Patrol & Field Operations

The Patrol & Field Operations Division is the frontline of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, proudly serving over 190,000 residents across more than 900 square miles of diverse terrain. During weekdays, the population in Kanawha County grows to well over 200,000 as people commute into the Charleston Metro area for work.

Around-the-Clock Protection

In 2024, our Patrol Division responded to over 40,000 calls for service, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to public safety. This division operates 24/7/365 across four shifts, each managed by a Shift Commander and Assistant Shift Commanders. The division falls under the leadership of the Field Operations Commander, who reports directly to the Chief Deputy.

Specialized Support Units

To strengthen our patrol efforts, the division is supported by a number of specialized units, including:

  • K-9 Unit

  • S.W.A.T. Team

  • Bomb Squad

  • Crash Reconstruction Specialists

  • S.T.O.P. Team (Selective Traffic Operations Patrol)

These units provide advanced capabilities for handling a wide range of critical incidents and public safety challenges.

Community-Based Policing

To better serve our communities, the Sheriff’s Office operates several detachment offices across the county. These local offices allow deputies to remain in and respond more quickly to outlying areas. Detachments are located in:

  • Chelyan

  • Elkview

  • Sissonville

  • Cross Lanes

  • Saint Albans

Equipped for Excellence

Patrol Deputies are the backbone of our department. They undergo ongoing training and are equipped with the latest, most effective gear available. Each patrol vehicle is outfitted with:

  • In-car camera systems

  • Radar and license plate readers

  • On-board computer systems

  • Tools for criminal and traffic crash investigations

This ensures our deputies are always prepared to respond quickly and safely to any situation.

How to Contact Us

Emergencies should be reported by calling 911, which connects directly to METRO 911, our central dispatch center.

For non-emergency assistance, please contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169.