beings and to have them be a part of this agency is great,” Sheriff Tony Spurlock said.

The program began in 2006 with 15 CSVs.

hours a month for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies respect and trust them. Deputies have also come to rely on the CSVs to perform important jobs inside and outside of the DCSO. “One of the greatest things they do is allow the deputies to go out and do law enforcement work while they’re in the background providing support,” Sheriff Spurlock said.

“That’s great for the sheriff’s office. What’s great for the citizens is that this is a free program.”

Lending a hand Depending on their experience, the CSVs can work in Records, Investigations, Patrol, Detention, Support Services and in the Office of Emergency Management.

You’ll often see them at accident and crime scenes controlling traffic. You might meet them at the Records window while applying for a handgun permit or picking up reports.

Top Guns Of hundreds who have wanted to be CSVs, only 60 They help with vital community programs like men and women have passed background checks, Colorado Life Trak, Christmas for Kids, safety fairs, parades and many other events. aptitude tests and graduated from a 10-week academy. Today, there are 50 active CSVs. Their work frees up deputies to respond to urgent and emergency calls when public safety and lives The CSVs are required to volunteer at least 16 may be at stake.

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“If you have a deputy sitting waiting for a tow truck and a priority call comes in where somebody’s being assaulted, we may not have the officers available to respond. With CSVs in place, we do. That frees up the deputy to provide cover for another deputy and it makes their response a lot safer and efficient,” said Lt. Moffitt.

Since 2006, CSVs have volunteered more than 130,000 hours of time. That’s equivalent to having 12 extra deputies in the office.

It cost taxpayers nothing. At the same time, they have 50 extra pairs of eyes and ears helping prevent crime.

“I really enjoy it because it gets me out of the house now that I’m retired,” the former accountant said.

“We live in a beautiful county and it gives me the chance to see it all the way to the El Paso border to the Arapahoe border to everything in between.

It really is rewarding and it’s fun.”

CSVs like Stephanie Trotter work with Investigations to conduct liquor code compliance checks.

“I do it because I know that no matter what it is I’m doing, somehow I’m making a “The citizens of Douglas County reap the reward difference, and that’s rewarding,” Stephanie Trotter said. on this tenfold,” said the sheriff.

The former transportation worker has been a volunteer The rewards since the program’s inception The volunteers say it’s rewarding to connect with in 2006. their neighbors and help make the place they live, work and play, safer.

Former teacher Marilyn CSVs on patrol like Dennis Newton volunteers in Wohlgemuth of the 2008 the Detention Division graduating class, get to exand works with inmates. plore the entire county and So far, she’s helped more talk to people he otherwise than 200 inmates earn their high school diplowould not have met. mas.

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Don Bammes, who worked 40 years in sales and marketing volunteers in civil warrants and in the Office of Emergency Management.

“I totally feel appreciated by the deputies, by the higher-ups. They often ask us if we need something and we are here to serve them.”

think we would feel a significant impact.”

The program grows every year. In 2014, membership topped the charts; dedicated residents with a sense of purpose helping keep our homes, businesses and neighborhoods safe.

“The CSV program has made a huge difference

both for the sheriff’s office and for the citizens of Douglas County.”

– Sheriff Tony Spurlock

Some CSVs like Frank Keith have full time jobs.

He’s the assistant director for public safety at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. He was a CSV in 2009, left the program and returned in 2014 because he missed the camaraderie.

“The guys here are absolutely amazing. You never have to worry about anything when you’re working with them. It’s good to be able to work with people who are true professionals and a lot of fun to work with,” Keith said.

Appreciation keeps ‘em coming back Their dedication is partly driven by the way they’re treated and supported by the deputies.

The deputies make CSVs feel wanted and needed, because they are.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to effectively do the things we do out there,” said Lt. Moffitt.

“They’re very valuable and if we lost them, I

CSV Frank Keith holds a full time job

“When you hear them say, ‘Is there a CSV available?’ You know that they need ‘ya. Paid or not. They need ‘ya. So, happy to help.”

- Stephanie Trotter, CSV since 2006

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etired accountant Walt Wohlgemuth could be golfing, learning how to paint or traveling the world.

Instead, you can find him volunteering at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office more than 24 hours every week, for the last eight years. So far he’s volunteered more than 10,000 hours, more than any other person in the history of the CSV program. That’s like working a full time 40-houra-week job, for five years, for free. Is he crazy…or just totally awesome?

