As the full-service law enforcement agency for Westmoreland County, we operate a number of specialty units and assignments to meet unique and specific needs throughout the county.
BIKE PATROL TEAM
Our Bike Team plays a vital role in enhancing public safety and community engagement throughout Westmoreland County. From special events to neighborhood patrols, our dedicated team of deputies is committed to serving our community with excellence and professionalism.
One of the key functions of our Bike Team is providing security and assistance during special events such as the Annual Colonial Beach River Fest, the Montross Fall Festival, various 4th of July celebrations, and Halloween trick-or-treating events. These occasions typically draw large crowds and increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Utilizing bike patrols allows for a more agile and efficient response compared to traditional vehicle patrols, especially in crowded areas where maneuverability is limited.
In addition to event coverage, our Bike Team is deployed for neighborhood patrols on an as-needed basis. These patrols enable deputies to engage directly with residents, fostering positive relationships and enhancing community policing efforts. Furthermore, our team strategically saturates statistically high-crime areas to deter criminal activity and promote public safety.
To qualify for the Bike Team, deputies must be law enforcement certified, have completed field training for patrol operations, and have at least one year of experience in independent patrol. Physical fitness is also essential, as bike patrol duties require deputies to meet rigorous physical demands. Each member of our Bike Team undergoes specialized training, including a comprehensive 40-hour course taught by a DCJS certified police bike instructor.
Equipped with heavy-duty mountain bicycles outfitted with essential safety features such as headlights, blue and red flashing lights, rear red lights, and trunk bags, our deputies are prepared to effectively patrol both high-density urban areas and remote rural locations. Whether operating in a high-profile fashion to engage with the public or in a low-profile mode for surveillance purposes, our Bike Team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of Westmoreland County.
CAININE (K-9) TEAM
Our K-9 team plays a vital role in enhancing public safety and supporting the efforts of our deputies in various law enforcement operations. Our highly trained and specially equipped Sheriff’s Office service dogs assist us in locating narcotics and individuals quickly and efficiently, ultimately leading to improved crime detection and prevention while ensuring the safety of both deputies and the public.
Our K-9 team consists of certified K-9 Handlers who have undergone rigorous training and certification processes. These handlers are responsible for the care and well-being of their assigned canines, ensuring that they are in optimal condition to perform their duties effectively.
The K-9 team has specialized capabilities in narcotic detection, tracking, and patrol. The use of trained dogs for drug detection is widely recognized by state and federal courts, with a positive alert by a trained narcotic detection dog serving as probable cause for arrest and the issuance of search warrants.
Our K-9 Handlers are tasked with various responsibilities, including ensuring the well-being of their assigned canines, patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls as directed, and carrying out regular deputy duties when not engaged in law enforcement actions with their dogs. Handlers have the ultimate authority to deploy their canines, evaluating each situation to determine appropriateness and adherence to policy and the law.
The utilization of our K-9s includes conducting building searches, assisting in the apprehension or prevention of escape of suspects, locating lost or missing individuals, detecting concealed narcotics, and providing crowd control during major civil disturbances, among other duties.
Our K-9 Handlers undergo comprehensive basic training at approved K-9 Basic Schools and maintain proficiency through regular evaluations and annual recertification. Additionally, they are responsible for the daily care and maintenance of their canines, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and medical attention.
At the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, our Canine Unit is dedicated to enhancing law enforcement capabilities, promoting public safety, and serving our community with excellence and professionalism.
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM (CIT)
Our CIT program is a vital component of our commitment to serving our community with compassion and understanding, especially in moments of crisis involving individuals experiencing acute episodes of mental illness. We recognize that law enforcement officers are often the first responders in these situations, and it is essential that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively and empathetically.
The CIT training curriculum is meticulously designed to educate and prepare our officers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to respond appropriately to individuals in crisis. Through specialized training, our CIT officers develop the expertise to de-escalate tense situations and provide support to individuals in need, all while fostering an environment of empathy and compassion.
Our ultimate goal with the CIT program is to reduce unnecessary restraint and incarceration of individuals with mental illness by providing them with appropriate treatment and support within the community. By intervening early and providing compassionate care, we aim to ensure the safety and well-being of both individuals in crisis and the broader community.
As members of the Middle Peninsula – Northern Neck Crisis Intervention Team, we collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, emergency dispatchers, mental health treatment providers, and others. Together, we strive to enhance our collective response to behavioral health crises and provide individuals with the support they need to navigate these challenging situations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not hesitate to call 911 for immediate assistance. Additionally, for mental health resources and support, we encourage you to visit the MentalHealth.gov website.
At the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, we are committed to fostering safer and more compassionate communities through our Crisis Intervention Team program. We believe that by working together and responding with empathy and understanding, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
CRISIS NEGOTIATIONS TEAM (CNT)
Our Crisis Negotiations Team plays a critical role in safeguarding the lives and well-being of individuals involved in volatile and life-threatening incidents. Whether it's an armed standoff, a suicide attempt, a hostage situation, a kidnapping, or a hijacking, our negotiators are trained to de-escalate tense situations and prevent injury or loss of life.
Currently, our team consists of two highly trained crisis negotiators who bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to their role.
Our negotiators undergo specialized training, including the FBI's Regional Crisis Negotiation Course, which equips them with essential negotiation tactics and skills. Throughout the course, they delve into crisis negotiation fundamentals, study real-life case scenarios, and engage in numerous scenario-based exercises to enhance their proficiency.
During training, negotiators are evaluated on both their individual capabilities and their ability to work effectively as part of a team. This rigorous training ensures that our negotiators are prepared to handle even the most challenging and high-pressure situations with professionalism and expertise.
The Crisis Negotiation Team of the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is committed to preserving life and resolving crises peacefully. Through skilled negotiation and strategic communication, we strive to achieve positive outcomes while prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved.
MOTORCYCLE (MOTORS) TEAM
Our Motors Team plays a crucial role in enhancing traffic safety and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in our community. Comprised of dedicated deputies, our motors team is responsible for enforcing traffic laws, directing traffic at accidents, intersections, parades, and community events. Additionally, they perform specialized duties such as radar enforcement, escort assignments, and vehicle code enforcement. Deputies in our Motors team are also assigned other operational functions as necessary, demonstrating their versatility and commitment to serving our community.
Participation in the Motors team is voluntary for sworn employees, who must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the role. Basic qualifications include being in and maintaining good physical condition, possessing a valid Virginia driver’s license with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement, and having a minimum of two years' experience in a sworn position. Additionally, deputies must maintain an above-average safety record, successfully complete a certified motorcycle training program approved by the Sheriff’s Office, and maintain high standards of performance evaluation.
Once assigned to the Motors team, deputies are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their motorcycles, ensuring that they are in optimal condition for safe operation. This includes maintaining all equipment contained within and on the motorcycle.
At the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, our Motors team is committed to promoting traffic safety, enhancing community engagement, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service. We are proud to serve our community from the saddle, ensuring the safety and security of all who travel our roads.
SCHOOL RESOURCE (SRO) DEPUTIES
Our School Resource (SRO) Deputies play a critical role in maintaining safe and secure learning environments for students and staff of Westmoreland County Public Schools. SROs serve as mentors, educators, and law enforcement officers, building positive relationships with students while ensuring the safety of our schools. Through proactive measures and community engagement, we prioritize the well-being of our youth and promote a conducive environment for learning.
SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) TEAM
As the primary coordinating authority for SAR operations in Westmoreland County, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members in times of crisis. Our SAR operations are conducted in strict accordance with the guidelines established by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), with close coordination with VDEM personnel when necessary.
Upon receiving a report of a lost person, our patrol units respond immediately to meet with the complainant, treating each case as a high priority. The on-duty patrol supervisor is notified and responds as appropriate to oversee the situation.
The decision to initiate SAR operations rests with the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator. Once initiated, the SAR team is mobilized promptly with designated personnel who have been trained and certified by VDEM to conduct SAR operations.
Once on the scene, the SAR Incident Coordinator assumes control of all search operations. They conduct an initial assessment of the situation and develop a "hasty search" plan utilizing local assets and personnel. The urgency of the situation, including factors such as the age, health, and physical condition of the individual, as well as weather conditions, determines the need for external support teams.
If outside assistance is required, the SAR Coordinator develops a detailed search strategy and establishes logistical support plans and staging areas to facilitate an extended search operation. This may involve deploying SAR agencies with specialized resources such as dog teams, aircraft, boats, and more.
In addition to SAR operations, the Sheriff’s Office personnel are trained to respond to other disaster and emergency situations that may occur in the county, including military or civilian aircraft crashes. In such cases, our personnel provide emergency first aid and evacuation as necessary, securing the scene until appropriate state or federal authorities arrive.
At the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our community members in all situations, and our SAR operations reflect our commitment to serving with excellence and professionalism.
STRATEGIC RESPONSE TEAM (SRT)
In certain law enforcement scenarios, the potential danger to citizens, victims, and law enforcement officers escalates, presenting unique challenges that demand specialized expertise and tactics. To address these challenges effectively, we have established the Strategic Response Team (SRT) as an invaluable resource in managing high-risk incidents.
The primary mission of our SRT is to ensure the safest possible resolution of high-risk law enforcement situations through rigorous training in advanced tactical concepts and procedures. Our team members undergo continuous training to stay at the forefront of tactical operations, enabling them to swiftly and decisively respond to critical incidents while minimizing risks to all involved.
At the helm of the SRT is the Team Leader, who holds command responsibility for guiding and directing the team's operations. Under the leadership of the Team Leader, our highly skilled and dedicated team members work collaboratively to execute precise and effective strategies in dynamic and challenging environments.
Membership in the SRT is voluntary, and positions on the team are considered additional duties. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and commitment to serving our community with excellence and professionalism.
The Strategic Response Team of the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office stands ready to respond to any situation that poses a heightened risk to public safety. We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting and serving our community, and we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in high-risk law enforcement incidents.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS) TEAM
Our UAS team consists of deputies who have undergone specialized training and certification to operate unmanned aircraft systems. These UAS provide us with an invaluable aerial observation platform, enhancing our ability to ensure public safety and mitigate potential threats, particularly in situations where a different perspective is crucial.
The use of UAS by the Sheriff’s Office is strictly governed by established protocols and guidelines. We adhere to Virginia Code, which outlines the circumstances under which a UAS may be deployed, including during the execution of a valid search warrant or in specific situations deemed necessary to protect public safety.
Instances where a UAS may be deployed without a warrant include scenarios involving missing endangered persons, suicidal or homicidal individuals, barricaded or armed subjects, active shooter incidents, bomb or improvised explosive device (IED) incidents, pre-planned events for public safety, and fleeing suspects.
Furthermore, our UAS assets may be utilized to support various non-law enforcement purposes, such as damage assessment, traffic assessment, flood stage assessment, wildfire assessment, and response to catastrophic events. Additionally, they may be used for audit purposes.
It is important to note that all UAS operations conducted by Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office personnel adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, and our personnel hold FAA Part 107 licenses.
At the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, our UAS program is dedicated to leveraging innovative technology to enhance public safety, protect our community, and respond effectively to a wide range of situations. We are committed to utilizing UAS in a responsible and lawful manner, with the utmost respect for individual rights and privacy.
