Formation of Sheriff’s Posse Drawing International Attention
The formation of a sheriff's posse in Laramie County is drawing international attention.
It was just last Tuesday, Sept. 5, that the Laramie County Sheriff's Office announced on its Facebook page that Sheriff Brian Kozak was forming a uniformed posse and looking for volunteers to help with patrolling shopping centers during the holiday season, VIN checks, Project Lifesaver, and search and rescue.
Since then, NewsNation, Daily Mail, and NEWSMAX have all picked up the story.
"Who would have thought the post about the POSSE would have gone international," the LCSO said in a Facebook post early Tuesday morning. "It is obvious, like LCSO, people are sick of crime."
Kozak says the idea for the posse actually came from his wife who's been hearing complaints from store managers who feel like crime is on the increase because of what's going on in Denver and elsewhere in the country.
"The posse is going to have a lot of different jobs, but first and foremost we want to deploy volunteers during the holiday season," Kozak told NewsNation.
"We just want to make sure the public feels safe and comfortable when they see our posse members in uniform, knowing that that posse member has immediate access to a deputy who can respond very quickly," he added.
Kozak says posse members will be under the supervision of a deputy who'll be on patrol with them and won't be making arrests and using force.
"They do have to call the professionals," he said.
Those interested in joining the posse are encouraged to attend an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office located at 1910 Pioneer Ave., during which Kozak will answer questions.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED, no felonies, a valid driver's license, and a good driving record.
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
More From K2 Radio
