General Info

The San Diego County Sheriff s Department is the chief law enforcement agency in the county of San Diego. The department is comprised of approximately 4,000 employees, both sworn officers and professional support staff. The department provides general law enforcement and jail functions for the people of San Diego County in a service area of approximately 4,200 square miles. In addition, the department provides specialized regional services to the county, whether they are needed in incorporated cities within the county or in the unincorporated areas not serviced by a city law enforcement agency. The sheriff, who is elected by the residents of San Diego County, is the chief executive officer of the department. He and his executive staff manage the large multi-million dollar operation. He manages seven major detention facilities, as well as seven major patrol stations, four patrol substations, a crime laboratory and the large number of support operations necessary to provide full law enforcement coverage for the county of San Diego.