Volunteers

Denton County Sheriff’s Operations Support Unit

Denton County Sheriff's Operations Support Unit (OSU) Initial Application

Denton County Sheriff’s Operations Support Unit (OSU) deputies are licensed Texas Peace Officers commissioned by the Sheriff to perform law enforcement and crime prevention functions for the citizens of Denton County. After appropriate experience and formal field training programs, OSU deputies function primarily as leads or second officers in patrol and warrant service, but also serve in other areas such as criminal investigation, Crime Stoppers, special task force operations, fugitive extradition / transport, mental health and special activities / events.

OSU deputies are required to serve a minimum of 24 hours per month to maintain their commission, but most greatly exceed this. The Unit averages around 9,000 hours per year, more than 90 percent of which are in direct law enforcement and crime prevention activities. OSU deputies clear by arrest nearly 300 Class A/B misdemeanor and felony warrants per year. The unit’s contributions have provided Denton County with hundreds of thousands of dollars in personnel savings, and from fines, fees and restitutions associated with warrant service.

The OSU is fully supported by the Sheriff’s Office, having an operating budget for training, equipment, supplies, uniforms, ammunition and vehicle maintenance. The OSU is assigned five fully-equipped marked vehicles for patrol, and four unmarked vehicles for warrant service and undercover operations. The OSU has an office, computer facilities for law enforcement purposes and a large inventory of equipment.

The OSU provides rewarding opportunities for licensed Texas Peace Officers who have the desire, commitment and time to serve the Denton County Sheriff’s Office as uncompensated deputies. If you are interested in becoming part of this professional law enforcement unit or obtaining more information, including our tuition reimbursement program for Academy training, contact:

Captain Lloyd Fitzpatrick, OSU Commander
c/o Denton County Sheriff’s Office
127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, TX, 76205  
Phone: (940) 349-1600
E-MAIL   Lloyd.Fitzpatrick@dentoncounty.com