The primary function of the Criminal Division is law enforcement: responding to citizen's calls for assistance, investigation of crimes committed, traffic law enforcement through proactive traffic stops, and crime prevention through public education. The Criminal Division consists of the Chief Criminal Deputy, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Detectives, K-9 Handlers, Traffic Enforcement, Animal Control, and Patrol Deputies. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division also manage a Marine Services Unit, Force Training Unit and a Bike Patrol Unit. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division also participates in the multi-agency Critical Response Unit and Drug Task Force.
K-9 Unit
The Sheriff's Office currently has four K-9 units. 'Behr' assigned to Sergeant Tracy Gay (left), 'Titus' assigned to Deputy Sean McKechnie (left center), 'Tango' assigned to Deputy Justin Rivas (right center), all three of which are Apprehension K-9s, and 'Stetson' assigned to Deputy Welter (right) as a Narcotics Detection K-9.
Marine Service Unit
In 1999, the Sheriff's Office was the recipient of two personal watercrafts from the Polaris Corporation for use in a Marine Services Unit. In addition, the Sheriff's Office has several other watercraft that are used for search and rescue operations and patrol during flood seasons. The deputies assigned to the Marine Services Unit are fully trained to utilize all of our watercrafts for marine law enforcement and search and rescue functions.