The latest crime-fighting tool in the Cochise County sheriff’s arsenal is a customized jumping castle.
The inflatable castle — in shades of green to match the uniforms worn by sheriff’s deputies — is emblazoned with department’s emblem along with the words “Sheriff,” “Cochise County Jail” and “We Lead The Way.”
Sheriff’s staffers plan to take the castle to community events to generate public interest in the department and its activities, including the Child Identification Program — or CHIP — in Douglas Saturday.
Deputies and CHIP volunteers will help parents create a kit of identifying materials for their child, free of charge. Kits may contain a fingerprint card; a physical description; a video, computer disk or DVD of the child; a dental imprint; and a DNA sample. The purpose of the kit is to provide critical information to law enforcement in the event a child goes missing.
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The customized jumping castle cost about $3,000 and was paid for using RICO money, said Carol Capas, spokeswoman for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department.
The anti-racketeering funds are generated by law enforcement activities that result in asset forfeiture proceedings. Once forfeited, proceeds are deposited into the county RICO funds and are expended in accordance with state and federal laws and guidelines.
“We are excited to be able to get something that will allow more interaction between the sheriff's office and the public,” Capas said.
