Patrol and Traffic

The Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol consists of 31 full time employees.  They patrol four different zones with one roving car on per shift.  Within the Road Patrol is a traffic section consisting of two cars.  These cars primarily work traffic complaints but do also respond to other calls when needed.  Traffic cars are equipped with in-car video and fixed radar equipment.

Several members of the Road Patrol are also cross-trained to deal with methamphetamine labs.  They are often called upon to assist the Drug Unit on larger lab or drug cases.  Road Patrol Deputies have recently received training on two non-lethal weapons.  One being the bean bag shotgun, and the other the electronic Taser gun.  The Road Patrol Deputies average 30,000 plus miles a year, per car from responding to calls and patrolling Franklin County. 

Since a law enforcement sales tax was passed in 1996 the Road Patrol has added a significant number of deputies.   This expansion has allowed us to zone the county off in four sections.  We also have a roving car to cover areas where zone cars may become busy.  With the rapid growth of Franklin County, Road Patrol deputies often find themselves going from call to call with little time for follow up investigations.

In order to cut down on miles traveled, various areas have donated office space to the Sheriff’s Office to develop substations.  The Board of Directors for Lake Serene in Catawissa, Sullivan Fire Protection District at Stanton, and New Haven Ambulance have all donated space for substations. 

Marijuana seized by the Road Patrol.

Part of approximately 1,700 total pounds seized since the first of 2004.