The Uniform Patrol Division consists of four separate units. Traffic, K-9, School Resource and Uniform Patrol.
Uniform Patrol is the largest unit within the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department. There are 52 Deputies assigned to the Uniform Patrol Unit. These Deputies are assigned to one of four shifts that work on a 12 hour rotation. DeSoto County is divided into 8 wards which Deputies are assigned to patrol.
Traffic Unit is comprised of three divisions within itself. Traffic officers are assigned to work motor vehicle accidents as well as enforce traffic laws. Several of our traffic officers are assigned to DeSoto Counties Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team. They assist in the reconstruction of major accidents in DeSoto County. Motor Unit is the unit handles funeral escorts, dignitary escorts and special events. We also have D.U.I. enforcement officers that are assigned to the Traffic Unit. These Deputies are equipped and paid by a grant that was secured in 2009 through the Governors Highway Safety Initiative.
K-9 Unit is comprised of 6 deputies and their K-9 partners. Our K-9 deputies and their partners are trained in the detection of either narcotics or explosives. They are also crossed trained in the apprehension or location of suspects or lost persons. While not conducting K-9 operations the deputies are assigned to drug interdiction efforts within DeSoto County.
School Resource Officers program was started in 2008. This unit is comprised of 6 school resource officers. All of the School Resource Officers have attended specialized training to deal with issues that may arise within their respective schools. Our School Resource Officers are highly dedicated to the Safety of teachers and Students of DeSoto County.