CHEYENNE, WYOMING: Wyoming sheriff Brian Kozak has come up with a unique approach to tackle the series of thefts that have taken place in the state by assembling a 'Wild West' style group of volunteers to 'round up' the perpetrators before the holiday shopping season.
The group will be dressed in cowboy hats and uniforms as a means of fighting against lawlessness and theft in the community.
"Talking to the shop owners here in Cheyenne and some of the major box stores, they tell me there has been an increase in theft the last few months", Laramie County sheriff Kozak told the Cowboy State Daily.
"They would just feel better having a civilian uniform presence — someone who can immediately call the police," he added.
Wyoming sheriff is confident of his new maneuver
Kozak said there is a general perception that the criminals won't get caught or prosecuted with the surge in crime rates across Wyoming. He clearly stated that it is not the case anymore and that the posse was established to make that clear to the public.
"There seems to be a perception out there that (thieves) are not going to be prosecuted; however, our new district attorney is doing a really good job of prosecuting cases and going back and prosecuting (old) cases," Kozak said.
In January this year, Laramie County District Attorney Sylvia Hackl was sworn in with a primary focus on criminal justice reform.
What is Sylvia Hackl's priority?
One of her priorities would be "establishing communication with all the stakeholders", which include crime victims, law enforcement and courts, according to the Wyoming Business Report.
Laramie is a small town located in southeastern Wyoming which is home to the University of Wyoming and has a population of about 30,000.
According to FBI data, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Laramie is 1 in 56. However, Laramie is still considered one of the most unsafe places in the US. For example, compared to Wyoming, Laramie has a crime rate higher than 86 percent of cities and towns of all sizes in the state.
What will be the duty of posse members?
According to Kozak, posse members won't be able to make any arrests despite Wyoming law allowing citizen arrests of burglars and thieves.
Their duties will only be limited to reporting the crime, and they are not instructed to tackle or arrest criminals. Zozak is also optimistic that the program will lead to a sheriff's search and rescue program.
What are the requirement criteria to become a member of the squad?
Applicants have to meet certain requirements to qualify as a member of the squad. Members must be at least 18 years old, have a GED or high school diploma, as well as a valid driver's license and no felonies, according to the outlet.
Other initiatives to tackle the crimes in the state
The Laramie Police Department has also reported the rise in the number of stolen vehicles in the area. According to Laramie Live News, at least ten stolen vehicle reports have been filed in the last 30 days in Albany County.
New laws are also introduced in addition to the 'Wild West' posse to tackle the rise in thefts.
As per the Wyoming File, a person convicted of four thefts in Wyoming can now face a felony and up to a decade in prison if they steal again. House Bill 112, theft-penalty for fifth or subsequent offense went into effect July 1.
Before it was a felony to steal something worth over $1,000 in Wyoming, or a "firearm, horse, mule, sheep, cattle, buffalo or swine" of any value.
However, the new law has turned a fifth conviction for theft into a felony, regardless of the price of the stolen property. Felony theft in Wyoming carries penalties of up to six months in jail and a $750 fine, while felony theft carries jail time and fines of up to $10,000.
According to Kozak, when he became sheriff, the first thing his deputies asked for were cowboy hats, so he gave them some. "They like the tradition, the history of the Western sheriff, especially here in Wyoming," he said to the Cowboy State Daily.
He is planning to provide cowboy hats to posse members as well. "They all wear hats. In fact, we issue (them)," Kozak added. "And I think it does look good with the uniform."
