Patrol
The Patrol Division has 37 full-time licensed deputies and is made up of one Captain and six platoons directed by a Sergeant with five deputies. The platoons work twelve-hour shifts that rotate from days to nights every two months. The Patrol Division is supplemented by COPS deputies in Stewartville, Byron, Eyota, and the Townships of Rochester, Cascade, and Haverhill. Additionally, two deputies are assigned as School Resource Deputies in Byron and Dover-Eyota Schools. Four more deputies work two power shifts that rotate to cover the evening shift change periods.
The Patrol Division also has two Fleet Maintenance personnel that install equipment and perform routine maintenance on the squad cars to keep them in excellent condition.
Numerous deputies in the Patrol Division are trained in various aspects of service including
- Joint teams with the Rochester Police Department on the K9 Team
- Emergency Response Unit
- Forensic Mapping Unit
- Project Lifesaver (Autism Search Team) and
- The Crisis Intervention Team.
Other capacities of expertise in training include Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun Instructors, Use of Force instructors, Less Lethal force, D.A.R.E. Instructors, Field Training Officers, Intoxilyzer Operators, Drug Recognition Experts, and the Honor Guard
The Patrol Division is very active in traffic safety programs such as Safe and Sober, Nightcap and HEAT. These grant-funded programs enable the division to provide extra squad cars on the highways to enforce DUI and traffic laws. Olmsted County is continually recognized by the MN Office of Traffic Safety for their diligent efforts in these programs
With a population of nearly 150,000 citizens, Olmsted County ranks eighth in population size among Minnesota counties with the third-largest city in the State; Rochester. Olmsted County consists of 18 townships and seven cities, for a total area of 653 square miles.
The members of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division take pride in providing effective, efficient, and fair law enforcement when the persons who live and travel throughout Olmsted County need assistance. Ever present, day or night, regardless of the conditions or circumstances, using leading law enforcement technology, all deputies are prepared to assist in any way possible to maintain all Olmsted County residents and all visitors are safe and secure.
The Patrol Division does periodically allow ride alongs. Those applying for a ride-along will be subject to a background check and be required to meet specific criteria and approval from the Patrol Captain. Usually, these requests are made by interns majoring in law enforcement, however, we also welcome interested citizens who wish to experience a ride-along.
Applying for a ride-along
Complete the ride-along request form below: