Key Takeaways:
– Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak put up a red, blinking ‘vacancy’ sign above the county jail door.
– The sign is a witty warning to potential criminals and an assurance that the crimis ready to accommodate them.
– This comes after a previous administration’s policy of not fully enforcing booking protocols during the pandemic.
– The sheriff aims to uphold the law without compromise and is not put off by unconventional methods, as proven by previous law enforcement recruitment strategies.
Have you ever come across a ‘vacancy’ sign at a hotel, signaling they have room for more guests? The Laramie County jail in Wyoming has adopted a similar tactic. But they’re not looking for guests. They’re alerting potential criminals.
A Warning to Potential Offenders
By hoisting a large, blinking, red sign above the entrance of the county jail, Sheriff Brian Kozak made his intentions plain. “We’re open for business,” he stated. This eye-catching sign is not just aesthetic, it serves a clear-cut message. It’s warning offenders contemplating illegal activities that the deputies won’t hesitate to make an arrest.
“This sign shows that our jail has space, and our deputies are ready and waiting to book criminals charged with crimes,” Kozak explained. The sheriff’s actions underline his commitment to maintaining law and order in the county.
Changing Prior Policies
This strategy follows a period where a former administration had let gaps in law enforcement slip through their fingers. For over two years, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many booking protocols were put aside. Defendants involved in nonviolent crimes were often left free, despite their offenses.
But Kozak adamantly aims to change things. His straight-to-the-point ‘vacancy’ sign emphasizes that the jail has room. Those who break the law, regardless of the crime, should expect to face the consequences. “Criminals, you are welcome in our jail,” the sheriff bluntly stated.
A Busy Intersection of Attention
The colorful vacancy notice is strategically positioned, too. Located at the bustling junction of Pioneer Ave. and 20th Street in downtown Cheyenne, the bright red flashing sign is hard to miss.
Intriguingly, this is not Kozak’s first venture into unconventional methods. In the past, he was known to adopt unique strategies shopping around his law enforcement vacancies. He even advertised his open deputy positions in downtown Denver, a whole 100 miles away. The aim? To attract officers dissatisfied with Colorado’s less amenable laws to law enforcement, compared to Wyoming.
What’s the Capacity of the Laramie County Jail?
With the sheriff making it clear that the jail is open for new entrants, one may wonder, how much room is there, really? As of now, the current inmate population is approximately 170. But, with a total capacity of about 450 inmates, the facility is far from being overcrowded. So, Kozak’s flashing sign of warning is not just an empty threat – there’s ample room for any willing guest.
In conclusion, Sheriff Kozak has taken an innovative yet direct approach towards crime prevention in Laramie County. By signaling the availability of prison space with a bright, flashy ‘vacancy’ sign, he has reminded potential law-breakers of the unwavering might of the law. His actions showcase a unique combination of creativity and assertiveness, serving as a stalwart reminder for all that crime does not pay.