Patrol Division

The Patrol Division operates out of three stations. The Central Station (Salinas) patrols all of North County, the Salinas Valley south to Gonzales and west, halfway to Monterey. The Coastal Station (Monterey) covers unincorporated areas of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley and the coastal areas to the San Luis Obispo County line. The South County Station (King City), provides coverage of southern Monterey County from Gonzales south to the San Luis Obispo County line, and west to the ridgeline of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.

CENTRAL PATROL STATION

Based in the Sheriff’s Public Safety Building in Salinas, and supplying coverage over approximately 1,400 square miles, the Central Patrol responsibility is divided into five patrol areas, extending south to the city of Gonzales, west to Marina and north to the county lines adjoining Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. These patrol areas contain agricultural, industrial, residential, recreational and undeveloped rural areas, including large portions of the former Fort Ord. Community Field Offices (CFO’s) are located in the towns of Castroville, Chualar and Pajaro. This is the largest and busiest patrol station, fielding the most calls for service. It is located at 1414 Natividad Rd. in Salinas.

COASTAL PATROL STATION

Based in the Monterey Courthouse, the station covers an area of over 750 square miles, including approximately 100 miles of coastline. The patrol area extends from Marina to the southern edge of the county, south of Gorda on Highway One, and inland to include a part of the Los Padres National Forest, Carmel Valley, and Los Laureles Grade to Laguna Seca on Highway 68. In addition to the day-to-day enforcement duties, the Coastal Station is also responsible for supplemental law enforcement at many special events occurring in Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley. There are Community Field Offices at the Crossroads Shopping Center and Carmel Valley Village. The Coastal Station is located at 1200 Aguajito Rd in Monterey. Our Crime Prevention Specialist assists the community with crime prevention programs.

Crime Prevention Specialists perform a variety of other duties:

  • Free home security surveys and training establishing

  • Neighborhood-watch programs

  • Rural crime prevention

  • Gang awareness talks, business security surveys

  • Commercial business burglary and loss prevention

  • Review of Planning and Environmental Impact Reports for law enforcement related input

SOUTH COUNTY PATROL STATION

Based in King City, the South County Station patrols the largest geographical area of the stations. This station’s area of responsibility encompasses 55 percent of Monterey County's area, divided into three patrol beats. The area has a normal population of about 22,000 people, but thanks to recreational attractions such as Lake San Antonio, that number can swell by several times during the summer or holiday periods. Agriculture is the primary economic activity, with row crops, vineyards, and cattle leading the way. The U. S. Army and California National Guard have major installations at Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts. This area also contains a large portion of the Los Padres National Forest. The station is located at 250 Franciscan Way in King City.