HONORING OUR FEMALE DEPUTIES
National Police Woman's Day
September 12, 2020
National Police Woman's Day, observed every year on September 12, is dedicated to women in law enforcement. According to national statistics, 1 in 8 law enforcement officers in the U.S. are women, making up 12.6% of all sworn officers.
"There needs to be more women in this profession," says Lieutenant Tammy Townsell-Twombly.
Townsell-Twombly has worked for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office for 26 years. Every day, she puts on her badge and serves alongside the rest of our deputies. At times, even leading large teams of them.
“Being a small statured female, I’ve never assumed I can manhandle or force anybody to do anything. You learn real quick how to make small talk with people and how to diffuse situations," says Townsell-Twombly.
Townsell-Twombly doesn’t lack experience. She has served in every department at the sheriff's office except Internal Affairs and is the only woman in the agency's history to qualify for and serve on the SWAT team.
“I think it’s awesome more females are getting into this profession because I think we bring a more caring, nurturing side to people who need it, especially nowadays when people are suffering more from mental illness,” says Deputy Michaela Macre, who’s currently in training to be a patrol deputy.
At the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office, 19.4% of our 555 deputies are women and that number is rising. In 2013, we had 74 female sworn members, today, we have 103, that's a 39% increase in the last seven years.
If you speak with women at the sheriff’s office, they all agree on one thing: women need to help one another out and create avenues for mentoring others. Deputy Amanda Cruz-Giordano organizes an annual "Women in Law Enforcement" event each year designed to encourage college students to pursue a career in the industry.
“Know yourself, know your limitations and embrace them and then know that there is a place for you here,” says Deputy Amanda Cruz-Giordano. “It doesn’t have to be driving a patrol car, you can do so many different things.”
Only time will tell if adding more women to the force will improve relations with the community and help law enforcement out of the light it’s currently shown in, but one thing's for sure, there are plenty of strong, brave women willing to take on the challenge to serve and protect.
If you'd like to apply for a job at the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, click the button below to view our available positions. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WHY DO COPS RIDE HARLEYS?
By Deputy Patrick Sheil
Police departments and sheriff’s offices began using motorcycles in 1904. One of the first motorcycle units to form was at the Peoria, IL Police Department. Many others soon followed.
The motorcycle models have changed throughout the years, but the most commonly used motors are Harley Davidsons.
A police motorcycle is often called a "motor" by police officers in the U.S. Harley Davidsons have become the iconic police motor for the American police force with models varying from FLHTp Electra Glide to FLHP Road King and XL 883L Sportster. These models are custom tailored to fit the daily needs of law enforcement officers. Harleys also have a much lower center of gravity which makes them easier to maneuver at slow speeds, which is where most of their riding is done. They are extremely comfortable machines.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office uses motors year round and on a daily basis (weather permitting). They are fully equipped to carry a computer, paper work, and traffic enforcement equipment. In fact, Arapahoe County now has seven Harley Davidson Electra Glide motors. The county first started out with Kawasaki KZ1000 motors, then switched to Honda ST1300’s, and now uses the Harley Davidsons.
You may ask what is the point of a motorcycle unit? A motor is quicker and more maneuverable than a car allowing it to catch up to violators in heavy traffic. They're also more versatile for providing escorts for parades, funerals, VIP vehicles, and traffic control.
The ACSO's motorcycle unit is made up of six deputies who train monthly to keep their riding skills up. Some of the training includes slow cone maneuver’s, emergency braking exercises and riding in pairs. To become a motor officer you must complete an 80-hour training course. Most officers that put in for the motor unit say its one of the hardest courses to pass.
If you'd like to learn more about our Traffic Safety Unit, click the button below.
DO YOU BUY OR SELL ONLINE?
MEET AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE!
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office parking lot is now a community MeetUp spot where you can meet someone to inspect items and complete sales which take place online.
The area is brightly lit and has multiple video cameras.
When you get there, just look for the green Meetup sign located at the far end of the parking lot, closer to the Coroner's Office. Here's a few tips before you schedule a meeting:
- Always meet at a well-lit public location with lots of people around, like a cafe, shopping mall or police station.
- If you're buying a large item, bring a friend to help lift it.
- When leaving for your location, use OfferUp messages to tell the other person you're on your way.
- If you're running late, let the other person know.
Always remember, buying online CAN be dangerous. One of our lead investigators, Deputy Antonio Hernandez, recently shared some helpful tips with CBS4 Denver on how to safely buy things online. Watch the story below to learn how to better protect yourself.
