Next, the unit became increasingly involved with livestock, dealing with livestock at large, dog attacks on livestock, theft of livestock, and interdiction of livestock being transported through Santa Clara County. As the unit evolved, working relationships with other agencies increased. Now under the umbrella of the Rural Crime Unit are the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, the Farm Bureau, County Animal Control, the Humane Society, Cattleman's Association and the Bureau of Livestock Identification. The Rural Crime Unit belongs to the State Rural Crime Prevention Task Force and networks with other Sheriff's Offices and member agencies that attend the quarterly meetings held around the state. The contacts made assist in the investigation and arrest of suspects who move around the state, committing thefts of produce, irrigation pipe, agricultural chemicals, tractors, livestock, tack and any other items which can be sold for money.
Special attention is paid to drug labs on remote farms and ranches.
The Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, in league with the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training, puts on 40-hour Rural Crime Schools. In the past, the schools were held throughout the state. Our Rural Crime Unit, as well as both Monterey and San Benito Sheriff's Office crime prevention officers, were instrumental in securing our tri-county area as the site of the school. Agencies from all over the west United States attend. At this point, the Santa Clara County Rural Crime Unit is highly regarded by agencies around the state.