The Patrol Commander oversees the Patrol Division, which consists of 38 deputies. The deputies comprise four patrol squads; each squad under the direction of a Sergeant and Corporal, respectively. The division is responsible for 24-hour coverage of all areas within Benton County jurisdiction.
Contact: Commander Mathew Clarke
The Sheriff's Office has many extraordinary resources that have been created over the years to deal with special needs type situations:
- South County Patrol - The Sheriff’s Office has two deputies assigned to the south county. They patrol the agricultural areas of the county and provide a vital service to those in the remote parts of Benton County.
- K-9 Patrol - The Sheriff's Office currently has tone canine units deployed by the patrol division. The canine and handler are Washington State Certified.
- SWAT Team - The Sheriff's Office has 7 members specially trained in the use of special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Together they join other specially trained officers from Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, and Franklin County to staff a Regional SWAT Team of over 31 officers.
- Traffic Specialists - Two uniformed deputies, highly trained in accident investigations, are assigned to handle traffic enforcement and accident investigations within Benton County.
- Marine Patrol - The marine patrol, which consists of several deputies who are specially trained in boat operations, serves Benton County by patrolling the navigable waterways within the Sheriff's Office jurisdiction. The marine deputies, assisted by reserve deputies, provide regular patrols during the summer months and on an as-needed basis throughout the remainder of the year. The unit has one 23-foot aluminum inboard jet boats and one Safe boat, which are normally stationed throughout Benton County in order to provide quick response time to emergency situations.
Helpful boater information: You're required by law to carry a Boater Education Card if you meet the following criteria: Operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower or larger motor; You were born after January 1, 1955; You are 12 years old or older. There are many ways to obtain a Boater Education Card and to learn more about water safety. Follow the link to the Washington State Parks Boating Program website to learn more. To learn more about the Benton County Codes governing boating and water safety click the link, Benton County Code Title 7 BCC Chapter 7.22 BCC Boating and Water Safety.
School Resource Officers. Two specially trained deputies are assigned as school resource officers (SRO's) at Kiona-Benton high school in Benton City and Riverview high school in Finley. They serve as both law enforcement and security resources to the schools and community.
