February 23, 2024 |
Photo – An old sign hangs outside the Sheriff’s Office – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has taken the step to clarify why an out-of-county deputy is necessary.
During the February 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken said he’s been questioned about his department’s use of an extraterritorial deputy. This is a fancy way of saying a deputy who does not live in Carbon County. Speaking to the board, Sheriff Bakken confirmed that he does, in fact, have one deputy living outside of Carbon County on his roster. The sheriff said the same practice has been used in the past.
A written statement provided to Bigfoot99 by Sheriff Bakken says, “Historically, we have struggled to find deputies willing to live in the eastern towns of Medicine Bow and Hanna. Since we have no resident deputies in these areas, and the municipalities are currently unable to provide their own law enforcement, this deputy’s primary area of coverage is the eastern half of the county, including these municipalities.”
At Tuesday’s county commissioners meeting, Sheriff Bakken reiterated that fact and said Carbon County’s large size requires creative problem solving.
Sheriff Bakken said the deputy in question was living in Rawlins and working for the Carbon County Sheriff’s Department before moving to Albany County.
At the February 20th county commissioners meeting, Sheriff Bakken said having an out-of-county deputy is in line with the Extraterritorial Law Enforcement Assistance Memorandum of Understanding he has with Albany County Sheriff Aaron Appelhans. Sheriff Bakken said Carbon County is not the only place in Wyoming using out-of-area deputies.
Sheriff Bakken told the commissioners that Wyoming law does not forbid the use of out-of-county deputies. The sheriff said any residential requirements only apply to his position.
Sheriff Bakken said having a deputy operating out of Albany County will allow his department to respond to calls in Hanna, Elk Mountain, and Medicine Bow more quickly and uphold Carbon County’s part of the Extraterritorial Assistance MOU with Albany County.
