Patrol Operations

There are 18 deputies assigned to the  patrol section.  Patrol answers all calls for service throughout Fluvanna County and investigates all manner of criminal complaints. Deputies of the Patrol Section are also responsible for patrolling almost 288 square miles of area.

The primary responsibility of the Patrol Section is to answer calls for service. Those calls range from alarms, burglary, disorderly conducts, domestic assaults, larcenies, trespassing, vandalism/destruction of property, etc.  Patrol Deputies take reports on criminal activities in Fluvanna County. Patrol Deputies also attempt service on criminal warrants, make violators of the Code of Virginia, process and investigate incidents/offenses assigned. Patrol Deputies appear before appropriate Courts and give truthful testimony regarding matters before the Court. They prepare and maintain case files, records, and criminal histories. Patrol Deputies also transport to jail and assist citizens with the magistrate. 

The Patrol Section also works to promote traffic safety in the county.  During their patrols, they conduct speed enforcement activities.  They also respond to and investigate motor vehicle crashes that occur in the county.  DUI enforcement is a top priority of the Patrol Section.

Beyond basic law-enforcement training, Patrol Deputies specialized training domestic violence, DUI recognition, search and seizure, interviewing, leadership, firearms, use of force, drug recognition, conflict management, and field training, crime scene investigation.

Animal Control Operations also falls within the Patrol Section.   Patrol currently has five deputies who a certified in animal control. 

Members of the Patrol Section work closely with the Fluvanna Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Lake Monticello Police, the Virginia State Police, Conservation Police Officers, and deputies from adjoining jurisdictions.  The Sheriff’s Office also partners with the Shelter for Help in Emergencies to help victims of intimate partner violence reach out to a specially trained advocate through the Lethality Assessment Program. 

The Section is divided into 4 rotating shifts that work, 12-hour tours of duty.  Patrol Units are commanded by Sergeants.   A power shift compliments the patrol section by providing additional staffing at peak times.  Fluvanna County Deputies are assigned take-home cars and currently, the Patrol Fleet consists of marked Ford Interceptor sedans, Ford Interceptor Utilities, and Dodge Chargers. All pursuit-rated patrol vehicles are equipped with mobile data terminals, radar, and in-car camera systems.  Animal Control operates two Ford F150 4x4 trucks.  There is also a Harley Davidson motorcycle assigned to the division for traffic enforcement and special events. 

The Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Program also falls under the Patrol Section, although they help in other areas of the Sheriff’s operations.  Reserve Deputies are sworn volunteers who have either previously been law enforcement officers or who have been the specialized Reserve Deputy Training Academy.  Reserve Deputies do no patrol alone but serve as back up to the paid deputy.  They also provide additional staffing for special events and major crime scenes.