Deputy Michael Cole on duty. Photo by Richie Richards
NSN reporter does ride-along with Pennington County Sheriff
Sees the Rapid City street scene through the eyes of a deputy
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer RAPID CITY –– There is an exhilaration attached to the acceleration of the turbo charged engine of a law enforcement cruiser as the lights are turned on and the sirens sound as a traffic stop begins. On the afternoon of April 8, Native Sun News was there to experience this rush of adrenaline during a ride-along with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). As part of the race relations and reparations currently being acutely examined in Rapid City, the PCSO is welcoming the attention of Native Americans to their staff and day-to-day operations in hopes of generating employment interest in their office. Each of the three patrol shifts begins with a 30-minute briefing at the Public Safety building. This is an overview of patrol needs and changes in rules or upcoming events. At this briefing, the supervisor discussed a PCSO App for smart phones coming soon, fitness testing preparations, Islamic Day on June 5 & 6 at Ramkota, consent must be confirmed for drawing blood on DUI arrestees, and three reservists will be “on board soon.” Deputy Michael Cole, formerly a youth pastor of 14 years, began his career with the PCSO as a Correctional Officer in the jail before applying and being accepted to patrol in July, 2013. The shift began by checking all weapons, both lethal and non-lethal, spike strips and trauma kit, followed by an inspection of the patrol cruiser. The deputies must check the inside and outside of the vehicle for damages sustained and for items which may have been left behind by arrestees in the back seat on the prior shift. During the “rove” patrol, the ride-along began with a conversation about priorities on patrol. Deputy Cole said, “First, securing the scene. We are always concerned about safety first. When we arrive on a scene, we are concerned with our own safety and those who are on the scene.” The PCSO patrols within county limits, but focuses their attention on the needs and requests of the community including within Rapid City limits. If there is an area which needs attention, they will be there for the service of citizen requests for patrol. On this day, there were four deputies and a supervisor on patrol for different areas of the county. As the ride along headed out towards Sturgis Road, a call came in for a deceased dog lying on the side of the road. This was important to the family who called so Deputy Cole made the call important to his patrol. The dog was placed in the cruiser. The family was contacted and the body was turned over to them. “Every call is important to us, even if it is a dog on the side of the road,” said Deputy Cole. During patrols, deputies are given Sex Offender Location Verification (SOLV) forms as part of their duties. Deputies must go to the home and confirm the residence of the registered sex offender on the form. Once two pieces of recent mail are provided, this SOLV form is completed. This is part of the monitoring of registered sex offenders living in the county. One form was completed and one was not on this ride-along. “You definitely see a side of society which is not commonly seen,” said Cole as he told personal stories of his time as a deputy. The drifting eyes spoke of the trauma he has been through in helping families during times of crisis. On “extra patrol”, the deputy drove through neighborhoods which were devastated by storms and neglect. Officer Cole talked about a program in which the PCSO came out and cleaned up the area in collaboration with residents as part of community relations. The highlight of the ride-along came during a routine patrol of Sturgis Road, when a passing driver was clocked on the radar speeding. The deputy checked traffic, ahead and behind, and turned around hitting the gas pedal as lights and sirens were turned on simultaneously. A traffic ticket was issued. Deputies have the discretion of issuing tickets, giving warnings, and making arrests based on the criminal and driving history of the individual. One of the myths Cole wanted to debunk was “quotas.” Certain people believe an officer on patrol must meet monthly quotas in order to keep their jobs or meet requirements. This is not true according to Cole although if an officer is not performing to a certain standard, the officer will be notified. After two years on patrol, officers of the PCSO become county coroners as well. They can pronounce death, take photos, and verify it is not a crime scene. They do not determine cause of death. In closing, Cole said, “The PCSO look for good communicators. It is important that an officer is able to talk with the community. They must be able to deescalate a situation with the least amount of aggression. We’re not here to violate people’s rights or take away their rights. We just want everyone to be safe.” Any person over the age of 18 is welcome to request a ride-along with the PCSO. (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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