The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is an internationally accredited and full-service law enforcement agency headed by Sheriff James R. Metts, who took office in 1972. In addition to law enforcement, the department also runs the county's detention center and its headquarters also houses the county's magistrate bond court. In addition to patrols and investigations, the department also boasts Marine Patrol and Aviation units, forensic searches, tactical and fugitive apprehension units, narcotics detection, school resource officers, a K-9 unit, and a force of trained volunteer Reserve Deputies.