Sheriffs' Posses have existed in the United States since the 1700's. In the
West, territorial jurisdictions were vast and law enforcement was minimal.
Sheriffs and marshals often deputized ranchers, farmers, cowboys, and
townspeople to help enforce the law and hunt down and capture criminals and
escapees. Qualifications for these early-day Posse members required little more
than the ability to shoot straight, ride a horse, follow a trail, and survive
for long periods of time in the field. Records show that Posses have been used
to cover Larimer County's 2500 square miles since the 1880's. Our current Posse
was organized in 1956 and has continually served the citizens of Larimer County
since then.
In addition to completing a 200 hour Reserve Officer Training Academy which
includes: basic law, community relations, patrol procedures, communications,
arrest control, driving and firearms, new Posse members must also pass horse
skills testing, extensive background investigations, plus integrity and oral
board interviews. Candidates must also complete physical and psychological
testing. Once a member of the Posse, additional training is also offered in
mounted patrol skills, map/compass/GPS usage, car partner program, and other
specialized training offered by the Sheriff's Office. All Posse members carry a
minimum of a "Reserve Deputy Sheriff Commission".
The Posse is available to the Sheriff's Office 24/7. Every year the Posse also
produces and sponsors a two-day Kids' Rodeo as the kickoff for the Larimer
County Fair. This popular event provides county youth the opportunity to compete
in rodeo and gymkhana events while interacting with members and mentors from the
Posse. The Posse represents the Sheriff's Office several times a year in parades
and special community public relations events all over the county. These events
provide excellent positive image builders for the department.
Posse members provide security coverage for the weeklong Larimer County Fair and
Rodeo and for the 4-H Carnival. Other security details include crime scenes,
plane crashes, manhunts, floods, drownings, and forest fire roadblocks and
evacuations. All CSU football fans see a group of mounted Posse members working
the large Hughes Stadium parking and tailgate party areas. Social and political
demonstrations have also been successfully monitored by mounted Posse members.
The Posse is on call to provide assistance for search and rescue operations and
evidence searching. In the recent past, the Larimer County Sheriff's Posse has
been privileged to provide security for the Pope's visit to Denver and a visit
by President G. W. Bush to Rocky Mountain National Park. "We are extremely proud
of our Mounted Posse. They provide a valuable service to the community and to
our agency that budget constraints would otherwise prohibit," said Sheriff Jim
Alderden. "They work hard with no compensation other than my thanks and that of
our entire agency."
Internally, the Posse holds periodic "Play Days" in which members practice
horsemanship skills by competing in rodeo and gymkhana events. Additionally,
several weeks of concentrated handgun practice is conducted. All of this is in
preparation for the annual "State Posse Association Meet". This event is held
over Labor Day weekend. Posse members from around the State gather for
competitions on horseback and combat pistol shooting, meetings, and an awards
banquet. The Larimer County Sheriff's Posse has been fortunate to bring home the
all-around trophy many times. For further information about the Larimer County
Sheriff's Posse or for assistance in forming a Posse in your county, please
contact:
Larimer County Sheriff's Office
2501 Midpoint Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Attn:PosseCaptain