WALK-INS WELCOME FOR GUN PERMITS
The process to obtain a concealed handgun permit in Arapahoe County is changing. Beginning October 5, 2020, it will no longer be "appointment only" for concealed handgun permits. Instead, we will open our doors to walk-ins.
We'll allow a total of 40 concealed handgun permits and fingerprinting PER DAY. Please make sure you have the correct paperwork completed before you arrive. For more information on what you'll need, click the button below.
CAN YOU HELP SOLVE THIS COLD CASE?
Kimberly Jean Grabin, 17
It is an all too familiar scene encountered by law enforcement personnel: a teenaged girl from a broken home, tinged with the darkness of sexual abuse, left to be raised in a juvenile detention facility. Kimberly Jean Grabin’s story might be that of countless young girls.
On the numerous occasions when she escaped her lock-up, Kimberly found acceptance among the “street people” who frequented East Colfax and the Capitol Hill area. Going by her nicknames of “Shadow” and “Shorty” she mingled easily amongst, and often would spend blocks of time with, her gay, straight, bisexual and transsexual friends.
Reported missing from the Lookout Mountain Juvenile Facility in July 1979, an initial investigation revealed that on August 17, 1979 Kimberly had been contacted by Denver undercover vice officers working in the Capitol Hill area. She, and those friends with her, were cleared and released.
The following day, August 18, 1979, late in the morning, witnesses spotted a blue blanket lying on Gun Club Road south of Interstate 70 and, within just a few feet of this blanket, lay the body of Kimberly Grabin. She was partially clothed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. It was determined that Kimberly had been strangled and sexually assaulted, her face bearing numerous cuts and bruises.
Between the late evening hours the night before and through that early August morning before her body was discovered, numerous witnesses reported seeing a light-colored car parked in that same area of Gun Club Road. The vehicle had out of state license plates and a few witnesses inside the car had been lying alone, as if asleep, and covered by the blue blanket.
Strong suspect leads have been developed in this case to include a male subject later arrested by the FBI for the rape and assault of a female in Rocky Mountain National Park. The female victim had survived the attack and the incident bore a striking resemblance to the assault against Kimberly Grabin just a few days prior.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office at 303-795-4711, or email coldcase@arapahoegov.com. To view all of our cold cases, please click the button below.
BUY A MASK. HELP A CANCER PATIENT.
Our NEW 2020 masks, which sell for only $6.00, are flying off the shelves!
"We can't keep them in stock. Every time we get more, they're gone within a few hours!" says Ginger Delgado, Public Information Officer.
The masks are just one item of many the sheriff's office is selling during September and October to support the fight against prostate and breast cancer. We also have sheriff patches in blue and pink, hats, challenge coins and pins. All the money raised from the sale of merchandise will go towards helping patients in Colorado who can't afford treatment.
It's the third year in a row, the ACSO is partnering with Littleton Adventist Hospital and KMGH Denver7 in this two-month campaign. During this time, you'll see stories like the one below about one of our deputies who survived cancer.
In September, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, our employees proudly wore blue patches to support men fighting prostrate cancer. Then, we'll wear pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to support breast cancer patients. We also hold a photo contest to see who can get the most creative!
To learn more about who is at risk for prostate cancer and who should get tested, watch Denver7's interview below with a doctor at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Thank you in advance for helping and supporting cancer patients in our community!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS?
Our world is rich with diversity, reflected in the holidays and observances celebrated by various cultures. At the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, knowing about the different holidays and celebrations throughout the year enhances our workplace diversity and inclusion efforts.
For example, did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.
October is also LGBT History Month, a U.S. observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of the gay-rights movement.
For a list of all the Diversity Holidays for 2020, click the button below.
MOUNTED PATROL UNIT TEACHES BLIND KIDS HOW TO GROOM HORSES
Blind students from the Colorado Center for the Blind got a chance to get up close and personal with our horses last month. Deputies and volunteers with the mounted patrol unit taught them how to clean and groom horses at Sterne Park in Littleton. We think we turned them all into horse lovers!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars!
WIN A FORD F-150 TRUCK!
Have family or friends who would like our e-newsletter?
Please encourage them to sign up for The Detail, our monthly e-newsletter. They'll stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings from the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. It's simple. Just forward them this newsletter, tell them to click the button below, scroll to "News Flash", and check the box "Sheriff's Office News."