(1175) Sheriff Operations Division

Serves the public by establishing a partnership with the community to protect life and property, prevent crime and solve problems. The Operations Division has principle law enforcement jurisdiction in all unincorporated areas of San Benito County covering approximately 1,396 square miles. The Sheriff also provides law enforcement services to the city of San Juan Bautista.

The division has three units, patrol, investigations and administration. The Patrol Division personnel are the first to respond to emergencies within the county. Patrol deputies handle the enforcement of criminal and vehicle code regulations. The Investigations Division is responsible for the follow-up of major crimes that are reported to the Department. Administration is responsible for the fiscal, civil and records/report functions of the Sheriff’s Office.

• Operations staff fully trained in implicit bias
• Dedicated staff to incident command for SCU-Lightning Complex fire
• Filled vacant deputy sheriff positions

• May have multiple retirements this year and will struggle to fill vacancies with qualified people
• Employee retention continues to be of concern
• Adequate staffing in both patrol and administration
• Available funding for new body-worn camera/taser program enhancing transparency and access to updated bodycam and taser technology

• Ability to over-hire to help with staffing shortages
• Develop a vehicle replacement plan
• Construct modern briefing/training room
• Continue to work with County Admin to enter into an agreement for the Body-worn camera and Taser Program