Sheriff D’Agostini recently restructured patrol deputy shifts which benefited the organization not only in a reduction of overtime but more importantly made more deputies available on calls for service and special assignments.  The restructured schedule allowed the Sheriff to increase the size of his Special Enforcement Detail from two deputies to four deputies and one sergeant.

The Special Enforcement Detail (SED) is a unique and sought after position within the Sheriff’s Office.  Deputies who make the cut for this assignment are typically well versed in daily patrol functions and have a keen ability to solve crime.  SED deputies are expected to focus their efforts on solving localized problems within the community.

The SED positions involve a one year commitment by all team members. The teams are staggered in such a way that every six months the senior team is replaced by a new team after completing its year of service.  The team sergeant is replaced annually.  
SED members wear full uniforms unless there is a need to do otherwise due to special circumstances.  The teams drive unmarked vehicles which are outfitted with emergency equipment.

The SED sergeant stays aware of current crime trends and remains in close contact with other units within the Department as well as outside agencies in order to gather information to identify where SED is most effective.

The primary purpose behind the Special Enforcement Detail is to support patrol with those duties which cannot be handled routinely by the patrol deputy due to the amount of involvement needed.  SED members remain actively involved in suppressing criminal activity throughout their shift, engaging in as much proactive activity as possible.  Other team activities include such things as probation / parole searches, high profile warrants, obtaining and serving search warrants, gang member identification and working special functions requiring a police presence.

Sheriff D’Agostini stated “having the SED team comprised of four deputies and a Sergeant/Supervisor allows them to be a stand-alone team without having to draw on the resources of patrol to conduct proactive patrols and focused investigations in communities experiencing an increase in crime.  The structure of the previous two-man team did a fantastic job but frequently needed to rely on patrol deputies and shift supervisors to augment their response to certain incidents and investigations.” 

On an ongoing basis the SED team members respond to problems which are brought to the attention of the administration and develop and act on a course of action which will remedy the situation.  Such activities include attending community and neighborhood watch meetings so that they can gain first hand knowledge from business owners and residents.  Working closely with these individuals has proved to be the best solution for long term suppression of problems.

On an ongoing basis the SED team members respond to problems which are brought to the attention of the administration and develop and act on a course of action which will remedy the situation.  Such activities include attending community and neighborhood watch meetings so that they can gain first hand knowledge from business owners and residents.  Working closely with these individuals has proved to be the best solution for long term suppression of problems.

SED Team members are also expected to obtain as much information as possible from reliable resources as well as from contacts made in the field and evaluate the validity of the information obtained from those contacts.  The information which is obtained is shared among the team members as well as other units when appropriate.  Team members act as a unit, develop information which is obtained and support the activities of each other whenever needed. The team remains flexible and available and will adjust their schedule, assignment and duties in order to best facilitate the needs of the Department and the community they serve. 

Sheriff D’Agostini went on to say “with the new, robust, shift sizes, coupled with the newly structured SED team, the citizens of El Dorado county are getting more service with a reduction in cost.”