The Patrol Division is the "backbone" and most visible division of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. The primary responsibility of the Patrol Division is to provide 24-hour protection and services to the citizens of and visitors to Columbia County. The division is comprised of 60 certified law enforcement officers and 10 school crossing guards. The Patrol Division is divided into four squads, which work two 12-hour shifts, four days on and four days off. Each squad operates with a lieutenant, a staff sergeant, a sergeant, and 13 deputies.