Aiken County Sheriff's Office

Aiken Bloodhound Team

The Aiken Bloodhound Tracking Team is a joint operation staffed by 14 deputies and officers from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Aiken Department of Public Safety and North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Each Team consists of at least 2-3 members, a deputy and officer from each of the participating agencies.

The ABTT maintains up to 12 bloodhounds, which are used to search for wanted and missing individuals, as well as, make appearances at community events. Breeding occurs on a as needed basis. Some puppies then receive tracking training in preparation to join the team.

The ABTT offers a 40 hour SCCJA accredited tracking school to interested law enforcement. The “Introduction to Tracking” course is offered in the month of March and students may register through the following links each year with department approval.

SWAT

 

Special Weapons and Tactics – SWAT responds to high risk calls for service. Such calls typically include armed standoffs, hostage situations and the arrest of violent offenders.

 

 

Criminal Interdiction Unit

 

Three deputies and their canines are assigned to the Criminal Interdiction Unit, which patrols Interstate 20 and other major roads in Aiken County.

The unit’s mission is to stop the flow of drugs, seize proceeds from these illegal activities and arrest wanted individuals.

Other Activities of Special Operations

Assists with narcotics investigations by providing security during undercover operations, as well as the service of high risk search warrants

Assists with investigations by developing information about ongoing crimes, locating witnesses, conducting stakeouts and recovering evidence

Provide additional security to area businesses during the holiday season

Conducts crime suppression in known crime areas

Conducts local and out-of-state extraditions of wanted individuals

Canine explosive and firearms detection