Walt wouldn’t use either word to describe himself. He’s tall, lanky, and bald. The senior citizen covers his blue eyes with glasses that sit on a straight nose above a white goatee on a serious face. For a tall man, he has soft, gruff voice that occasionally spits out dry jokes. He wears loyalty like another badge. He’s so dedicated to the Community Safety Volunteer program, that in 2008, he recruited his brother Dennis. (Dennis is now a sergeant in the program.) And while it took Walt eight years, this year, he also signed up his wife.

like another cop. They trust his knowledge and experience in the field.

“He’s very bright and he’s not afraid to tell you what he thinks,” Sheriff Tony Spurlock says.

“Walt’s now provided this unbelievable time to the citizens of Douglas County and in support of the DCSO, and it’s just amazing. He’s a wonderful man.”

Walt is more than top volunteer. He brought the concept of the program to the sheriff’s office. He got the idea from his former job in Ohio. In 1995, the Westlake Police Department had an auxiliary police department, where Walt worked for five years.

When he moved to Colorado in 2000, he wanted to continue serving in law enforcement, but couldn’t find any similar programs. So, he joined the DCSO as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Four years later, he found an ally in then-Sheriff David Weaver, who gave the all clear for the Community Safety Volunteer Program. He was one of 16 to graduate in the first CSV class of 2006.

“I’ve been fortunate in my life. I had a great career that enabled me to retire and the ability to “He pours his heart and soul into this program and it shows by the hours he puts in, consistently do this,” Walt said. “I really believe in this office, 100 hours or more every month. And it’s all vol- the deputies the command staff. I think it’s an unteer. He’s earned so much respect from every- outstanding organization.” one on the road,” said Stephanie Trotter, who How many more hours will Walt put into the graduated from the first CSV class with Walt. program?

As the captain of the CSVs, deputies treat Walt “That’s up to God,” Walt says with a laugh.

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CSV Walt Wohlgemuth thanks DCSO’s Law Enforcement Chief Deputy Steve Johnson for award September 2014

CSV class of 2014

First class of CVS in 2006

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What’s it take to become a Community Safety Volunteer? ● Must be at least 20 years old ● Must be a United States Citizen ● Possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License ● Pass a general aptitude test, a polygraph, medical exam, psych test, and a full background investigation ● No felony convictions ● No illegal drug use in the last three years and no alcohol related traffic offenses within the last five years ● Able to deal with confidential information and keep it confidential ● Possess good public speaking and presentation skills

Watch the video

The Briefing Room, a magazine of theDouglas County Sheriff’s Office 18

The Briefing Room, a magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 19

Control (CDC) website for health alerts and required vaccinations.

It is also important to take deliberate actions to protect personal items while traveling. and other valuables during your trip.

-approved luggage locks for checked baggage.

Safe Travels

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traveling overseas, consider ordering a chip-andPIN card from your bank. This technology, used throughout Europe and other countries is more secure than the magnetic strip system used in the U.S. (Note that American banks are in the process of changing over to chip-and PIN technology).

all is a popular time of year for travel. As you spend time carefully planning your identification in a security wallet under your clothing around your neck or waist while travelfall itinerary, take actions before you leave to ing. safeguard your home and personal property.

-frequency identification (RFID), notated by a Wi-Fi symbol, need to do to prepare for your trip, such as can- should be kept in a protective cover to prevent celling newspapers and having mail held at the the signal from being picked up by a device carpost office. ried by someone intent on stealing your information.

-watch service if your local law enforcement agency provides one, and leave your key and contact information with a confidential personal transactions. trusted person.

cially on social networking sites. Criminals troll these sites to get information they can use to steal identities or burglarize homes.

(phones, laptops, tablets, or e-readers) that you absolutely need and password- protect them.

Back up your devices before traveling.

bles. Do not leave electronic devices or other valuables unattended in a hotel room, cruise cabin or public area

and the people around you to avoid scams designed to distract you from pick-pockets, mug gers and other thieves.

A warning from the District of State website for travel advisories and required documentation. Search the Center for Disease 20

Attorney of the 18th Judicial District

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ood times at the Castle Pines

Octoberfest in late September. The event which was held

by Castle Pines North Businesses and the Castle Pines Community, was located in Castle Pines North.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office brought some vehicles to show kids and their parents. We had our SWAT team, K-9 Units, Community Safety Volunteers and Community Resources at the event. See you next year!

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OUR TAILS ARE WAGGING...

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hanks to Friends of Douglas County K-9 for raising money to protect the sheriff’s K-9s and their handlers!

Sheriff Tony Spurlock said it’s heart-warming to see all of the love and support Friends of Douglas County K-9 has given to the DCSO.

