The Patrol Division operates under the leadership of Lieutenant Joseph E. Wood, whom has been apart of the Sheriff's Office for over six years. His career at the Sheriff’s Office includes time spent in Patrol, at the Detention Center and in Investigations, before returning to the Patrol Division as Patrol Lieutenant in 2005.

The Patrol Division provides services to all of Cherokee County, which is approximately four hundred and sixty-six square miles. The Division is comprised of three overlapping nine-hour shifts that cover six zones and each deputy is assigned to patrol two or more zones. We have a total of eleven full-time Deputy Sheriff's providing service and out of that number there are three Deputy Sheriff Sergeants assigned to supervise each shift as well as complete their patrol duties.  Lt. Wood acts as Watch Commander over all shifts and ensures that the traditional patrol duties are carried out, such as responding to all incidents in which a citizen requests an officers, responding to 911 calls, filing of official reports, service of warrants, service of domestic violence protection orders and other civil documents, security for the court and assisting all other law enforcement agencies and emergency services when requested.  In addition to basic services, these officers participate in Drug Interdictions, Safety Check Points, and proactive patrol techniques including checking local businesses after hours. 

In February of 2006 the Patrol Division was awarded a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to purchase two used, fully-equipped Patrol vehicles to combat Impaired driving in Cherokee County. The grant provided a savings to Cherokee County of over $ 27,000.000.  

In June of 2006 we competed against numerous agencies across the United States for six grants through the National Tactical Officers’ Association.  This agency was awarded three of these six grants, one of which is one M26 Taser from Taser International (The Taser is a less lethal device that gains compliance from a combative without having to use hands on techniques). This grant saves the office approximately $1,000.00 for the tool and more importantly injuries to both officers and suspects.   Also awarded was a grant for ten ballistic helmets resulting in a savings of over $5,000.00.  Officers will utilize these helmets when they encounter a known suspect or situation that will likely require deadly force.  Finally, one grant allows two deputies to attend specialized training in tactical building entry, where a known danger exists. These two deputies will then return and train others in the Patrol Division.  This grant saves the office approximately $2,000.00.

Each Patrol Unit is equipped with all necessary warning lights and devices as required by law, as well as items to provide basic roadside services to the motoring public. Other items include fingerprint collection kits, field test kits for controlled substances, and protective equipment.  Each full-time unit is also equipped with a Mobile Data Terminal which allows deputies to check for wanted or missing persons and to run serial numbers of possible stolen items. The terminals have also increased the amount of time an officer is on patrol by allowing the officers to complete all incidents and arrest reports in the vehicle and allow them to remain stationary in their patrol zone. Until this year, deputies had to come to the main office in Murphy to complete reports. Vehicles are also equipped with a video camera and microphone. These cameras have been instrumental in prosecuting many cases and are invaluable protection for the citizen and the deputy. 

We have also created the first Sheriff's Office sub-station, in order to better serve the geographic area of western Cherokee County.  It is located at 784 Highway 294 in the Hiawassee Dam Community, within the Emergency Services' building.  (We are currently in the process of setting operation hours for this office.)  A sub-station for eastern Cherokee County is in the preliminary stages of planning.