The SCSO was created on May 26, 1772 when the High Sheriff position was created. The main duty of the High Sheriff was to collect taxes.
Organization
The agency is currently headed by Sheriff Timothy C. Carter. The SCSO has over 100 sworn and civilian staff. The SCSO was accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition on September 26, 2006.
Divisions
Patrol
The Patrol Division Deputies patrol the County 24 hours a day365 days a year. They respond to crimes in progress and assist citizens in distress. They also investigate crimes against persons and properties. While patrolling, deputies perform security checks of business and residences as requested along with patrolling trouble areas to eliminate problems. They enforce the traffic laws and proactively search for crimes in progress along with impaired and dangerous drivers to keep the roads safe. The Divisions also has a Narcotics Detector Canine at its disposal. Division Deputies have specialized training in crash investigation, commercial vehicle safety inspections, criminal interdiction and serve on specialized units.
Investigations
The Sheriff's Office Investigators currently investigate all major crimes and when requested, will assist the local town police with major crime scenes. The Sheriff's Office can deploy several crime scene technicians and a mobile processing center. This vehicle is able to provide a base of operations for the investigators and store the many tools used in the detection of crime and collection of evidence. The Investigators have many responsibilities that include case investigations, victim follow-ups, recovery of evidence, pre-trial and post trial interactions with victims. The nature of the crimes that are handled by this group are usually the worst, ranging from embezzlement to murder. They also provide expert assistance to the Patrol Division with evidence collection and surveillance. Investigators attend specialized and advanced trainings including the rigorous 9-week Virginia State Forensic Science Academy. Some Investigators also serve on a regional Drug Task Force and Gang Task Force.
Jail
The Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail on U.S. 340-522 replaced facilities in each of three counties July 1, 2014.
Court Services
The Sheriff also has a full-time staff to provide security for the courts and judges. Deputies also handle the movement of inmates to and from court and transport arrestees for booking or to other jurisdictions for incarceration.
Special units
Tac Team Consists of members that are highly trained and well equipped to handle dangerous and hostile situations. They respond to barricaded persons, hostage incidents, serve high risk warrants and search for armed and dangerous suspects or fugitives. Some Team Members serve in specialized positions such as Negotiators, Sniper/Observers, Tactical Medics and Breachers. Search and Rescue Team Team members respond to person that have become lost or gone missing due mental illness, medical problems or many other reasons. They attend training on navigation, wilderness survival, tracking, search techniques, evacuation of victims and management of searches and are certified through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Members of the department also responded regionally to assist other agencies with searches when requested. Honor Guard Members provide Funeral Honors to fallen and passed Deputies and other Law Enforcement Officers. They also serve as the "guardians of the colors" by displaying and escorting the national and state flags on ceremonial occasions.
