The patrol division responds to calls for service 24 hours a day 365 days a year in the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County (approx. 2200 square miles). The sheriff’s office is also contracted to provide law enforcement service to the Town of Dolores. Patrol deputies are federally cross-deputized through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to assist BIA with mutual aid in emergency situations on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation.

Patrol deputies enforce traffic safety, proactively patrol to detect and detour crime, investigate criminal allegations, apply for and serve warrants, serve civil processes, and assist the community in identifying resources to solve other issues. Ultimately, they are the keepers of the peace. Deputies work 12 hour shifts, rotating three days on, three days off, then two days on, two days off. They rotate shifts every three months.”. Shift pick is based on a system using seniority for the order of choice. Due to the vast area of the county and subject to being called out on short notice if needed, patrol deputies are assigned take-home patrol units.

21 sworn Certified Colorado Peace Officers staff the patrol division under the direction of a lieutenant with 4 operational supervisors who are sergeants. Deputies coordinate with each other as well as other law enforcement agencies within the county to meet the needs of the community. Selected deputies have special expertise in FTO, certified VIN inspections, water law, livestock issues, and some are certified, instructors. Deputies continually receive training to remain current on contemporary issues, improve proficiency, and meet certification requirements.