2055904

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Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

"Proud to Protect, Ready to Serve"
Proud to Protect,
Ready to Serve

Specialty Units

Crash Reconstruction Team

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Reconstruction Team was established to assist Worcester County Deputies and allied agencies in the documentation and investigation of serious injury and fatal motor vehicle collisions when the agency deems special investigation skills are necessary to the success of such an investigation. Such special investigation skills may include the total reconstruction of the collision. Each member of the unit is a certified accident Reconstructionist and the team deploys the latest in technology to achieve the highest level of professional documentation. As part of the Reconstruction Teams goals, their investigations help prosecutors develop evidence in serious and fatal crashes and determine causes of such crashes. The Sheriff’s Office Reconstruction Team consists of 4 highly trained deputies who respond to serious crashes within Worcester County. They have been utilized in the tri-county area as well to assist local agencies with crash investigations.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is a specialized team dedicated to supporting law enforcement operations, enhancing public safety, and serving the community through the deployment of highly trained police service dogs. The unit consists of a combination of dual-purpose patrol dogs, a single purpose narcotics detection dog, a single purpose explosive detection dog, and an electronic storage detection (ESD)/therapy dog, each with unique skills and responsibilities.

Dual-Purpose Patrol Dogs

The dual-purpose patrol dogs are trained for both patrol and detection work. Their primary functions include criminal apprehension, tracking suspects or missing persons, conducting building and area searches, handler protection, and locating evidence. Additionally, these dogs are certified in the detection of illegal narcotics, making them a critical resource for both proactive enforcement and reactive investigations.

Explosive Detection Dog

The explosive detection dog is a highly specialized asset used to detect a wide range of explosive materials. This K9 supports operations at public events, schools, government facilities, court rooms, and other high-profile locations where the risk of explosive threats may be present. The dog works closely with deputies to ensure safe evacuations and provide rapid threat assessments, bolstering the Sheriff’s Office capabilities in counter-terrorism and public safety.

Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) Dog

The ESD dog is trained to locate hidden electronic devices such as cell phones, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage media. This unique capability is vital for assisting in cases involving child exploitation, fraud, and other technology-related crimes. The ESD dog works alongside investigators to uncover evidence that might otherwise remain undetected during traditional searches. In addition to this specialized skill, our ESD K9 is also certified as a therapy dog, frequently visiting schools and providing comfort to individuals impacted by trauma.

Commitment and Community Engagement

The K9 Unit’s role extends well beyond enforcement. Through community outreach, demonstrations, and educational programs, the unit helps strengthen connections and build trust between law enforcement and the public. Every K9 team trains continuously to remain at peak readiness, capable of meeting the wide-ranging needs of Worcester County. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit stands as a testament to the agency’s dedication to professionalism, innovation, and service, providing vital support in protecting the community and preserving public safety.

 

DFC. Jason Burns & K-9 Luna
Cpl. Chuck Dennis & K-9 Argo
DFC. Keith Newton & K-9 Odin
hara
DFC. Kenji Hara & K-9 Ardie
McGee
Austin McGee & K-9 Bruno

Bike Patrol Unit

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Bicycle Patrol Unit is used to enhance patrol efforts in the community.  The bicycle unit is used for regular patrol duties, traffic enforcement, community and special events.

 

Deputies are required to undergo a 40-hour specialized training course and become certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association.  To be a member of the bicycle unit, the deputy must complete the rigorous training program that includes skills a Deputy could face during their patrols such as ascending and descending stair steps, skilled maneuvers in enclosed quarters, jumping over obstacles, quick dismounts, and learning to safely pursue and apprehend fleeing persons.

 

The bicycle unit operates year-round to provide a rapid response during special events or during summertime when traffic brings roadways to a standstill.  The bicycle unit is deployed after dark to neighborhoods where silence and a rapid response are needed for crime reduction.  Additionally, bicycle patrols allow deputies to more easily speak with the members of our community.

 

Bicycle patrol unit deputies work with community members to help riders understand Maryland bicycle laws and bicycle safety.  Our team members can be seen at community bike rodeos teaching kids about road signs and hand signaling.

ATV Patrol Unit

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office ATV unit was established in 2012, with two ATV’s and a trailer that were purchased using seized funds from criminal activity.  The ATV’s were upfitted with emergency equipment to allow for response to emergency situations wherever they may be deployed.  The ATV’s are utilized for search and rescue missions, proactive patrols, special event details, community policing events, and more.  The ATV’s are a great tool for deputies to respond and patrol in areas where normal patrol vehicles can’t go.  

 

Any WCSO deputy who wishes to be on the ATV unit, must complete an Operator Certification course.  Ocean City Beach Patrol holds an annual ATV Operator Certification course for new Beach Patrol Lifeguards and graciously hosts WCSO personnel in need of training.  The operator’s course is comprised of ATV familiarization, ATV familiarization ride, a high-speed emergency response course, and an obstacle course that is set up like a congested beach with various obstacles and terrain changes an operator may face. 

Sheriff's Tactical Armed Response Team (STAR TEAM)

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response Team (STAR Team) provides tactical support to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and our Law Enforcement partners across the Eastern Shore. This collateral duty team is comprised of operators, counter snipers, and tactical paramedics who are selected and trained to respond to high-risk and complex situations beyond the scope of routine patrol operations.


STAR Team members are trained and equipped to conduct a wide range of tactical operations, including emergency and deliberate breaching, close quarters battle, barricaded suspect operations, crisis entry, night vision operations, armored vehicle operations, the use of chemical and less lethal munitions, and high-risk warrant service. To maintain a high level of operational readiness, STAR team members participate in monthly sustainment training.


In addition to tactical deployments, the STAR Team’s specialized training and equipment have been utilized during search and rescue operations for critically missing persons, providing valuable support to first responders.