Sheriff's Office: (520) 761-7869 | Detention Center: (520) 761-7875 | Emergencies: 9-1-1
Q. |
How do I obtain information about becoming a Deputy Sheriff or Corrections Officer? |
A. |
Applications for Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Officer positions are only available and accepted during an open process. Please visit our Careers page for in-depth information regarding job descriptions, minimum qualifications, benefits, and training, and to review current job openings. Click here to download an application. |
Q. |
How can I find out about sex offenders living in my neighborhood? |
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The Arizona Department of Public Safety is responsible for maintaining a state-wide database of level 2 and level 3 sex offenders. Visit the Sex Offenders Info Center for additional information. Searches can be performed by zip code, address, or offender name. You may also visit: https://www.crimereports.com/, which provides neighborhood level information. |
Q. |
I am interested in establishing a Neighborhood Watch in my area, who should I contact? |
A. |
Thank you for voicing an interest in our country’s most successful crime prevention program - Neighborhood Watch. The Neighborhood Watch program encourages neighbors to join together to detect and deter crime in their communities. Simply contact the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office at 761-7869 and a deputy will assist you with the process. |
Q. |
Where can I obtain information about a concealed weapons permit? |
A. |
Contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-2000 or visit their Website. Applications for a concealed weapons permit must be made to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. |
Q. |
If I have a concealed weapons permit, can I carry my firearms into Mexico? |
A. |
No, Mexican Federal Law strictly forbids possession of any firearms or ammunition without proper authorization by the Mexican authorities and is considered a “federal firearms offense”. The offense carries stiff penalties; possession of a single weapon or bullet carries a penalty of up to 5 years in Mexican prison. Any tourist not admitting his or her possession of firearm will be treated as an arms smuggler and is ineligible for bail. Some rifles and shotguns may be used for hunting only after strict guidelines have been followed to obtain the correct permit by the Mexican authorities. A permit from a Mexican Consulate located in the United States is required prior to bringing hunting rifles or ammunition into Mexico. |
Q. |
If I am under the age of 21 years and choose to drink alcohol while visiting Mexico, can I get arrested when I come back to the United States? |
A. |
Yes, the legal age for drinking alcohol in Arizona is 21 years old. In addition, Arizona laws forbid any person under the age of 21 years to operate or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while there is any spirituous liquor in the person's body. A conviction for Underage DUI is a misdemeanor criminal conviction. |
Q. |
How much alcohol can I drink before I’m considered legally drunk? |
A. |
This depends on an individual’s height, weight, metabolism and myriad of other factors. Remember, if you are under 21 years of age, it is illegal for you to drink any alcohol in Arizona. If you have had an alcoholic drink, don’t attempt to drive; it is always best to call a cab or ask a friend to drive you home. |
Q. |
Where can I find information and resources on Domestic Violence? |
A. |
Last year, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office answered 95 calls that pertained to Domestic Violence. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic violence occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, or dating. Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. Children, who grow up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life – therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society’s next generation of victims and abusers. There are resources in Santa Cruz County available to victims and families of Domestic Violence. Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services has advocates and support services for domestic violence victims, call their domestic violence hot line at 281-4384. Crossroads Nogales Mission Women’s Center is available for those seeking emergency shelter. |
Q. |
We’re going on vacation and are worried about our home. Can the Sheriff’s Office check our residence while we are gone? |
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Yes, if your home is going to be left unattended while you’re away, you can call the Sheriff’s Office (761-7869) and make arrangements for a deputy to make a security check while you are away. They will need to know what vehicles will be at your home, if someone will be coming in to feed pets or water plants, if your lights are set to come on at regular time and any other pertinent information. |
Q. |
We just installed a home alarm system. Do we need to register with the Sheriff’s Office? |
A. |
Yes, Santa Cruz County’s Alarm Ordinance requires that you register your alarm. There is a fee of $10 for one year’s registration. Once you are registered, your information is entered into the Sheriff’s computer aided dispatch system. Once registered, you are allowed 3 false alarm responses. After that, there will be a cost recovery fee of $59.80 for each false alarm response. The Santa Cruz County ordinance states that the Sheriff’s office will respond to all registered alarm calls. They do not respond to unregistered alarm calls unless there is an exterior and interior breach of the system, a previously reported crime at the address or if the panic button has been pushed. If the Sheriff’s office must respond to an alarm that is not registered, there will be a cost recovery fee levied. |
Q. |
My former spouse owes child support. How do I obtain a warrant for his arrest? |
A. |
Child support arrest warrants are only issued if a non-custodial parent fails to appear for a court appearance (See Child Support Laws). A common misconception is that a warrant will be issued if a non-custodial parent is in arrears for court ordered child support payments. In order to initiate the process, you have a couple of options. You can contact the Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Support Enforcement at (520) 761-4787 and they can advise you of the procedure to initiate child support enforcement proceedings. |
Q. |
Can my former spouse be arrested on an out of state child support warrant? |
A. |
Yes and No. If the state issuing the warrant designates the failure to pay support as a felony, the warrant may be served and the subject may be extradited to that state to answer for the failure to pay child support. If it is a misdemeanor or a civil offense designation, then the warrant can not be served and no extradition will be made. |
Q. |
If I have a child support arrest warrant issued in the State of Arizona, can it be served in another state? |
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No. Unfortunately, failure to pay child support is designated as a civil offense in Arizona. If the subject of the warrant should return to Arizona while the warrant is in effect, the warrant can be served while the person is in Arizona. Once issued, a child support warrant does not expire. |
Q. |
If my child is over 18, can I still collect back child support owed to me? |
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Yes. That matter is handled through the Department of Economic Security, Child Support Enforcement at (520) 761-4787. |
Q. |
How long does it take before my former spouse will be arrested on a valid Child Support Warrant? |
A. |
If the subject has a valid child support warrant, we will attempt to serve this warrant once we are notified of the warrant. At a minimum, we will need the subject's name, date of birth, social security number (if known), his current address and work location, and the type of car and license plate (if known). We also need your name and contact phone should the assigned detective need to call you for further information or to clarify any information that was received. If there is a specific time of the day that will increase the chance of contacting the subject, this is very helpful. Warrants are served on a first come, first served basis. This is regardless of the amount owed. To increase the opportunity for service of the warrant, any and all information that you have available will be helpful. |
Q. |
Is there anything the Sheriff's Office can do if an arrest warrant has not yet been issued? |
A. |
No. A child support arrest warrant must be issued before we can assign the case to our arrest teams. |
Q. |
I need to complete a fingerprint clearance card, can I get them done at the Sheriff's Office? |
A. |
The adult detention center staff offer fingerprinting services for employment or licensing. Fingerprint services are $7.00 per card. Money orders are the only form of payment currently accepted. Services are offered Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.,and no appointment is necessary. Fingerprints are done at the detention center located at 2170 N. Congress Drive, Nogales, AZ. |
Q. |
What are the crime levels in my neighborhood? |
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2170 N. Congress Dr, Nogales, AZ 85621
Background photograph taken by John Wahala.