Divisions

1. E-911 Communications

   Cherokee County E-911 Communications Center is staffed by public safety professionals who are trained to answer 911 and non-emergency telephone calls as well as dispatch police, fire/rescue and emergency medical services. The 911 team works in partnership with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Andrews Police Department, Murphy Police Department, Cherokee County Emergency services, 14 fire departments, Andrews Rescue Squad, North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC and US Forestry/Wildlife Divisions to ensure the safety and quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors of Cherokee County. Each telecommunicator is trained and certified both as North Carolina Telecommunicators and Emergency Medical Dispatchers. Theresa Creasman is the division supervisor.

2. Chaplain

   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.

3. Detention Center

   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.

4. Investigations

   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.

5. Patrol

   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.

6. Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT)

   The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team, or SERT is a multi-jurisdictional unit that has the primary responsibilities of responding to hostage situations, barricaded criminals, high risk warrant service, and situations that are beyond the capability of standard police tactics, training, and resources. SERT's number one goal in any call out is the protection of lives and the safe resolution of the incident. Through strenuous training and extreme dedication, SERT members are ready for any situation.

7. 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.