The Citizens Service Unit (CSU) was formed in 2006 and is comprised entirely of citizen volunteers who provide non-law enforcement activities which assist in, and enhance the accomplishment of the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. The CSU, organized under the Crime Prevention Unit, is designed to supplement and support, rather than supplant, sworn officers and civilian employees. The duties of CSU members are many and varied, limited only by the restriction that CSU members are not law enforcement officers and have no law enforcement authority. CSU members are assigned tasks as requested by the various elements of the Sheriff’s Office, receive training in these tasks prior to being assigned and work under the direction of Sheriff’s Office supervisors.

Membership Requirements
An applicant must be a resident of, or be employed in Columbia County, must be at least 21 years of age and be willing and able to devote a minimum of 10 hours per month to CSU duties. If the prospective CSU member is to operate a Sheriff’s Office vehicle, the applicant must posses a valid Florida Driver License and have a clean driving record. In order to become a CSU member, the applicant must not have a criminal record and must successfully undergo an extensive background investigation.