Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is home to the small but quickly growing group, Community Safety Volunteers (CSV), a specialized team of trained civilian professionals.
The CSV is a non-commissioned, unarmed unit responsible for handling non-emergency calls, among other tasks. By taking on these responsibilities, CSV members free up sworn deputies' time to attend to higher-priority incidents, ensuring resources are used efficiently and response times for emergencies remain fast. This model delivers immediate, tailored service to residents while strengthening overall public safety.
Most volunteers on the CSV are retired members of the community they serve, who share an interest in law enforcement and the safety of their community. They are deeply committed to keeping Douglas County a great place to live, play and work.
Like Gene Neiges, the CSV Patrol and Program Recruiter. Originally from New York, Gene moved here 12 years ago after retiring from a long career in financial services. He, like most volunteers, was looking for a fulfilling way to give back in retirement
Upon moving to Highlands Ranch, Gene spent time serving as a docent at the Denver Art Museum, but upon learning about the CSV, decided it was time for a new challenge
In addition to his time volunteering on patrol, Neiges has taken on the responsibility of recruiting other volunteers for the program. His pride in the program is palpable.
“We are fully vetted and trained for our jobs, uniformed and drive specially designed vehicles,” says Neiges. “Our program is now 20 years old, and we are a model program for other police organizations around the country.”
CSV members perform a wide range of duties that directly support both the community at large and the Sheriff’s Office:
Patrol: Patrol CSVs drive specially designed vehicles and assist deputies with tasks such as house watches, traffic control, VIN verifications, vehicle impounds, and citizen assists.
Community Parks and Open Spaces: Increased patrol of open spaces and parks is another place CSVs can be found. These locations are abundant, and a patrol vehicle adds a significant sense of security to the citizens who use them.
Warrants: CSVs conduct misdemeanor fugitive notification calls to reduce the number of outstanding warrants and perform felony fugitive research.
Investigations: CSVs support detectives in and out of the office with a variety of duties, including liquor code inspections, financial crimes assistance, locating video footage, and other related tasks.
Additional Support Areas: CSVs also perform essential ongoing duties, including armory support, Office of Emergency Management support, Computer maintenance, firearms simulator operations and many other areas that leverage our volunteers’ skill sets.
By managing non-emergency situations, the CSV significantly reduces the workload on sworn deputies, allowing resources to be directed toward urgent, critical incidents.
Equally important, CSV members serve as a bridge between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. Their frequent, positive interactions with residents — during routine assistance rather than emergencies — help foster trust and mutual respect.
“By contributing thousands of volunteer hours, our Community Safety Volunteers help advance the mission of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office while saving taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Their dedication extends the reach of the Sheriff's Office and also strengthens trust, visibility, and safety in our neighborhoods. They’re proof that when the community and law enforcement work together, everyone benefits.”
The CSV represents an innovative and practical approach to law enforcement, demonstrating that civilian support is a vital component of a comprehensive public safety strategy.
To learn more about the expanding Community Safety Volunteer program and its role in Douglas County, visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website, dcsheriff.net.