McLennan County Sheriff's Office:Serving and Protecting McLennan County

The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) stands as a pillar of law enforcement in Central Texas; its history is interwoven with the fabric of the region’s development and its mission firmly rooted in serving and protecting the community. Founded in 1850, the MCSO has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of McLennan County’s residents, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public safety.

Situated in Waco, Texas, the county seat of McLennan County, the MCSO operates under the leadership of

the elected Sheriff, who oversees a team of deputies, investigators, and administrative staff. The current Sheriff, Parnell McNamara, has held the position since 2013. With a jurisdiction spanning over 1,000 square miles, including rural areas, suburban communities, and urban centers, the MCSO faces a diverse array of challenges and responsibilities.

The MCSO employs over 500 community members across various roles, categorized into Enforcement, Investigations, Courthouse, Corrections, Medical, Special Operations, and Support Services.

Enforcement encompasses approximately 50 employees responsible for responding to service calls, enforcing laws, and preventing crime. This division serves as the forefront of criminal enforcement for McLennan County. Its presence in the community helps deter criminal activity and ensures a swift response to emergencies.

The Courthouse Division, with around 30 employees, ensures security in six district courts, three county courts, and several additional county buildings crucial to McLennan County’s government operations. Its role is essential in maintaining order and safeguarding the integrity of judicial proceedings, thereby contributing to the smooth functioning of the county government.

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID), consisting of about 22 employees, is responsible for investigating a wide range of crimes within the county. Divided into two main sections focusing on property and person crimes, CID tackles offenses such as murder, robbery, burglary, and theft, providing specialized investigative services beyond the capabilities of patrol units.

Corrections represents the largest and most complex division within the MCSO, employing over 340 individuals. Tasked with managing the county

jail and its diverse inmate population, corrections personnel oversee the feeding, care, and security of approximately 1,350 inmates. Compliance with state regulations, including oversight by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, is paramount in ensuring operational success and inmate welfare.

Medical services within the MCSO, primarily based in the jail division, consists of over 40 employees, including clerks, certified medical assistants (CMAs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Through partnerships with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) and Turnkey, the MCSO delivers comprehensive medical care, including general and specialized services, as well as psychiatric care, to incarcerated individuals.

Special operations units within the MCSO focus on specific areas of law enforcement, including organized crime, criminal intelligence, fugitive apprehension, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). These highly trained teams work collaboratively to combat narcotics trafficking, gather criminal intelligence, apprehend fugitives, and respond to critical incidents, ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Prioritizing Public Safety

The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes public safety through law enforcement, community engagement, proactive measures, partnerships, training, professionalism, transparency, and accountability, creating secure and thriving communities. One of the primary duties of the MCSO is to enforce the law and maintain public order. Deputies patrol the county’s highways and byways, respond to emergency calls, investigate crimes, and apprehend suspects. Their presence is felt not only in the cities and towns but also in the more remote corners of the county, ensuring that all residents have access to public safety services.

Beyond its traditional law enforcement functions, the MCSO is actively engaged in community outreach and crime prevention efforts. Community policing programs aim to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement officers and the people they serve. Through initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs, school resource officers, and citizen academies, the MCSO fosters partnerships with local residents and organizations to address the root causes of crime and promote a safer environment for all.

Special Operations

Drugs: The Organized Crime Unit targets organized crime activities, particularly drug trafficking,

collaborating with other agencies, gathering intelligence, supporting prosecutions, and engaging in community outreach to combat the root causes of criminal activity.

Mental Health: The Mental Health Unit addresses the intersection of law enforcement and mental health, offering crisis intervention, specialized training, collaboration with mental health professionals, community outreach, education, referral, follow-up, and Crisis Response Teams, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in crisis.

Human Trafficking: The Human Trafficking Unit, part of the Organized Crime Unit, investigates and combats human trafficking through focused efforts on digital evidence, undercover operations, victim assistance, awareness and training, collaboration, and prosecution, emphasizing child exploitation prevention and supporting survivors.

In summary, the MCSO is committed to the critical role in safeguarding the community and providing comprehensive public safety, tackling drug-related issues, addressing mental health concerns, and combating human trafficking through specialized units and community-focused strategies. By addressing challenges, embracing opportunities, and fostering strong relationships with the public, the MCSO will continue to serve and protect McLennan County for generations to come.