Law Enforcement

Patrol
Deputies assigned to patrol are primarily responsible for providing police services to the citizens of Stephenson County who reside outside of the corporate limits of the City of Freeport. Some of the duties and responsibilities of patrol deputies include; responding to calls for service, traffic enforcement, paper service, warrant service, and conducting criminal investigations.

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K9 Unit
The Sheriff’s Office has two deputies who have State certified police canines; both are assigned to patrol nightshifts.  Our K9 units train on a regular basis and can perform many important functions including; search & rescue, narcotics detection, and violent offender apprehensions.

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Crime Suppression Unit
The Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) is a specialized group within the Law Enforcement Division comprised of sworn deputies whose primary function is the detection and suppression of crime within Stephenson County. The focus of the unit includes narcotics investigations, felony firearms violations, human trafficking, criminal interdiction, saturation patrols in problem areas, fugitive apprehensions, and assisting specialized units from other law enforcement agencies when needed.

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Court Security
Deputies assigned to court security screen visitors at the front door, transport prisoners, and provide courtroom security.  Additionally, court security deputies provide security services during meetings of the Stephenson County Board.

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Highland Community College
The Sheriff’s Office is contracted by Highland Community College to provide law enforcement services.  Currently, one full-time deputy is assigned to HCC and works closely with HCC Administration to provide a safe environment for staff, students, and visitors.

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Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team (ERT), is a specialized unit of deputies who are highly trained and properly equipped to respond to high-risk incidents.  Examples of missions which could necessitate a response by the Sheriff’s Office ERT would include; high-risk warrant service, barricaded subjects, hostage situations, active shooters, dignitary protection, covert surveillance operations, and narcotics search warrants.

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