Submitted by
Deputy Cocha Heyden
Public Information Officer
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff David A. Weaver would like to remind the community that the United States Census Bureau employees may be back in your neighborhood in the next few months working on the next phase of the 2010 Census.

The Census data can be used to reapportion the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives and realign the boundaries of the legislative districts of each state. The data is also used in allocating more than $400 billion each year in federal financial assistance for schools and other taxpayer-driven programs. So, participating in the census and being counted is important, and is an investment that we should all make in our community.

Census Forms

Beginning March 1, census forms will be mailed or delivered to every household in Douglas County. The form has 10 questions. (The U.S. Census Bureau is using the phrase, “10 Questions, 10 Minutes.”) The forms will be available at some public buildings for those who do not receive them by mail. The bureau is asking that questionnaires be mailed back by April 1, official Census Day.

What to Expect, if you do not return your form

Starting in late April, Census workers will begin visiting households that have not returned these forms, and will work with residents to complete the forms in person. This activity is estimated to continue through August.

To avoid a visit from Census workers, simply fill out the form you receive in the mail and send it in quickly. If the bureau has your form, it won’t need to send someone out to gather the data in person.

A Census Worker WILL:

Conduct neighborhood visits mainly on evenings and weekends, when there is a better chance of finding folks at home.
Wear a variety of clothing. There is no uniform.
Carry informational literature from the U.S. Census Bureau in an official 2010 Census briefcase.
Wear an identification badge with his/her name. You may ask for a photo ID to confirm his/her identity. If you’re still not sure, you may call the U.S. Census Bureau’s regional office at 1-800-852-6159 to confirm.
Use an official 10-question form.
Ask about the number of people living in your home, their names, dates of birth, genders and races.
Ask if you own or rent your home.
Ask for your phone number to clarify an incomplete answer if necessary.

A Census Worker WILL NOT:

Enter your home under any circumstances. He or she will stand at the door to conduct all business.

Threaten you with arrest if you refuse to participate.
Call your home or mobile phone to conduct the 10-question interview.
Ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, driver’s license information, or any personal financial information.
Visit your household again after completing the 10-question interview. (You may be called to clarify an answer.)

Sheriff Weaver also encourages citizens to question “solicitors” that may be posing as canvassers. The census employees should have the proper identification and equipment on them. If they do not have what has been described and appear to be suspicious in nature, please call the non-emergency number for the Sheriff’s Office, 303-660-7500. Suspicious activity could include repeatedly knocking on your neighbor’s door and when no one answers, they try to open the door. Another indicator could be that when no one answers, the person goes into the neighbor’s backyard. Help be the eyes and ears of your neighborhood.

To learn more about the census and see the list of questions, visit 2010census.gov.