HomeMy WebLinkAbout750978.tiff • • •
SAFETY COMMITTEE
Third Meeting
January 14, 1975
Tuesday
7 :15 P.M.
Members present were: George H. Brooks - Chairman
Glenn K. Billings
Edward L. Dunbar
A visitor was Mr. Hugh Denton from Keenesburg. Invited guests were Judge Donald A.
Carpenter, of the District Court; County Judges Jonathan Hays and Scott CLugston; and the
District Attorney, Mr. Robert N. Miller.
The procedure for bringing an accused person before the court was set forth by
Judge Carpenter. 1. Upon arrest a person is brought before the court and advised of his
rights. 2. The person is arraigned if there is "probable cause." 3. Defendant pleads
either guilty or innocent. 4. The court appoints or finds an attorney for the defendant,
the case is tried, and the appeal process can begin.
Next the District Judge was asked what he felt should be the Sheriff' s qualifications?
The Judge replied to this, quality of a mans experience, prior to assuming the Sheriff' s
office is what counts for a county the size of Weld. The candidate should have a degree
relating to police science, not necessarily a four (4) year degree, but certainly an
associate degree (AA). Judge Carpenter felt that state highway patrol experience or
experience as a city police officer is not necessarily the ideal background but rather
administrative and personnel experience.
Judge Carpenter had no strong feelings as to whether the Sheriff should be elected or
g
appointed but if appointed, should be carefully screened prior to appearing before the final
committee making the appointment. Once appointed the incumbent should have some assurance
of tenure.
In regard to training of deputies, there should be careful screening in the selective
process and then a period of training of at least three (3) months.
In regard to a county wide law enforcement district, Judge Carpenter felt that this
would be a positive idea. The head of such a district probably should be a professional
person and not a politician or one elected through the political process.
In commenting on the Sheriff' s office operations, Judge Carpenter specified that the
Sheriff or gtaining officer should make a practice of listening to testimony given by his
deputies, before the court.
In Judge Carpenters opinion, an appointed sheriff with professional background might save
money and court time on such things as retrials, because of inadequate preparation. Currently,
there is a backlog of the issuance of summons, bench warrants, as well as other civil
services.
J5-097�
• •
The court is faced with many more severe actions, partly because of the population growth
in Weld County.
Presentation by the County Judges, Jonathan Hays and Scott Clugston.
As to the duties of the Sheriff' s office, protection of the court in the event of
unruly defendants, could be performed by the Sheriff's office.
In regard to qualifications of the Sheriff, the Judges felt there should be at least
the mininum of a high school education with some law enforcement training and experience
especially should the candidate have educational and leadership experience. One of the
Judges felt that with proper qualifications called for, an elected sheriff would be
better. Both Judges felt that some sort of a County wide law enforcement district to
include incorporated towns, if they chose, would certainly upgrade law enforcement.
The District Attorney in regard to screening of applicants, felt that there should be a
thorough background investigation of both Sheriff candidates and deputies, including a
testing program.
Mr. Denton, from Keenesburg, was asked if he had any comments. He felt that the
southern part of the county was a "powder keg", and they considered themselves orphans
of the County. There is a committee now working on some sort of a law enforcement group.
They are in contact with a private agency.
The Meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is to be held on Saturday, January 18,
1975, at 9:30 A. M.
invited guests to be the new sheriff and his deputy and also, representatives of the
County Municipality Law Enforcement Association.
Hello