Sheriff

Public Notice

The only approved methods for requesting public information through the Denton County Sheriff’s Office is by:

a. Sending a written request via the United States Postal Service addressed to DCSO Records Division, 127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, Texas 76205;
b. Electronic mail to so.orr@dentoncounty.gov;
c. Hand delivery of a written request to DCSO Records Division located at 127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, Texas 76205, or;
d. Electronic submission through the Denton County Sheriff’s Office website GovQA portal.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Sheriff's Office Response

As a result of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, efforts have been taken to mitigate the risks of an outbreak at the Denton County Jail.

List of Measures We Have Instituted (PDF)

Title VI

  1. Title VI-Civil Rights (English).pdf
  2. Title VI-Civil Rights (Spanish).pdf

Welcome to the Denton County Sheriff’s Office website. Our goal is to provide citizens and visitors with quick and easy access to information about this office, the departments within the Sheriff’s Office, and the Denton County Jail.

Thank you,
Sheriff Tracy Murphree

Sheriff’s Responsibilities

The office of Sheriff is constitutionally created office with responsibilities prescribed by the legislature (Tex. Const. Art. V section 23). The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for the county and is responsible for:

  • Operating the county jails
  • Investigating crimes
  • Making arrests
  • Enforcing traffic regulations on county roads
  • Serving writs
  • Seizing property after judgment
  • Maintaining communications with other law enforcement organizations

Jurisdiction & Staff

The sheriff has countywide jurisdiction; however, most sheriffs’ departments concentrate their activities outside city limits where municipal officers cannot operate. Like all county department heads, the sheriff appoints his own personnel and in large counties may have a substantial staff and budget. The sheriff is elected every four years and is responsible for security in both the county and district courts. 

Bail Bond Policy

The sheriff also sets bail bond policy for the county except where there is a Bail Bond Board which establishes the rules and regulations for making bail by bondsmen.