Sheriff's Office Releases List of 2024 Accomplishments

Laramie County Sheriff's Office car photo — A Laramie County Sheriff's Office car
Courtesy file photo

The men and women of the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office worked hard to accomplish 201 goals established by Sheriff Kozak and his leadership team. The top 20 achievements, designed to improve service and professionalism, were:

1. 87% Staffing Level – LCSO placed a billboard in Denver, which read “Work in Wyoming where breaking the law is still illegal”. The advertising helped us to increase our staffing level from 65% to 87%, which is the highest achieved in decades and above the average for sheriff’s offices in the US.

2. Immigration Enforcement – LCSO applied for the 287G Program to better assist ICE and President Trump’s deportation plan. A “VACANCY” sign was installed outside of the jail to promote the beds we have available for criminals.

3. Community Inmate Labor Program – LCSO deployed inmates to help the community with several projects.

4. Posse Program – 15 citizen volunteers were sworn in to patrol the shopping malls during the Christmas holiday season to discourage theft and help shoppers. The Posse also assisted deputies in the field by performing vehicle identification number verifications and traffic control. They also transported inmates to drug addiction centers throughout Wyoming.

5. K-9 Program – LCSO brought on two new dogs. One is assigned to the jail on a fulltime basis to detect fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

6. Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) – LEAD worked with 200 clients in 2024 to help them stay out of jail. They helped eight people to find stable housing and seven people remain sober and drug free.

7. Technology Upgrades – LCSO deployed state of the art body cameras, radios and Tasers to each deputy.

8. Leadership Training – All LCSO supervisors received advanced leadership training.

9. Advanced DUI Training – LCSO took the lead in coordinating all DUI training throughout Wyoming.

10. Professionalism – LCSO improved our professionalism by implementing over 120 new policies to ensure our employees have best practice direction.

11. Employee Wellness – LCSO installed a new gym to encourage employees to remain physically fit.

12. Inmate Accountability – LCSO removed all graffiti from cells and instituted shakedowns and daily inspections to hold inmates accountable.

13. Addiction Severity Index Assessments – LCSO mental health counselors were certified by the state to complete these assessments so we can help inmates enter drug treatment centers more efficiently.

14. Inmate Medical and Mental Health – LCSO brought in a new medical provider, which is 100% staffed and more efficient. Our mental health unit is fully staffed and will open our new Special Needs Unit (mental health/suicide prevention pod) soon.

15. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – Deputies were certified to help businesses assess their buildings to better prevent crime.

16. Community Engagement – LCSO increased its community engagement events 100% and launched our school resource deputy program. We also formed partnerships with businesses and organizations to improve public safety.

17. Jail Programs – LCSO launched new programs, such as parenting and domestic violence classes, to inmates to better prepare them upon release into the community. Additionally, inmates can only receive entertainment programming on their tables after completing self help classes.

18. Supervision – LCSO implemented a corporal program in Patrol to provide consistent supervision.

19. Crime Prevention – LCSO placed a focus on apprehending criminals, which resulted in lower property crime rates.

20. Crash Reduction – High visibility enforcement efforts resulted in a 11% reduction of crashes and an 80% reduction of fatalities.

Sheriff Kozak said that he has never seen a law enforcement agency accomplish so much in such a short time. “Every day I run into someone who wants to tell me how good our employees are doing. I am so proud to be part of this great team.”

In 2025 the agency will focus on finalizing the best practice policies for Patrol deputies, such as use of force, investigations and employee awards. LCSO hopes to implement an employee wellness program to ensure deputies and professional staff are emotionally and physically fit to have a long and productive career in law enforcement. Finally, the agency has challenged each employee to become involved in a community engagement project.

LCSO’s vision is leaders in law enforcement providing exceptional service and recognized for our professionalism, integrity, and service to the community. Sheriff Kozak said, “These accomplishments are proving that we live up to our vision.”

2024 Operations Division 110 Accomplishments

Operations: Support Section

Records

1. Increased staffing by one position. Cross-trained all full-time records personnel in reports, CCWs, VIN checks, and fingerprints.

