The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Division is vital to the basic operations of the organization in that it oversees three functions:

• Applicant Background Investigations
• Training
• Internal Affairs
• Audit & Inspections

Applicant Background Investigations

The background unit is responsible for investigating applicants to ensure they meet the high standards of employment maintained by the Sheriff’s Office as well as the unsurpassed level of professionalism. This system is critical in maintaining the quality of service we provide to the citizens of Garfield County. Detailed investigations are undertaken to scrutinize the past history of applicants to include previous criminal behavior, prior work performance, credit, personal relationships, character and driving record.

Training

One of the most critical aspects in law enforcement today is training.  It is vital in ensuring that all personnel are better prepared to act decisively and correctly in a variety of situations.  It is the duty of the Professional Standards Division to ensure that all employees receive the most innovative and current training available. We must remain diligent in striving to stay current with ever-changing laws and to provide these changes to our employees.  We believe our employees are only as good as we train them to be.

Some of the training includes:

Internal Affairs

The goal of internal affairs is to ensure that the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office is maintained through an internal system where objectivity, fairness, and justice are assured by intensive, impartial investigation and review.  Internal investigations are necessary to clear employees who are falsely accused, as well as correct and/or discipline those who violate Sheriff’s Office standards, rules, policies and procedures.  This process also assists the Sheriff’s Office in identifying training and policy needs.

It is the policy of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office to document and investigate all complaints regarding Sheriff’s Office employees.  All allegations shall result in a final disposition. The Professional Standards Division shall be responsible for the administration of internal affairs matters and acts directly under the authority of the Undersheriff. This policy does not exclude a supervisor from imposing routine corrective action and /or discipline as appropriate.

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics