The Civil Division specializes exclusively in civil process serving, efficiently handling approximately 20,000 civil processes annually. Our dedicated team ensures smooth communication with various courts and attorneys while assisting the public with any civil-related inquiries. The most commonly served items are witness subpoenas, warrants in debt, juvenile summonses and petitions, garnishments, show cause orders, writs of possession, and evictions.

Papers are required be served promptly and returns on each paper must show the date and manner of service and the name of the person served. Civil processes can be served in three primary ways:

1. Personal Service – Delivered directly to the individual.
2. Family Member Service – Left with a family member over the age of 16.
3. Posted Service – Affixed at the door.

The Court Security Division is responsible for ensuring the safety and integrity of proceedings at the following Augusta County courts:

• Augusta County Circuit Court
• Augusta County General District Court
• Augusta County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

The division's primary mission is to maintain a secure and professional environment in which all court proceedings can take place. The integrity of these proceedings is essential to upholding the justice system in the United States.

To fulfill this mission, the division operates security checkpoints at the main entrances of all court facilities, monitors and maintains order within courtrooms, public waiting areas, and adjacent parking lots, and ensures the safe transportation of inmates from correctional facilities across Virginia to their scheduled court appearances in Augusta County.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division will assign, equip, and train officers to investigate crime that occurs within, or affects the citizens of, Augusta County. The division investigate crimes against persons, property crimes, and computer crimes. Cases consist of major crimes generally felony in nature. These investigations may include robberies, homicides, sexual assaults, forgeries, breaking and entering, and major larcenies.

Investigators in the Narcotics Division provide full‑time enforcement of drug laws in Augusta County and are committed to reducing the flow of illicit drugs in the community. They collaborate with state and neighboring jurisdictions to investigate and dismantle narcotics manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Patrol Division is the backbone of the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. Deputies assigned to the division answer all calls for service in the county and investigate all manner of criminal complaints. The County's Emergency Communications Center dispatches the Patrol Division to calls for service throughout the almost 1000 square miles of area served.

The Division is divided into four (4) rotating shifts that work 12-hour tours of duty. Each shift will work 14-days per month, with 7-day shifts and 7-night shifts. An additional 'Power Shift' accompanies the four primary providing additional manpower at peak times.

The Sheriff's Office currently has four (4) assigned patrol districts: North, South, East and West. Each district is roughly 250 square miles in area. Shift deputies work each area in rotation for a period of one month.

Office Manager

The Office Manager oversees all of the functions of the Dispatch/Records Section. They handle the day to day operations of the section, serves as a VCIN instructor, and assists in the Department's Media Relations function.

Dispatch

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office maintains a 24-hour dispatch office that is staffed by certified dispatchers who are require to completed Basic Dispatch School and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) School. Dispatchers and office staff maintain all records, warrants, traffic summons, and NCIC/VCIN entries. Our dispatchers provide critical services to the entire Department and they are usually the first people citizens will come in contact with when they call.

Records Manager & Services Supervisor

The administrative support services section is supervised by a records manager. Additional duties include administrating Livescan and serving as a media relations contact, with general oversight of Dispatch, Civil Process Division, and the School Resource Division.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Canine (K9) Unit was originally formed in 1971, introducing its first Police Service Dog (PSD), "King," handled by Deputy Eddie Meeks. Unfortunately, "King" was killed in the line of duty. The K9 Unit was reestablished in 2001 with PSD "Dezeu," working alongside Deputy Brad Young, marking a renewed commitment to utilizing canine support in law enforcement.

Police Service Dogs are integral to the Sheriff's Office, performing numerous essential tasks. Their skills encompass tracking, agility, article searches, building searches, open searches, chases, apprehensions, and handler protection. They also provide vital support to the SWAT team during tactical operations, ensuring effective containment and assistance. To maintain readiness, our handlers are on call around the clock. Each handler must complete a rigorous training program that fosters strong teamwork between the handler and the dog.

In addition to their law enforcement duties, the K9 Unit participates in various public demonstrations each year. These events include public functions and school presentations, where the teams showcase the impressive abilities of their canine partners. Such demonstrations serve a dual purpose: they highlight the K9s' skills while also informing the public about the critical role these dogs play in enhancing community safety.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Firearms Division is tasked with the responsibility of training and qualifying all department members in the use of their issued weapons. This division also plays a vital role in assisting the SWAT Team with their qualifications on specialized weapons, ensuring that all personnel meet the highest standards of proficiency.

The Lead Firearms Instructor manages the procurement and budget for the entire firearms program, overseeing the financial resources allocated to training and equipment. The division operates from the SAW Range, a training facility that opened in 2006, serving the jurisdictions of Staunton City, Augusta County, and Waynesboro City. This facility allows for comprehensive training and reinforces the commitment of all three jurisdictions to maintain exceptional firearm skills and readiness among their law enforcement personnel.

The primary purpose of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program is to foster positive interactions between law enforcement and youth in the community. By facilitating these connections, the program aims to build a higher level of trust and create more effective channels of communication between the police and the younger population. Additionally, the program allows school staff and students to benefit from the extensive experience and education that law enforcement officers bring.

For more information on Augusta County Public Schools, visit their website at www.augusta.k12.va.us/.

The Augusta County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team is a dedicated tactical unit composed entirely of volunteers. Each member undergoes a rigorous selection process that includes physical agility testing, weapons qualification, and training in basic SWAT operations. Once selected, SWAT Officers complete both basic and advanced SWAT training through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), along with various specialized schools. The team engages in tactical training on a monthly basis and frequently collaborates with other jurisdiction's tactical units for joint training exercises. Members diligently maintain their existing skills while continually seeking to learn and adopt new techniques, ensuring they are always prepared for the challenges they may face in the line of duty.

The primary mission of the SWAT team is to respond to critical incidents, such as barricaded suspects, hostage rescue missions, hazardous warrant services, and dignitary protection, as well as any other operations directed by the Sheriff. This focused mission emphasizes the team's commitment to public safety and effective law enforcement. The overarching goal of the team is to save lives. To achieve this aim, the team stays at the forefront of training and tactics.