Understanding Cleveland County Sheriff's Office Services: Which Division Handles What

Getting answers from the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office is faster when you know which division to contact. The office handles law enforcement, detention, and communications - with different teams managing different types of calls and questions.

Questions about someone in custody? Start with the Detention Division. Cleveland County operates two facilities: the Cleveland County Detention Center and the Law Enforcement Detention Center. Both are staffed around the clock, every day of the week. Booking, releases, and custody operations don't pause after business hours - so detention staff can help any time.

For incidents in the community - especially outside city limits - contact the Patrol Division. They respond to calls in unincorporated areas and small municipalities across the county, 24/7. Patrol also handles preliminary criminal investigations and enforces North Carolina General Statutes. Reporting something, following up on a call, or wondering what happens after an initial response? Patrol is your point of contact.

The Civil Division handles court-issued paperwork that needs to be officially delivered or executed. This includes serving legal documents and carrying out court-ordered processes for North Carolina courts. If you have papers that need to be served, this is the right division.

Heading to the courthouse for a hearing? Court Security is the team you'll encounter first. They serve as bailiffs during court sessions, keeping courtrooms safe and orderly.

Court security officers also run the front-door screening - X-ray machines and metal detectors. Expect an airport-style process when you enter.

Victim Services supports people impacted by crime. They help protect victims' rights and provide a safe space for support, education, and referrals. If you need help understanding your options or next steps after an incident, this division is here for you.

Next Steps

• ✓ Start by naming the type of issue you’re dealing with: custody and jail operations (Detention) vs. community calls/investigations (Patrol) vs. court paperwork (Civil) vs. courthouse screening and courtroom security (Court Security) vs. victim support and referrals (Victim Services).
• ✓ If your question is detention-related, be ready to specify which facility you mean: the Cleveland County Detention Center or the Law Enforcement Detention Center.
• ✓ Use the Sheriff’s Office website to find the right division contact point, so your message goes to the team that can actually act on it.
• ✓ Before you call or send a message, write down the person’s full name and the basic details of what you’re trying to resolve - having that in front of you saves time and back-and-forth.
• ✓ If your situation is time-sensitive, remember that both detention facilities are staffed 24/7, so there is always someone on duty to receive information.