Sheriff's Department-Crime Lab

Established in 1873, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department is a law enforcement agency that preserves human lives and property, protects public peace and the rights of citizens, and prevents crime and disorder. It maintains air, narcotics, intelligence, bomb, hostage negotiations and evidence units. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department operates the Office of Emergency Services, which handles issues related to homeland security and emergency preparedness, including severe weather spotting, hazard mitigation, and ground search and rescue. In addition, the department maintains a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team that specializes in bomb disposal and hostage and barricaded gunman situations. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is located in Ventura, Calif.