Schoharie County’s 620 square miles are patrolled by the Chief Deputy and several Deputy Sheriff’s. Deputies are responsible for serving warrants, making arrests, investigating crime scenes, responding to motor vehicle accidents and a wide gamut of complaints. Other obligations include, appearing in court, assisting other agencies, transporting prisoners and mental health patients, providing police escorts and relays, and performing counter-drug surveillance’s. More recently, due to a large number of community and school requests, Deputies participate in various educational and preventive activities for many schools and civic organizations.
Deputies must successfully complete strict training and be certified by New York State. Many have received specialized training in range qualifications, fire safety, subject sketch identification, alcohol breathalyzer unit operation, and emergency vehicle operation and control. Occasionally, Deputies are asked to train new officers at training centers.