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Franklin County citizens are protected by 36 full time road patrol deputies. For public service efficiency, the Patrol Division is divided among 4 patrol squads consisting of 9 personnel on each squad, protecting 4 established zones for Franklin County. Each squad is supervised by a sergeant and corporal. Attached to the Patrol Division is the Traffic Safety/DWI Unit that consists of 6 full time personnel, also being supervised by a sergeant and corporal. The primary function of the Traffic Safety/DWI Unit is to aggressively enforce motor vehicle laws and search for impaired motorists. Two public relations/D.A.R.E. deputies also present the D.A.R.E. program to 19 schools in Franklin County and make numerous appearances for public relations events and speaking engagements. A training sergeant is also attached to the Patrol Division whose primary responsibility is to instruct, coordinate classes, and manage all training for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The training sergeant is also the SWAT Commander. All 43 personnel and a clerk are under the supervision of Captain Steven H. Elliott and Lieutenant Thomas D. Leasor.
The Patrol Division provides a variety of complex services for the citizens of Franklin County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks per year. Ultimately, there is never a time when Franklin County is not protected by deputies of the Patrol Division. Response time for deputies is enhanced by the use of in-car computers, enabling deputies to remain in their respective zones while completing reports. Also, each patrol vehicle is equipped with an in-car camera system and many patrol vehicles are equipped with radar equipment. Deputies utilize other technology in the performance of their duties such as Tasers and less lethal bean bag rounds.
Deputies are trained to appropriately respond to any call for service that is received no matter how dangerous, work in all kinds of extreme weather, rotate shifts every 28 days, and work 12 hour shifts. When they aren’t actively investigating an incident they patrol their respective zone in search of criminal activity. Deputies take a great deal of pride in the way they perform their duties, serving the public, and bringing criminals to justice.