No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental and spiritual burdens than today's law enforcement officer. These burdens also affect the officer's family and other members of his or her department. Law enforcement agencies need the specialized guidance, counseling and assistance for their officers, families and communities.
The new Cherokee County Detention Center began operations in the summer of 2008, leaving behind an inefficient 1922 model, only designed to hold a maximum of 43 inmates awaiting trial. However, the Detention Center expanded this capability to nearly 150 inmate beds, including separate medical, juvenile, female and male pods. Captain Mark Patterson oversees operations in the Detention Facility.
The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for the investigation of serious crimes that occur in Cherokee County. The Division is staffed with seven full-time detectives and is supervised by Lieutenant Joe Wood. Detectives not only receive cases assigned for further investigation from the Patrol Division, but they also work with the Department of Social Services and independent leads in their pursuit of justice. In addition, the unit has specialized training on crimes involving Internet Crimes Against Children and other electronic crimes.
The Patrol Division provides services to all of Cherokee County, which is approximately 466 square miles. The Division is comprised of 16 deputies who are assigned to 3 overlapping 9-hour shifts to provide 24 hour coverage.
Victim Advocacy
It is the mission of the Cherokee County Victim Assistance Program to identify and promote access to the opportunities and resources victims need in order to recover from a traumatic event. In addition, this unit will strive to promote justice for victims, by ensuring a voice for victims.