Elite Teams Train Together for Hostage Rescues at the Jail
It's always been a goal of Lt. Rob Hedrick to bring two of the Sheriff’s Office’s most elite teams together for high-stakes training. That idea came to fruition last month, when the SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics) and the SORT Team (Special Operations Response Team) joined forces to prepare for a potential hostage rescue inside the Arapahoe County Jail.
“It’s definitely been one of our long-term goals to bring these two teams together,” said Lt. Hedrick, Commander of the SORT team. “I can't turn a blind eye to the possibility of a hostage situation inside the jail. Thank goodness it's never happened, but we have to be trained and ready.”
In February, SWAT joined SORT inside the jail for joint training alongside the Hostage Negotiations Team and a police K9. The teams practiced communication and tactics to ensure a coordinated response to chaotic situations.
The first scenario simulated a barricade situation in a nurse’s office, where SORT arrived first, then waited for SWAT before making a rescue entry. The inmate role-player was successfully removed and detained.
Another scenario involved a disturbance in the dayroom where another inmate role-player grabbed a deputy and took him hostage inside a cell. Teams responded and quickly resolved the situation.
In a real-world hostage situation, deputies have less-lethal options such as a Taser, pepper spray, flashbangs, and K9s, but if the situation is life-threatening, lethal force could be used.
Overall, Lt. Hedrick said the training was extremely successful and he hopes to conduct it annually moving forward.
"We want to stay sharp on these skills and keep practicing," says Lt. Hedrick. "There were a lot of good takeaways, and I believe it will keep both teams prepared."
Four Centennial Restaurants Cited for Serving Alcohol to Minors
The Sheriff's Office is cracking down on businesses that sell alcohol to minors. Recently, the ACSO's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), along with the Centennial Liquor Authority, has been selecting random businesses in an undercover operation to find out which ones are not checking for IDs correctly. In February, four bars and restaurants in the city of Centennial pleaded guilty to illegally selling alcohol to minors.
Investigators say restaurants and bars are chosen at random for compliance checks. Generally, undercover investigators will accompany a minor into the business. The minor will attempt to order alcohol. If they are served, investigators intervene.
In this recent operation, all four restaurants were issued citations ordering the owners to appear before the Centennial Liquor Authority to address their license status. Each owner entered a plea and paid a fine in lieu of suspension. But it didn't end there. The servers who didn't card the minors were also cited.
Investigators say they don't just target bars and restaurants, but also liquor stores and other establishments. The Special Investigations Unit says these operations take place throughout the year. For more information on Liquor Licensing in Centennial, click the button below.
Jail Prepares for Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases
The Arapahoe County Detention Center is taking proactive steps to protect the health and safety of everyone who lives and works within the facility. Because correctional environments involve close contact and shared spaces, preventing and responding quickly to infectious diseases is a top priority. The County is committed to ensuring that staff, inmates, and visitors are safeguarded through strong prevention measures and coordinated public health practices.
“When we consider the individuals experiencing incarceration at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility, it is important to remember that there is a direct correlation between public health and public safety during their incarceration and post-release,” said Carl Anderson, Chief Policy Advisor, ACSO.
To stay ready for potential outbreaks, the Detention Center regularly reviews and updates its infectious disease response plans using guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities. These efforts include verifying vaccination records, training staff to recognize early signs of illness, preparing designated areas for medical isolation as needed, and maintaining close coordination with local health departments to address emerging public health concerns.
“The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing quality service, and these trainings are important so we can feel confident we are meeting the needs of the individuals and communities we serve," says Anderson.
By prioritizing prevention and preparedness, Arapahoe County is helping to protect not only those inside the Detention Center but also the outside community. Through strong planning, clear communication, and collaboration with public health partners, the County continues its commitment to a safe, healthy, and well-prepared correctional environment. The Detention Center works very closely with the Arapahoe County Public Health Department and offers routine immunizations to inmates at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility on a quarterly basis.
ACSO Promotes Second-Ever Female Captain
Meagan Danitz has been promoted to Captain, becoming the highest-ranking female at the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and only the second woman in the department’s history to achieve the rank. Danitz was promoted by Sheriff Tyler Brown after 16 years of service, all of which she has spent working at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility.
“I love working at the jail. You really learn how to communicate with inmates and how you can help them," says Captain Danitz. "These inmates are going through one of the hardest times in their lives, and I want them to know I have compassion for them and want to help them realize there’s hope.”
Danitz began her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2010. She was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and later to Lieutenant in 2022. Now, as Captain, she takes on a new leadership role and greater responsibility - one she says she is ready for.
“I’m excited. It’s a great challenge, and it's also good visibility for women in law enforcement. I want to show other women there’s no limit to what they can achieve in a traditionally male-driven field. I’ve worked hard for this, and it’s important to have women in leadership," says Captain Danitz.
Danitz says she encourages young women in any field to shape their careers with determination and resilience.
“Work hard, accept criticism, learn from your mistakes, and do better next time. Never be afraid to ask for help. If you’re willing to learn and adapt, you’ll be very successful!”
Deputy Wins Award for Excellence in DUI Enforcement
Deputy Dale Hackler is Littleton Elks Lodge "Deputy of the Year"
"Deputy Hackler’s DUI enforcement has undoubtedly saved the lives of the citizens in Arapahoe County." -- Lt. Michael Reed
Deputy Dale Hackler has won the Littleton Elks Lodge #1650 Deputy of the Year award -- a prestigious honor given to him for his dedication to public service. His supervisor, Lt. Michael Reed, nominated him because of his outstanding work ethic.
"I have worked with Deputy Hackler for the last three years both inside the detention facility and out on patrol. He is a man of integrity who is always willing to take on additional duties and responsibilities and help out his fellow deputies both at work and on his time off," says Lt. Reed.
Deputy Hackler has worked at the Sheriff's Office since January 2020. He started at the jail, where Lt. Reed says he was always looking for ways to make the facility safer for both staff and inmates. He actively sought out drugs and weapons which had been smuggled into the facility. Because of his demeanor and ability to relate to people, inmates were always willing to provide information to him. In October 2023, Deputy Hackler moved to patrol, where he actively and aggressively worked to enforce DUI laws and take drunk drivers off the road. His supervisor says nearly every single shift he works, he makes at least one DUI arrest. He never shies away from DUI stops and crashes, and often assists other deputies with their DUI investigations.
Before he joined the Sheriff's Office, Deputy Hackler served his country as a United States Marine. Outside of work, he serves the rural community where he lives as a volunteer firefighter and EMT and still finds time to coach wrestling for elementary and junior high school kids. He also teaches fire safety to his community.
"He is an incredible, genuine person who is dedicated to serving his community in so many different ways," says Lt. Reed.
From all of us at the Sheriff's Office, thank you Deputy Hackler for your dedication and committment to this agency and for always looking out for the safety of our citizens.
Drug Take Back Day
DRUG TAKE BACK DAY is coming up soon. If you have unused, unwanted, or expired medications in your home, bring them to us, and we will properly dispose of them for you. We're partnering with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and our deputies will be on site at two locations to collect your prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office 13101 E. Broncos Pkwy, Centennial
Smoky Hill United Methodist Church 19491 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Centennial