Sheriff's Office
Mendocino County Sheriff's Office
The mission of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office is to provide professional and responsive law enforcement services to all of the people of our county, residents and visitors alike.
Investigative Services Bureau
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Investigative Services Bureau is tasked with conducting criminal investigations into a variety of major crimes and intricate matters.
Generally, detectives perform follow-up investigations and provide support to uniformed personnel on cases that are resource intensive or require specialized expertise. Personnel assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau work collaboratively with investigators and personnel from local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
Detectives assigned to the division are highly skilled and experienced investigators who employ foundational investigative methods, coupled with the use of the latest technology, to investigate and bring cases to a conclusion. Detectives systematically review and organize each allegation, develop avenues of investigation, interview victims, witnesses, and suspects, collect and analyze physical evidence, draft crime reports, and execute search and arrest warrants.
Primary Investigations
- Homicide & Suspicious Deaths
- Kidnapping & Missing Persons
- Sexual Assaults
- Officer-Involved Shootings
- Major Thefts of Property or Funds
Specialized Units
Cold Cases: The Investigative Bureau oversees cold cases—crimes that remain unsolved after all viable leads have been exhausted. These cases are never inactivated but resume when new evidence comes to light, such as new DNA results or witnesses coming forward.
Evidence Technicians: Responsible for the integrity and security of evidence, performing technical duties related to identification, collection, transportation, and preservation of evidence from crime scenes.
Civil Division & Warrants
The Civil Division constitutes the administrative arm of the Sheriff's Office regarding the service of process and execution of levies. The Sheriff is required by law to serve all processes and notices in the manner prescribed by law.
Civil Process Services
The Civil Division processes and serves various legal documents, including:
- Summons and Complaints
- Small Claims Plaintiff's Claims
- Orders to Appear for Examination
- Restraining Orders (Harassment / Domestic Violence)
- Eviction Notices (Writs of Possession)
- Wage Garnishments and Bank Levies
*Fees may apply for service of process. Fee waivers must be presented at the time of request.
Warrants &
Citations Division
- Location:
- 951 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
- Phone:
- (707) 419-5700 Ext: 5294
- Hours:
- Mon - Sat: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
(Closed on County Holidays)
Sheriff-Coroner's Unit
The Sheriff-Coroner acts as an independent investigator of death. The primary function of the Coroner's Unit is to determine the cause and manner of death in cases that fall under their jurisdiction, such as sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths.
Responsibilities of the Coroner
The Coroner's Unit is responsible for:
- Responding to death scenes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Identifying the deceased and notifying next of kin.
- Collecting and preserving evidence related to the cause of death.
- Conducting autopsies and toxicology screenings when necessary.
- Issuing death certificates and burial permits.
To report a death or speak with a Deputy Coroner: Please call the 24-hour dispatch line at:
(707) 419-5700
Resources
California VINE Service: Access offender custody status and register for notifications.
REPORT A CRIME ANONYMOUSLY
Tip Line: (707) 234-2100
Email Tips: mcso-tips@mccso.us