Air Operations Unit

The Air Patrol Unit of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office is a vital asset in our law enforcement and search and rescue operations. Equipped with specialized aircraft, this unit enhances our capabilities by providing aerial support for patrols, critical incident responses, and comprehensive search and rescue missions across the diverse terrain of Monterey County. The highly trained pilots and crew members of the Air Patrol Unit are on call to quickly deploy, offering a bird's eye view that is crucial in locating missing persons, surveilling expansive areas, and coordinating with ground teams during emergencies. This aerial advantage significantly increases the effectiveness and scope of our response efforts, ensuring rapid and efficient assistance when it matters most.

Deputy Sheriff Pilots, navigate the skies in the Cessna 206, along with highly trained TFOs, form the backbone of our air capabilities. Their expertise ensures precise and efficient operations, from routine patrols to critical missions, which contributes significantly to community safety.

The sUAS Team adds a cutting-edge dimension, providing nimble and discreet aerial perspectives. This dynamic capability enhances various operations, from search and rescue to real-time intelligence gathering, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in service.

Volunteer members of the Sheriff’s Aero Squadron bring a community-centric spirit to our unit. Their passion for aviation and voluntary contributions support essential functions such as search and rescue missions, and disaster response, emphasizing our dedication to community service.

Together, Deputy Sheriff’s operating in the roles as Pilots, TFOs, sUAS, and the Sheriff’s Volunteer Aero Squadron create a cohesive Air Operations Unit, poised to address a spectrum of challenges. We are committed to leveraging both traditional and cutting-edge technologies to ensure the safety and well-being of the Monterey County community.  

Trust in our expertise, dedication, and innovation – trust in the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Air Operations Unit.

For volunteers, please fill out our Civilian Volunteer Application.

The Drone Unit of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office is an innovative force multiplier that enhances our operational capabilities through advanced technology. This unit employs state-of-the-art drones to support a wide range of tasks, including patrol assistance, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. Drones provide an overhead perspective that is invaluable for real-time intelligence in large-scale searches or during critical incidents, allowing for more precise and efficient operations. The skilled operators of our Drone Unit are trained to navigate complex environments, ensuring that we can extend our reach to areas that are otherwise inaccessible, thereby increasing safety and effectiveness in serving the community.