Inside the Sheriff’s Assist Team: Meet Arizona’s Unsung Heroes

The Sheriff’s Assist Team—SAT for short—is a dedicated group of volunteers who support the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office by handling non-law enforcement duties. The team acts as extra hands that help keep deputies out in the field where they’re most needed.

To join the SAT, volunteers undergo the same vetting process as Sheriff's deputies. This means they're subject to a thorough background check, a voice stress analysis (VSA), must have a clean driving record, and applicants must be at least 21 years old.

This organization isn't taxpayer-funded; SAT is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fueled by community commitment.

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Patrol & Support: The Two Sides of SAT

SAT is split into two main sections:

• Support Team: This group handles behind-the-scenes duties, such as filing, shredding, and assisting at both the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Cochise County Jail.
• Patrol Team: These volunteers take on community-based tasks that help keep deputies on the road. From patrolling neighborhoods to waiting on tow trucks, they step in so officers can stay focused on their mission.

Sheriff's Assist Team: Neighborhood Watch Patrols

Want a little extra peace of mind in your neighborhood? SAT volunteers can help set up and patrol Neighborhood Watch areas. If they see anything unusual, they contact SEACOM (Southeastern Arizona Communications Center) so a deputy can respond.

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House Checks for When You’re Away

SAT also helps citizens of Cochise County in another way. If you're planning a vacation or heading back home for the summer, you can request a house check by calling SEACOM at (520) 803-3550.

SAT members will swing by your property while you're gone to check for anything out of place. They look out for unfamiliar vehicles, open doors, broken windows, and other potential red flags. If something looks off, SEACOM will dispatch a deputy, and you’ll be kept in the loop.

House checks are especially popular with seasonal homeowners who may be away for months at a time.

Providing Veteran Funeral Escorts

One of SAT’s most honored responsibilities is escorting Veterans and their families to the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Fort Huachuca. You might see them controlling intersections during these processions. If you do, please slow down and follow directions from the officer, deputy, or SAT member on duty.

Other Ways SAT Frees Up Sheriff's Deputies

SAT members regularly assist with tasks that would otherwise tie up law enforcement, including:

• Waiting for tow trucks.
• Securing crime scenes until detectives arrive.
• Helping stranded motorists.

These duties may seem small, but they make a big difference in keeping patrol deputies available.

Sheriff's Assist Team: Supporting Community Events & Outreach

SAT also pitches in at community events throughout the year. You've probably seen them at:

• The Sheriff’s Office Charity Ride
• The Cochise County Fair
• The Tour De Zona cycling event
• National Night Out gatherings
• Local parades and school programs

See The Excitement of the Cochise County Sheriff's Charity Ride

Sheriff's Assist Team: Cochise County's Force Multiplier

Over the course of a year, SAT volunteers donate enough time to equal more than five full-time deputies. Their efforts are a vital part of what keeps Cochise County safe and connected.

Special thanks to Cochise County Sheriff Public Information Officer Grady Butler for the content and information in this article.