Department Divisions

Division/Unit Descriptions and Duties

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Aggressive Driving Unit is a specialized division committed to promoting roadway safety and reducing traffic-related incidents within the county. This unit focuses on identifying and addressing high-risk driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, and other forms of aggressive conduct that endanger motorists and pedestrians alike.

Equipped with advanced technology and vehicles tailored for high-performance pursuits, the Aggressive Driving Unit actively patrols known trouble areas and works in collaboration with community stakeholders to improve road conditions and driver awareness. Through a combination of enforcement, education, and outreach programs, the unit aims to foster a culture of responsible driving, ultimately reducing accidents and saving lives.

In addition to traffic enforcement, the Aggressive Driving Unit often supports broader public safety initiatives, including event security, escorting dignitaries, and participating in community engagement events to strengthen relationships between the sheriff's office and the public. The unit's dedication reflects the sheriff's office's overall mission of ensuring a safe and secure Mecklenburg County.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force is a specialized unit dedicated to combating illegal drug activities and their associated impact on the community. This task force operates with a dual focus: disrupting drug distribution networks and addressing substance abuse issues that contribute to crime and public safety concerns.

The team employs advanced investigative techniques, intelligence gathering, and interagency collaboration to dismantle operations involving the manufacturing, trafficking, and sale of illegal narcotics. The task force frequently works alongside federal, state, and local agencies, leveraging combined resources to target high-level offenders and organized crime groups responsible for drug proliferation.

Beyond enforcement, the Drug Task Force engages in community outreach and education programs aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting prevention strategies. This includes partnering with schools, local organizations, and treatment centers to address the root causes of addiction and support recovery initiatives.

With a commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Mecklenburg County residents, the Drug Task Force embodies the sheriff's office's proactive approach to reducing drug-related crime and fostering a stronger, healthier community.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team is an elite unit trained to respond to high-risk situations that require specialized skills, equipment, and tactics. The team's primary mission is to resolve critical incidents with minimal risk to public safety, law enforcement personnel, and suspects.

S.W.A.T. is tasked with handling operations such as hostage rescues, barricaded suspects, counter-terrorism, high-risk warrant service, and crowd control during civil disturbances. Team members undergo rigorous training in areas like close-quarters combat, marksmanship, breaching techniques, and crisis negotiation to ensure they are prepared for any scenario.

Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, protective gear, and technology, the S.W.A.T. team operates with precision and discipline. They often collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, sharing resources and expertise to address regional threats effectively.

In addition to their operational role, S.W.A.T. serves as a resource for public engagement, conducting demonstrations, and participating in community events to build trust and educate residents about their role in maintaining public safety. Representing the highest standard of tactical law enforcement, the Mecklenburg County S.W.A.T. team stands ready to protect and serve in the most challenging circumstances.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Investigation Division is a vital component of the agency, tasked with uncovering the facts behind criminal activities to bring offenders to justice and ensure community safety. This division is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into a wide range of crimes, including violent offenses, property crimes, cybercrime, fraud, and other complex cases requiring specialized expertise.

Comprised of highly skilled detectives and investigators, the division utilizes advanced forensic tools, surveillance techniques, and intelligence analysis to gather evidence and build strong cases. The team often collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and community partners to share resources and enhance investigative outcomes.

Key functions of the Investigation Division include interviewing witnesses and suspects, analyzing crime scenes, managing case files, and presenting findings in court. Detectives also work proactively to identify and target emerging criminal trends, focusing on preventing offenses before they occur.

Committed to professionalism, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Investigation Division plays a crucial role in maintaining justice and upholding the rule of law within the community. Their dedication reflects the agency's mission to protect and serve the citizens of Mecklenburg County.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit serves the community by providing critical support in law enforcement operations through the use of highly trained police dogs and their handlers. These K9 teams help enhance public safety by performing a variety of essential tasks, including tracking suspects, searching buildings and large areas, detecting narcotics, and locating explosives. Their presence helps officers apprehend suspects more safely and efficiently while also deterring criminal activity.

Operationally, each K9 and handler undergo rigorous training to work seamlessly as a team. The dogs are trained from a young age in multiple specialties, such as tracking, apprehension, narcotics detection, and explosive detection. Handlers dedicate daily time to maintaining the dogs' skills, and both dog and handler participate in ongoing certification to ensure they remain highly effective in the field.

The K9 Unit is deployed in diverse situations, such as supporting traffic stops by detecting illegal drugs, assisting with high-risk warrant service, conducting explosive sweeps at public events, and verifying compliance with sex offender regulations. The dogs live with their handlers, allowing for continuous bonding and training, which strengthens their partnership and effectiveness.

Through these efforts, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit plays a vital role in protecting the community, enhancing officer safety, and improving the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations.