Field Operations

The Field Operations Division of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office serves more than 190,000 citizens and covers over 900 square miles. The daytime population of Kanawha County swells to well over 200,000 as workers commute to the many Charleston Metro area employers from nearby counties.

The Field Operations Division responded to over 43,000 calls for service in the year 2011. The division is overseen by the Field Operations Commander under the direct supervision of the Chief Deputy. Four shifts operate around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Each shift operates with a Shift Commander and Assistant Shift Commanders. The Field Operations Division is also assisted by support units such as, K-9, Bomb Squad, S.W.A.T., motor vehicle crash reconstruction specialists, and the department’s S.T.O.P. team.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office utilizes detachments to help Deputies remain in the outlying communities while serving the citizens of the county. Citizens will find detachments in the Chelyan, Elkview, Sissonville, Cross Lanes and Saint Albans areas of the county.

Road Patrol Deputies are the back-bone of the department. They receive continuous training and are issued the latest, safest equipment available.  Patrol vehicles are equipped with cameras, radar, on-board computer systems, as well as an array of tools to assist Deputies in criminal investigations and the investigation of traffic crashes.

Several members are assigned to a community policing function. They have divided Kanawha County communities among them, and attend events, fairs, and meetings in their areas. They also assist answering 911 calls, serve warrants, and oversee special events.

The Field Operations Division is dispatched to calls for service by the METRO 911 center. Citizens with emergencies are urged to call 911. Non-emergency calls for the Sheriff’s Office may be placed to 304-357-0169.