Nine deputies are assigned to criminal investigations and patrol duties. Two deputies are assigned to the domestic violence investigation unit, and one deputy is assigned to the drug task force. The deputies are trained in all aspects of criminal investigation and possess the ability to properly investigate any complaint that may be assigned to them.
Some deputies have additional expertise in major crime investigation and interviewing.
As members of the criminal division, all are trained in rural crime prevention techniques. The criminal division is committed to making the rural areas of Umatilla County a better place to live. Along with the more commonly recognized responsibilities of the Sheriff s Office are the lesser-known functions such as the snowmobile patrol, marine patrol, search and rescue, and the mounted unit. In addition , the Sheriff s Reserves has, for many years, been a model volunteer program.