Sheriff

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Effective 8/28/2023, the Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office will be changing its hours of business.

**New hours will be 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.**

If you need to submit a gun permit application, have civil papers for service or a data request, you will need to come in during these new hours.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office would like to express our gratitude to 

Vested Interestin K9s, Inc. for K9 Maya's new vest.

Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office K9 Maya to get donation of body armor

Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office K9 Maya will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Maya’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Major, Roseville, MN”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified.  Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,652 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.  

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.  K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. 

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.  Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.  For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.    

K9 Maya

Responsibilities

The Sheriff’s Department of Watonwan County is an integral part of the county’s system of justice. As the chief law enforcement authority in the county, the sheriff is charged with the duty to "keep and preserve the peace of his county, for which purpose he may call to his aid such persons or power of his county as he deems necessary."

Services

To fulfill this responsibility, the sheriff’s office renders many services to the residents of Watonwan County. Among these are the pursuit and apprehension of all persons who have committed felonies, investigation of crimes and accidents in cooperation with the county attorney’s office, searching for missing persons, patrolling county roads and lakes, and providing traffic control.

Court Services

The sheriff’s office also acts in serving of warrants, commitments, and court orders. This includes the orders of the court as they relate to civil litigation and other legal processes.

Court Room Safety

Bailiffs are responsible for the seclusion and safety of jurors during deliberation. They are also responsible for the security and restraint of prisoners in the courtroom.

County Jail

The county jail, located in the Law Enforcement Annex of the Watonwan County Courthouse, is managed by the sheriff. The sheriff’s office coordinates its efforts with local, state, and national agencies to meet the common objectives of public safety.