The Patrol Division of McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is made up of patrol deputies and specialized units. Deputies are responsible for patrolling all unincorporated areas of the county as well as responding to calls for service. Specialized units allow for more specific approaches to fighting crime and community relations in the county. Our deputies are assigned to one of three different shifts, ensuring the county is monitored 24/7, 365 days a year.
K9 unit
The Sheriff’s office currently has four canine teams, featuring K9 Deuce, K9 Jett, K9 Kylo, K9 Enzo. These multipurpose dogs are trained in narcotics detection, tracking, article search and recovery, area and building searches, civilian and handler protection, crowd control, and cadaver recovery. Canine teams patrol the county and assist in traffic enforcement involving narcotics detection. Teams also assist in routine calls and provide backup to area squad cars.
K9 Deuce is a German Shepherd who joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 and is assigned to the Patrol Division.
Deuce is certified in narcotics detection, tracking, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and area and building searches. While not working with patrol deputies, Deuce enjoys assisting narcotics detectives and the apprehension unit when needed. Deuce is always energetic and loves to play!
K9 Jett is a German Shepherd who joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2020. Jett is assigned to the Patrol Division but enjoys assisting all divisions.
Some of Jett’s current training includes tracking, article searches, building searches, narcotics detection, and criminal apprehension. When Jett is not on duty, his favorite activity is playing ball.
K9 Kylo is a German Shepherd that joined the Sheriff’s Office in November of 2022. Kylo is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.
K9 Enzo is the Sheriff’s Office newest German Shepherd who joined in November 2023. Enzo is assigned to the Patrol Division.
Marine Patrol
The Marine Unit is responsible for promoting the safe use of McHenry County’s portion of the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes. The unit operates five boats, which are fully equipped to respond to water-related emergencies and assist local fire departments’ water rescue teams. The Marine Unit is active from May through October each year when the waterways are most active.
Motorcycle unit
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office patrols with 3 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles. They are utilized for responding to calls for service, traffic patrol, and responding to off-road areas. Their use also allows for Sheriff’s deputies to engage with the community through parades, dignitary escorts, and motorcycle ride benefits. Each motor officer is required to pass an 80 hour course which develops each officer’s riding ability through maneuvers, high-speed braking, and evasive tactics.
Snowmobile Unit
The Sheriff’s Office currently operates five snowmobiles to regularly patrol and enforce snowmobile laws along the many miles of trails in unincorporated McHenry County. The snowmobiles are also used to reach inaccessible areas when responding to winter emergencies such as injured skiers, snowmobile accidents, or lost/injured hunters. The deputies of the unit also instruct snowmobile safety courses during the winter season.
SWAT
Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) is a multi-jurisdictional unit dealing with high-risk situations outside the realm of normal police operations. Possible situations include barricaded gunmen, hostage rescue, active shooters, and high-risk search/arrest warrants.
Specially selected members receive training in advanced tactics, planning, and the use of specialized equipment. The primary goal of the SWAT team is a peaceful resolution with the preservation of life.
Major Crash Investigation Unit
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office utilizes an on-call team to investigate and take enforcement action on serious injury and fatal traffic crashes. Members of the MCIU specialize in the documentation, preservation, and reconstruction of traffic crash evidence. With the assistance of high-tech tools like drones and reconstruction programs, deputies work to gather information about various crashes. Members further specialize in enforcement of DUI laws and procedure.