Overview
Directed Patrol Units operate in the larger metro districts of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Each unit consists of a sergeant and four deputies with varying levels of experience 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 a 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 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 various districts. 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. One project currently underway in the Foothills District is Operation: Flowing Wells Safer. In conjunction with the Meth-Free Alliance this Directed Patrol 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.
If you have questions on any Direct Patrol issue or have a suggestion for a project, do not hesitate to contact us at
pcsd@pimasheriff.net by typing “Direct Patrol” in the subject line.
Working together we can make Pima County a safer place to live.