“We are so thankful for their generosity. Their donations help us protect our dogs when they are in the heat of chasing criminals and also help us proIt was a Howling Good Time at the foundation’s event in September, which raised thousands of dol- tect our deputies with excellent training,” Sheriff Spurlock said. lars.

The fundraiser held a live auction which included a helicopter ride, three nights in Vail, food tasting at Uniscali, a ride-along with a K-9 deputy, a signed Denver Broncos jersey plus tickets to a game and much more!

All of the proceeds will be put toward safety gear and training for new dogs at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. This year, they raised more money than ever!

During the event, our newest K-9 Freia gave her handler, Deputy Greg Black, a huge wet kiss. She’s one of four K-9s which are trained in narcotics detection and patrol.

Last year, the K-9 Unit was called out 1,888 times for illegal drugs, felony arrests, misdemeanors and other crimes. The K-9s also took part in 35 public demonstrations and community events in 2013.

DCSO Sheriff Tony Spurlock and wife Stacy with Dr. David Swieckowski, Chair of Friends of Douglas County K-9 and owner of Franktown Animal Clinic which cares for DCSO’s K-9s.

September 2014

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K-9 som her h Dep Wils

Freia shows me love to handler, puty Greg son

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The CERT class is designed to teach volunteers how to help in any emergency situation, man-made or natural. CERT also teaches volunteers what their roles are in an emergency situation and how to be prepared at all times.

The Classes are FREE and will be held at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, located at 4000 Justice Way in Castle Rock, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. beginning on Saturday, October 11. Participants must register and all sessions, Oct. 11 and 25, November 1 and 15. Refreshments will be served.

To register for the class please call 303-660-7589 or email cabbott@dcsheriff.net Classes are hosted by Douglas County Emergency Management and the Colorado North Central AllHazards Region.

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DCSO vs

SHOOT

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s. ASCO

TOUT! Who won?

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It was high noon. Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office held up their weapons and aimed. Bang! Bang! Bang!

They all hit their targets down range at the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility last month in northwest Douglas County.

The shootout was a friendly competition between the sheriff’s offices. Each office put up an 11-person team, and ran through various shooting drills designed to test precision and timed hits.

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Top Guns from the Douglas an 30

nd Arapahoe Sheriff’s Offices 31

Thanks

to Park Meadows mall for donating

$1,200 to the Fallen Officers Fund of Douglas County. The fund helps support the friends and families that fallen officers leave behind.

This money will make a real difference for several people. Thank you, Park Meadows!

Sheriff Tony Spurlock and other law enforcement with Park Meadows Mall officials as they present their donation

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The Colorado Special Olympics is hosting another round of Tip-A-Cop. The 2014 Tip-A-Cop will be at Red Robin located in our jurisdiction at 63 W. Centennial Blvd. in Highlands Ranch.

The event is on Saturday October 25th, 2014 from 11am to 8pm. All Sheriff’s Office members are encouraged to participate! We ask that you sign up for a 4-hour shift or for the full 8-hour shift; we need at least three people per shift. The uniform of the day will be our training uniform.

This has been an overwhelmingly amusing time for those that have participated in the past! Not to mention it is for a great cause.

Red Robin will also feed you!

If you can’t work the event be sure and stop by and show your support by ordering some food and tipping those servers in uniform!!

The sign-up is located by the briefing rooms at the Sheriff’s Office!

To help motivate Sheriff’s Office participants, Special Olympics of Colorado is having a competition. The law enforcement agency that brings in the most money for this event, will be honored with the “Tip-A-Cop Trophy”. It will be displayed at our agency for an entire year if we win.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

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First annual James J. Peters Memorial Award given to Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputy for helping troubled youth Deputy Jason Presley received the award from the Juvenile Assessment Center of the 18th Judicial District

James J. Peters

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he Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) has chosen an Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputy to receive the first annual James J. Peters Memorial Award in honor of the former Arapahoe County District Attorney who championed justice, public service and compassion. The JAC presented the award to Deputy Jason Presley for having a significant positive impact in improving the lives of youth who are troubled, at-risk and delinquent. Many of these youth struggle with conflict at home, school issues, drugs, mental health and negative peers.

“Deputy Presley has made a huge positive impact on the lives of our own sons and daughters when they face the pressures of today’s society,” said Kira Suurvarik, the JAC Executive Director. “He goes above and beyond by talking to kids and offering them alternatives to the bad choices they might be making.”

The JAC will presented the first annual award to Presley during an Educational breakfast on September 10, 2014 in Centennial.

Former District Attorney James J. Peters passed away earlier this year from cancer at the age of 62. He was a founding member of the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Presley, who’s been with Arapahoe since 2006, has worked as a School Resource Officer for the last six years.