2. Reduced Merge backlog from a high of over 260 to near zero.

3. Trained Posse members in VIN checks, CCWs, and fingerprints.

4. Streamlined citation workflow, no longer handling hard copies of traffic citations.

K-9

5. Deployed two new dogs and handlers. One patrol dog and one single-purpose detention dog.

6. Certified one decoy (Wiltanger).

Evidence

7. Evidence-purging cases from the late 1990s through 2014

8. Cleared old safekeeping evidence

9. Drug Destruction – Working with the County Attorney’s Office, Attorney General, and District Court to complete a list of narcotics that could/were destroyed.

10. Completed paperwork on firearms to be purchased or destroyed. Worked with the County Attorney and District Court to obtain an Order

11. Complied paperwork for the NCIC/Warrant audit on firearms

12. Working on the disposition of vehicles at Archer evidence lot

13. Instructed three mini-evidence classes for new hires

14. Cleared out an area specifically for securing and storing Drug evidence (waiting on AmeriTech to put in ventilation)

15. Cleared Bio-Hazard (DUI blood kit) twice for 2024

16. Attended courses for Standardization of Evidence Management and Digital Evidence

17. Turned over counterfeit money to the Secret Service for destruction

Lead

18. Helped eight individuals obtain stable housing

19. Helped seven individuals get on medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders

20. Improved working relationships with community partners, especially the treatment court programs and public defenders

21. Site visit from the LEAD support bureau to re-engage community partners, increase awareness

22. Developed a financial policy to better outline how client support funds will be utilized

Victim’s Assistance

23. Completed the soft interview room in CID

24. Instructed three mini-basic classes for new hires on Domestic Violence

25. Completed the 8th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament

Miscellaneous

26. Taser 10 deployed to all patrol deputies.

NCIC/WARRANTS

27. Attended multiple supervisor training at Laramie County Community College

28. Prepared for and passed FBI NICS audit

29. 971 NCIC validations completed

30. 300+ Felony warrants entered

31. 200+ Misdemeanor warrants entered

32. 339 Protection orders processed (plus 40 re-served)

33. 407 CCH’s (ran for department outside of warrants & validations *required for 4 previous bullets in addition to below)

34. License plate entries removed for 2025 reissue

35. All Posse members are tested and MDT certified

36. 63 Most Wanted: 10 current | 48 found | 5 removed for space/dismissed

37. 1435 Processed Warrants (served, transported in, q\d, etc.)

38. Bipartisan checks for Records Section: 209

Professional Standards Hiring Accomplishments

39. Recruited and onboarded three full-time Background

40. Organized a "Straight-to-the-Street" hiring event and Jail Transfer event.

41. Implemented a 10-business-day turnaround for background investigations.

42. Revised and improved reporting formats.

43. Lateral Patrol Hiring push.

44. Detention hiring push.

45. JSC hiring push.

46. Implementation of “Operation Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” pairing out-of-state hires with a local point of contact.

47. Updated hiring standards for drug use policies to align with FBI guidelines.

48. Refined automatic disqualifiers for potential candidates.

49. Enhanced psychological evaluation standards in collaboration with Dr. Smith.

50. Created a hiring information board for quick reference.

51. Revamped interview techniques to ensure effectiveness and consistency.

52. Standardized, consistent hiring practices across the department.

53. Coordinated the 2024 Awards Banquet.

54. Achieved 86.55% staffing to date.

Training Accomplishments

55. Standardized training content, focusing on high-quality, impactful sessions.

56. Conducted divisional meetings to identify and address training needs.

57. Developed a one-year training calendar to ensure adequate budget and course preparation.

58. Created quick-reference guides and checklists for efficiency.

59. Designed continuity books to preserve institutional knowledge.

60. Organized a department-wide report-writing course.

61. Ensured all instructors hold up-to-date certifications.

62. Hosted and attended a 40-hour “Train-the-Trainer” course.

63. Implemented a review process for all training lesson plans.

64. Relocated the simulator to a dedicated space for interactive physical and computer training on-demand.

65. Planned and scheduled leadership courses through LCCC, including Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three programs.

