Overview
The Foothills Directed Patrol Unit consists of a sergeant and four deputies with a total of 25 years of experience in the Foothills District and over 35 years in law enforcement. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department strongly embraces the philosophy of community policing, which is a partnership between law enforcement and the community. The mission of the Foothills Directed Patrol Unit is based on the community policing concept. Deputies, along with the community, share the responsibility of identifying, reducing, eliminating, and preventing problems that impact community safety. By working together we can reduce the incidents of crime, improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods and workplaces. In this effort, the Foothills Directed Patrol Unit works to identify and prioritize problems. Proactive problem-solving strategies are developed and implemented to address identified issues. The strategies used have been successful because they mobilize the efforts and combined resources of law enforcement, the community, and local government.
The Directed Patrol Unit analyzes statistics and monitors crime to identify specific problem areas and then conduct special operations to target ongoing criminal activity. Directed Patrol is able to focus on a specific area or problem, while regular patrol units continue to handle calls for service. We utilize a variety of traditional and non-traditional investigative tools in an effort to reduce crime trend hot spots, deter future crimes, identify perpetrators, and arrest suspects in the commission of a crime. Some of these methods include decoy operations, covert surveillance, use of informants, and undercover operations. We also act as a link between centralized detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division and Counter Narcotics Alliance and the Foothills District. We assist with investigations, the service of search warrants, and special operations. Directed Patrol deputies routinely participate in community organization meetings and neighborhood groups.
The Direct Patrol concept involves community support. Currently the Directed Patrol Unit is involved in Operation: Flowing Wells Safer. In conjunction with the Meth-Free Alliance the Unit is working to empower the citizens of the Flowing Wells community to take back the neighborhoods from a methamphetamine epidemic that has long plagued the area. As a result of this project the Unit has established the Meth-free Tip-line 520-351-6329. The public in encouraged to leave information regarding criminal activity on this line for follow-up by Directed Patrol Deputies. We can also be reached at
pcsd@pimasheriff.net by typing “Foothills Direct Patrol” in the subject line.
Working together we can make Pima County a safer place to live.