>> Keeping Records and Keeping Tabs (12/2007)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

Nobody expects to be a victim of crime or crisis.  Still, being prepared for the unexpected can pay off.  Here are some suggestions for recording vital information in case of a crime or emergency.

What's In Your Wallet?
If someone stole your wallet today, what would you do?  While none of us think it will happen to us, the truth is that it might.  In case it does, make photocopies of the contents, including your driver's license, other identification cards, passport, medical insurance card, and proof of auto insurance.  Do not carry your social security card in your wallet.

Rarely are crime victims able to list the contents of a stolen wallet or purse.  But providing this information to deputies gives law enforcement a better chance of returning stolen goods to their owners.  Also, having copies of important cards can help get you through day-to-day necessities until the wallet is recovered or replaced.

Electronics and Other Valuables
If Santa brought you a new iPod, stereo, computer or television, record each item's serial number.  The Sheriff's Office recovers a lot of stolen items but often is unable to track items back to specific victims.  Recording serial numbers and taking digital photos of your valuables can help law enforcement identify them as yours in the event they are stolen.  Your insurance company also requires this type of documentation when addressing your claim.

Legal Papers
In the event of a fire or other natural disaster, the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management team recommends making copies of all legal papers, including: marriage license, proof of home/property ownership, vehicle titles, wills, insurance policies, bank account information and jewelry/valuable appraisals.  Keep these copies in a safe deposit box at your bank, or at another secure location away from the originals.

Yourself
If you have a medical condition, consider completing a "File of Life."  The File of Life is a simple form that contains critical medical information that can assist medics responding to an emergency at your home.  To request a File of Life, contact the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management office at 303-271-4900.

Your Best Friend
Licensing reunites lost dogs with their owners.  A dog license can be traced 24 hours a day, every day of the year by an on-call animal control officer in any part of the county. The license database includes home and alternate phone numbers, a secondary person to contact in case of an emergency, as well as medical and dietary information on the dog.  For more information on licensing, visit http://animalcontrol.jeffco.us.

Cats are not licensed in Jefferson County.  However, both cats and dogs should wear an ID tag with the owner's contact information.  Microchipping is also a good way to ensure your cat or dog's safe return.

Your Most Treasured Possession
Sheriff's Office representatives distribute child identification kits at community events like the Sheriff's Safety Fair.  These do-it-yourself kits contain areas for your child's fingerprints, photo, medical information, DNA sample and physical description.  After parents complete these ID kits, they then keep them in a safe place.  In the event a child goes missing, parents can quickly provide this essential information to law enforcement. 

Residents of unincorporated Jefferson County may request a free child ID kit from the Sheriff's Office by e-mailing aburns@jeffco.us.  Quantities are limited.


Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: May 20, 2009 11:25 AM