He’s also a S.W.A.T. Negotiator, Crisis Intervention Team Instructor, Bike Unit Member with a maintenance certification, Cadet Advisor, Gang Intervention Team member, Wild Land Fire Team member and a CPR Instructor.

The non-profit organization, JAC, connects families with services to promote safe, healthy and happy kids. It strives to keep youth at home and out of the system.

While it’s partly funded by taxpayers, the JAC is raising funds to open a second location that can help even more youth in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. If you’d like to donate, please visit www.JAC18.org.

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About the Juvenile Assessment Center

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he JAC connects families with services to promote safe, healthy and happy kids. We strive to keep youth at home and out of the system.

The Juvenile Assessment Center is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families.

It’s located in Centennial off Arapahoe Road and South Potomac Street.

Since 2000, the JAC’s been listening to you and your kids. Then, it directs you to the right help, right now. The JAC believes in you and your potential for change.

The JAC serves kids ages 10 through 17 in Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

Call the JAC 24/7 - 720.874.3381 Visit the website!

Www.JAC18.org 35

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Fraudulent Scheme Returns to Douglas County and Front Range

The

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is receiving reports of a fraudulent scheme where someone is representing themselves to be a DCSO Deputy.

This is not the first time this has happened. We were advised earlier this year of a similar scam.

The suspect calls people and tells them that they have a warrant for their arrest and that they need to wire money immediately to prevent them from being arrested.

Not only is this scam occurring in Douglas County, but we are seeing it happen across the Front Range.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens that no law enforcement agency contacts citizens by phone, e-mail or regular mail and tells them to pay fees/fines by wiring money, using pre-paid money cards, using a money telegram, or using similar methods.

These types of contacts to citizens are “Scams”. Please review the “Tips” listed below.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim:  Never give your personal identification information over the phone or computer  You may make an exception if you initiated the call or contact and you are certain that you are talking to a trustworthy employee of a trustworthy business  Never wire money to anyone claiming to be a police officer to get out of an arrest, etc.  Never wire money to get more money back (sweepstakes or lottery), or help someone get out of a bad situation such as an arrest, or a broken down vehicle  especially if the person requesting the money is not known to you personally, or the person called and claimed to be a distant relative, etc.  If something doesn’t feel right – pay attention to your instincts and don’t become a victim

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New Twists on Sweepstakes/Lottery Fraud Law enforcement is beginning to see some new approaches to the old sweepstakes/lottery frauds.

The typical sweepstakes/lottery fraud involved a telephone call or regular mail from the criminal telling the victim that they have won a large amount of money in some lottery or sweepstakes. The criminal then tells the victim that there are taxes and/or fees that need to be paid before the winning money can be sent to them. The victim is typically asked to wire the money for the taxes or fees. Of course there is no winning money and the criminal disappears after he/she gets the money from the victim.

The new approaches: Criminals are using well-known sweepstakes names to add to the credibility of their scams Legitimate sweepstakes companies won’t ask you to send money to get your prize 

Criminals usually target older, more vulnerable adults – please inform your older friends/relatives  Some criminals are now asking victims to buy a pre-paid debit card at a store and put a certain amount of money on the card instead of having the victim wire the money to them. Then they ask the victim to give them the account number from the money card. As soon as the criminal has the account number they immediately cash the money out and disappear.  Another twist involves a second phone call from a different criminal telling the victim that they are an agent from the FBI or some other law enforcement agency and: The victim really did win a large amount of money, but the first caller was a scam artist who was trying to steal the money from them The alleged law enforcement agent (the second criminal) then tells the victim that they have arrested the first criminal who was trying to steal the money and it is now safe for the victim to claim the money they won after they pay the taxes and/or fees on it. No money is ever sent to the victim after the criminals get the victim’s money  

One phone number used by the scammer is 360-831-9269 BUT any phone number should be suspect.

The second criminal may say he is a law enforcement officer, accuse the victim of being involved in the scam, and tell the victim that he/she will be arrested unless he/she pays a fine by sending money

Law enforcement officers won’t call and threaten to arrest you unless you send money

Criminals can be very persuasive, sophisticated, and sometimes very threatening, but don’t fall for these scams. If you have any question about the legitimacy of a story you are being told, please call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7544, or call your local police department for help. Never try to confirm the legitimacy of the story you are being told by calling a number the criminal gives you.

If you have been victimized, the criminals may put your name on a list of easy targets for other criminals.

That list can be sold to other criminals and you may receive threats and scams over and over again from many criminals and many places. BE SMART – CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED!

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