The Sheriff's Department of Watonwan County is an intergral part of the County's system of justice.  As the chief law enforcement authority in the County, the Sheriff is charged with the duty to 'keep and preserve the peace of his county, for which purpose he may call to his aid such persons or power of his county as he deems necessay'.  To fulfill this responsibility, the Sheriff's Office renders many services to the residents of Watonwan County.  Among these are the pursuit and apprehension of all persons who have committed felonies, investigation of crimes and accidents in cooperation with the County Attorney's Office, searching for missing persons, patrolling county roads and lakes, and providing traffic control.

 

The Sheriff's Office also acts in serving of warrants, commitments, and court orders.  This includes the orders of the Court, as they relate to civil litigation and other legal processes.  Bailiffs are responsible for the seclusion and safety of jurors during deliberation.  They are also responsible for the security and restraint of prisoners in the courtroom.  The County Jail, located in the Law Enforcement Annex of the Watonwan County Courthouse, is managed by the Sheriff.  The Sheriff's Office coordinates its efforts with local, state, and national agencies to meet the common objectives of public safety.