RURAL CRIME UNIT

THE MISSION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY RURAL CRIME UNIT

(RCU) is to enforce laws and provide investigative services focused primarily on theft and property damage in agricultural communities and rural industries. The RCU also provides current and up-to-date crime prevention techniques and strategies to the farmers and ranchers of San Luis Obispo County.

One RCU deputy is assigned to each substation within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction and supervised by a sergeant who reports to the headquarters commander. In addition to specific agricultural training, deputies are members of the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force and the Central Coast Rural Crime Task Force. Deputies attend meetings and training on a regular basis and host the Quarterly California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force Meeting once per year. Rural Crime deputies typically attend meetings held by the stakeholders of the San Luis Obispo County rural community. Those stakeholders include the SLO County Farm Bureau, Cattlewomen and Cattlemen’s Associations. These meetings present the opportunity to share information regarding crime trends as well as gather information that affects the diverse areas of the ranch and agricultural communities. It also provides the opportunity to make crime prevention recommendations such as the formation of a “Ranch Watch” group, providing Owner Applied Number programs (OAN), and by completing a Ranch/Farm Security Survey conducted by our Rural Crime Unit in conjunction with Crime Prevention Unit. The distribution and application of Smart Water CSI forensic solutions have become a key element of crime prevention efforts.

Although COVID-19 changed many of the Rural Crime Unit’s goals and objectives for the year, Rural Crime Deputies continue their important work of investigating agricultural-related criminal activity. In 2021, the Rural Crime Unit investigated approximately 134 cases. These cases included vandalism of property and equipment, theft of agricultural equipment, animal neglect and cruelty, and non-agricultural-related cases in patrol operations. In addition to investigations, Rural Crime Deputies responded to 1,275 calls for service and made 150 self-initiated contacts while conducting their duties.