How to Report Crime or Emergencies

Should the need arise, you should report any suspicious or criminal activity by calling 264-3761 and for emergencies call our Communications Center by dialing 911 from your "land line" or cellular telephone.

Watauga County Sheriff's Deputies, Detention Officers and Telecommunicators are all certified by the North Carolina Sheriff's Standards Commission. 

Deputies have complete authority to apprehend and arrest anyone who violates any North Carolina law in Watauga County; including the jurisdictions of Appalachian State University, United States and North Carolina Park Property, state or county owned property, and within any incorporated municipality within Watauga County.  It should be noted that most violations on or within Appalachian State University, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, Seven Devils and the Watauga Medical Center are normally enforced by that jurisdiction's respective law enforcement agency.  The Watauga County Sheriff's Office  has "Mutual Aid" agreements with all surrounding counties (Ashe, Avery, Wilkes, and Caldwell).  In addition, the Watauga County Sheriff's Office may call on other federal and/or state law enforcement agencies (ATF, FBI, NC SBI, Secret Service, NC Highway Patrol, etc.).  

Officer Training & Education

The Watauga County Sheriff's Office strives to maintain a quality and professional Sheriff's Office.  Many of the staff have 2 year, 4 year, and post-graduate degrees.   These officers are, as mandated by the State of North Carolina and the Sheriff's Standards Commission, required to increase and enhance officer skills and professionalism through quality, Commission sanctioned programs.  All sworn staff must complete an approved North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training class which consists of a full-time class load lasting approximately 6 months, along with Watauga County Sheriff mandated field training for a period of at least 3 months by certified "Field Training Officers".

Pro-Active Patrolling

Many times it is said, "I never see a patrol car in my neighborhood."  Patrolling means more than being mobile and visible.  It means that deputies are indeed out patrolling in attempt to deter crime.  Certainly not by accident, many times the person may "never see a patrol car in my neighborhood" yet deputies are indeed patrolling, albeit in an unmarked vehicle, or they are in a position to survey an area from a vantage point where an individual may not see them.  If you notice activity in your area that may need extra attention, then please contact us and request "Extra Patrol" for your area and we will do the best we can to make our presence known and attempt to deter any suspicious activity.