66. Launched the "Preparing for Leadership" courses through LCCC.

67. Hosted and attended the first 40-hour Tier One leadership course.

68. Enrolled in and attended the 264-hour Tier Three Leadership CPM course.

69. Introduced additional open training sessions (e.g., open mat, range, and simulator).

70. Established and centralized training record storage.

71. Participated in a 40-hour leadership summit in Denver.

Quartermaster Accomplishments

72. Hired a new Quartermaster, Allison Beres.

73. Relocated quartermaster stock to the third floor and restructured office spaces.

74. Outfitted a new office for the full-time quartermaster and part-time staff.

75. Began transitioning to Galls for online ordering, reducing the need for extensive on-site inventory.

76. Initiated inventory management using the WASP system.

Internal Investigations

77. Completed a 40-hour Internal Investigator course through Daigle Law Group.

78. Reviewed and revamped internal investigation processes.

79. Successfully managed only eight internal investigations this year, reflecting improved preventative measures.

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

80. Finalized the FTO performance portal in Power Ready for Patrol, Detention, and JSC.

81. Developing a FTO Manual for both trainers and trainees.

82. Standardized and structured the ground school curriculum.

Operations: Patrol

83. Made the job so that it was fun and the deputies felt valued

84. We deployed a test of ALPR, which identified errors at the state level. Our test deployment helped force the state to fix the problem, making it safer for peace officers and citizens across the country.

85. Tech Upgrades:

a. Light patterns for all emergency lights on vehicles

b. New World Upgrades

c. Shield Force

d. 4” printers for Brazos

e. Digital cameras and lenses for the Criminal Investigations Division

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f. Building out First Arrival

86. All sergeants and higher attend Tier 1 leadership courses at Laramie County Community College

87. Completed AMV lot expansion

88. Certifying more deputies in CIT

89. Push out two new weapons systems (Pistol and Rifle) to the agency

90. Monthly Inspection Form to assist supervisors in tracking activity

91. Roll out PJJ as an arrest and control tool.

a. Site visits to Grand Rapids Police Department and Mesa Police Department who run similar programs

92. Select or promote staff to corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant

93. National Night Out in 7 locations around Laramie County

94. Deployment of certified K9 patrol dog

95. Build new and strengthened relationships with other government and private entities, including F.E. Warren AFB, the Reiman Corporation, and WYDOT, on community and public works projects (e.g., the US 30 project and the Touch a Truck event at Archer in November).

96. Posse rollout and implementation

97. Halloween Sex Offender Compliance Checks

98. Deputies trained in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Worked with the Cheyenne Police Department on the CPTED project around Laramie County. Presentations to Laramie County Planning and Zoning.

99. Worked 13 months with two of the three lieutenant positions filled.

100. Project Safe Neighborhood grant with the Cheyenne Police Department through US DOJ for joint training and equipment

101. Reviewed national best practices, which allowed us to rewrite our pursuit policy

102. Standing up the Caverly Unit

103. Resurrect the Drug Recognition Expert program for the state.

104. Host a Drug Recognition Expert instructor school

105. Host a Drug Recognition Expert school and certify six new Drug Recognition Expert’s around the state

106. Create SAR plan, which is having response plans developed by the Laramie County Fire Authority

107. Creation of a Traffic unit with both motor and CMV enforcement capabilities

108. Response to the largest wildland fire in the history of Laramie County, which involved multiple home evacuations

109. New stranded motorist protocol with the local fire districts. This will get the stranded motorist assistance before it becomes an emergency.

