Divisions
Erie County Sheriff
Erie County Sheriff
Erie County Courthouse
140 West Sixth Street
Room 400
Erie, PA 16501
Court Security Division
The Court Security Division is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment within the Erie County Courthouse and all associated judicial facilities.
This division is overseen by two Corporals and one Lieutenant, who manage deputies assigned to courthouse entrances, courtrooms, and hearing rooms. Together, they ensure security operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Deputies assigned to this division provide:
- Security screening at all public entrances to the courthouse
- Monitoring of secured access points
- Safety and order within all courtrooms and hearing rooms
- Protection of judges, court staff, attorneys, jurors, and members of the public
Court Security Deputies ensure that all proceedings are conducted safely and without disruption, while preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
Back To TopCivil Division
The Civil Division of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the service and enforcement of civil court orders throughout Erie County.
This division is supervised by a Corporal and a Sergeant, who manage deputies assigned to serve and enforce civil documents across the county. Together, they ensure operations are conducted efficiently, accurately, and professionally.
Each year, the Civil Division processes and serves over 7,000 civil papers, including:
- Writs of Execution
- Domestic Relations Orders
- Garnishments
- Levy and Post Orders
- Temporary Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders
- Orders for Possession
- Property Postings
- Sheriff’s Sales
- Seizures
- Tax-related enforcement actions
The Sheriff’s Office serves over 600 Temporary Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders annually, providing timely service to protect victims and uphold court mandates.
Civil Deputies operate throughout Erie County and serve as a direct extension of the Court of Common Pleas, ensuring compliance with judicial orders while maintaining professionalism in often sensitive situations.
Back To TopCriminal Division (Warrants Unit)
The Criminal Division, also known as the Warrants Unit, consists of five specialized deputies dedicated to fugitive apprehension and warrant enforcement.
This division is supervised by a Lieutenant, who oversees all warrant operations, ensuring deputies carry out their duties safely, efficiently, and in compliance with legal requirements.
The Warrants Unit is responsible for:
- Apprehending fugitives throughout Erie County
- Enforcing bench warrants issued for failure to comply with court orders, including child support obligations
- Attempting service on over 600 warrants in 2025
- Coordinating and overseeing extraditable fugitives nationwide
- o Individuals wanted by Erie County in other jurisdictions
- o Individuals detained in Erie County who are wanted by other states
Warrant Deputies actively locate, investigate, and apprehend individuals who are non-compliant with court orders, ensuring accountability and the enforcement of judicial directives.
Firearms Division (License to Carry Firearms Unit)
The Firearms Division is responsible for processing and issuing Licenses to Carry Firearms (LTCF) in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
This division processes over (insert annual number) applications each year and is committed to providing efficient and professional service to Erie County residents.
To improve accessibility and convenience, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented:
- A mobile application process
- Satellite service locations to better serve residents throughout the county
The Firearms Division ensures all applications are reviewed thoroughly and in compliance with state statutes, while maintaining respectful and timely service to the public.
Back To TopSearch and Rescue Unit (SAR)
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has recently established a Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit, further expanding its commitment to public safety and community support.
Although the unit is in its early stages of development, it is designed to assist and support the well-established search and rescue organizations operating throughout Erie County. The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the importance of coordinated response efforts and is committed to working alongside local agencies to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The Search and Rescue Unit will focus on:
- Locating missing persons
- Assisting in emergency search operations
- Supporting local municipalities and partner agencies
- Providing coordinated law enforcement resources during critical incidents
As the unit continues to develop, deputies assigned to SAR will undergo specialized training to ensure professional, effective, and collaborative response operations.
Back To TopSheriff Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.)
The Sheriff Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) is a specialized unit comprised of highly trained Deputy Sheriffs prepared to respond to emergency and high-risk situations.
Members of S.E.R.T. receive advanced tactical training and participate in monthly training exercises to ensure their skills remain current and effective. This ongoing training includes high-risk warrant service, tactical response coordination, and crisis-based scenarios.
The team is deployed for situations that require specialized response capabilities, including:
- High-risk situations
- Elevated security concerns
- Critical incidents requiring coordinated tactical support
In addition to supporting operations within the Sheriff’s Office, S.E.R.T. has proven to be a valuable resource to local municipal police departments throughout Erie County. The team regularly assists partner agencies when specialized training and tactical coordination are needed.
The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining a highly trained response team to protect deputies, partner agencies, and the residents of Erie County.
Back To TopSheriff’s Holding Facility and Transportation Unit
The Sheriff’s Holding Facility and Transportation Unit is responsible for the secure movement and supervision of incarcerated individuals attending court proceedings.
- Transports inmates daily between the county correctional facility and the courthouse
- Supervises inmates while they are in the Sheriff’s holding facility
- Ensures the safe and orderly movement of inmates to and from courtrooms
- Maintains security during all phases of the judicial process
Deputies assigned to this unit play a critical role in maintaining safety within the courthouse and ensuring court operations proceed efficiently.
Back To TopSheriff’s Office Administration
The Administrative Division of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office oversees the processing and coordination of all civil documentation and internal operational functions.
This division manages:
- Civil court paperwork processing
- Real estate-related filings
- Property levies and executions
- Protection From Abuse (PFA) documentation
- Sheriff’s Sales
- Recordkeeping and public inquiries
Administrative personnel ensure all legal documents are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Pennsylvania law. This division serves as the primary point of contact for many public-facing services provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Back To Top