The Patrol and Special Units Division is supervised by Captain Wes Tyson. It is comprised of the patrol bureau, as well as smaller, specialized units.  Captain Tyson also oversees those deputies assigned to the towns of Lake Park, Marvin, Weddington, and Wingate

Patrol Bureau

The Patrol Bureau consists of four rotating patrol squads, each supervised by a Lieutenant and two Sergeants. Together, the squads provide continuous 24-hour coverage, ensuring constant law enforcement presence and rapid response capability. Each squad works 12-hour shifts during which officers respond to calls for service, conduct investigations, and execute warrants and legal processes.

S.H.I.E.L.D. UNIT

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Unit consists of a Lieutenant and a Sergeant, along with numerous Deputies. These Deputies focus on locating, arresting, and processing individuals with active warrants, as well as apprehending high-risk targets. This includes both residents of Union County and individuals from other jurisdictions.

Town Contract Deputies

Town Contract Deputies are assigned from the Sheriff’s Office to provide community-based law enforcement and safety services to specific towns and villages within Union County. There are currently contracts in Weddington, Lake Park, Wesley Chapel, Marvin, and Wingate, and has a particularly strong and well-established presence in Indian Trail. With the exception of Indian Trail, all small-town contracts are supervised by a Lieutenant who provides leadership, operational oversight, and support to the deputies assigned to these communities.

SAFE Unit

The SAFE Unit was established in 2015 to enhance roadway safety throughout Union County, North Carolina by targeting impaired driving. The unit focuses on proactive enforcement of DWI laws and identifying drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, and other substances.

Over the years, it has expanded to include specially trained Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), giving deputies advanced skills to detect and investigate impairment beyond alcohol-related offenses. Today, the SAFE Unit consists of one Sergeant and five deputies who work diligently to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and promote safer travel for the community.