110. Axon, continue to learn and optimize the BWC while preparing for Standards and other new tech upgrades in 2025

111. Replace several older vehicles with new.

112. Standardize the build process with our vendor

113. Redo car wash contract for unlimited car washes at a lower price point

114. Work with the Cheyenne Police Department and other entities in Laramie County on the growing OMG and other gang enforcement

115. Squad base PIO to increase our social media presence

116. Monthly squad meetings with the chief deputy

117. Power 360 with monthly supervisor/staff conversations

118. Monthly Inspection Form to track and see where patrol deputies are deficient

119. Pro QA overhaul and refresh (dispatch call types)

120. Building better relationships with the Town of Burns, the Laramie County Fire Authority, and Fire District 10

121. The Criminal Investigations Division assigned a deputy to property crimes

2024 Detention Division Accomplishments

BOOKING

1. Completed Phase 1, 2 & 3 of the revised FTO Program

CLASSIFICATION:

2. Reviewed and set to get approved four (4) new operational policies

3. Updated Classification Post Order

CONTROL

4. Several new Control Division Post Orders

5. Control Implemented new Policy and standards for key issuance and protocols

6. Wrote/created new Control FTO Manual

7. Wrote New Post Orders for Field Training Officers

DETENTION

8. NIJO Policies (122 approved to date)

9. Mandatory Inmate Drug Testing Program on Inmates

10. DRE Drug Testing Program in Detention

11. K-9 Drug Dog

12. Emotional Support Dog Program (weekly)

13. Elevator upgrades

14. Re-painting booking vestibule

15. Painting of all detention cells

16. Upgraded painting in the sally port

17. New Body Scanner

18. Updated policy and procedures for Body Scanner

19. Amnesty Boxes

20. Narcan is now issued to every deputy

21. Upgrades in C/D Pod

22. Detention Gym Equipment

23. Portable radio upgrades

24. All deputies issued Tasers

25. Implementation of 2-1-2 training

26. Collapsible walls in video court room

27. Created Medical Deputy Position

28. Wrote Medical Deputy Post Order

29. Held Mental Health Training for staff (Dr. Tatum)

30. Completed a facility wide shakedown in detention

31. Painted murals completed in C and D pods

32. Painted C/D Pod

33. Had security walls constructed in C/D Pod

34. Ordered Psych furniture for C/D Pod

35. Installed Psych security beds in all the cells in C/D pod

36. Installed security cameras in all the cells in C/D pod

37. Began reviewing and updating inmate handbook

38. Joined the Cheyenne PD Gang Intelligence Task Force

DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES

39. New Inmate Tablet Provider and Contract (NCIC)

40. Started Buddi ankle monitor system for inmate labor work programs

41. Started Inmate Labor Community Work Program

42. Hired New Detention Administrative Assistant

43. Hired one (1) Mental Health Counselor

44. Transitioned the Detention’s FTO program from a paper system to a digital system

45. Hiring of new staff for detention and participated in many oral boards

46. 24/7 Agreement signed with State of WY

47. Updated inmate grievance process tablets

48. Updated grievance Post Order

49. Conducted cross-training between Detention Administration and Booking Supervisor for billing processes

50. Participated in many hiring boards

51. Created a LEADS inmate request via tablet communication system to streamline inmate LEAD requests

52. Continued working to get newly hired deputies through the FTO program and assigned to the jail

53. Had new TV’s installed in lobby and created informational slides to be played on the TV’s for the public

54. Wrote a SANE Examination Administrative Directive

55. Wrote a Tuberculosis Testing Post Order

56. Completed writing the Detention Investigation Procedures

MEDICAL

57. New Medical Provider and Contract

58. Re-Painted Medical Infirmary

59. New computers in Medical

60. Hired two (2) new Mental Health Counselors

61. Hired two (2) new Psych Nurses

62. Hired new Medical Office Assistant

63. Started new inmate vaccine program with WY Dept of Health

64. Worked with a local Ophthalmologist to begin providing eye exams in the facility avoiding need to have to transport inmates out of the facility for eye appointments

MENTAL HEALTH

65. Obtained State certification to conduct Addiction Severity Index (ASI) exams

a. Met with Public Defender/Prosecutor’s office to formulate an operational plan

66. Began working with WY Department of Health in implementation of their new TelePsych program

67. Wrote Mental Health Authority Post Order

68. Wrote new Substance Abuse Evaluation and Referral Service Post Order

PROGRAMS

69. Increased the number or inmates attending programs in detention on a monthly basis

70. Started two new Inmate Programs:

a. Domestic Violence

b. Parenting Classes

JSC