About Us

The Amherst County Sheriff's Office is a full service Law Enforcement Agency. The Sheriff's Office provides First Responders to all calls for service related to law enforcement and public safety. The agency is separated into three divisions: Field Operations, Investigations and Administration. These Divisions have several sub-components; Special Response Team, Court Security, Crime Prevention, Animal Control, Animal Shelter and School Resource Officer program. Our team of approximately 61 employees, is dedicated to providing the best law enforcement possible for the citizens and visitors of Amherst County.

Our Mission: "As an integral part of this community, the Amherst County Sheriff's Office will strive to provide the citizens of Amherst County with competent, unparalleled and innovative services. Protecting and providing services to each citizen without regard to Race, Gender, Orientation or Beliefs. Every member of this office will work in concert to this end, in a professional, compassionate and unbiased manner."

Integrity, courage, compassion and professionalism

• We will treat every citizen with respect, equity, and compassion;
• We will value each member and citizen contributions to the Sheriff's Office and the community regardless of their position, assignment, or role;
• We will create a work environment that values each members diversity by encouraging innovation and participation; and
• We will work in partnership with each other and the community to create an environment where we are all accountable and responsible for one another.

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See our eviction procedures.

Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency - Police, Fire or Medical. If you need help immediately, call 9-1-1. Don't waste time; call as soon as you think help is needed!
When to call 9-1-1?

The Chief Deputy of the Amherst County Sheriff's Office is Major Betty Wise. Major Wise is second in command of the agency. The Major supervises the day to day operations of the Sheriff's Office. She coordinates the services of Investigations, Field Operations and Administration. The three Captains report directly to Major Wise on the operational activities and service needs of their respective divisions. The three divisions working together, assures that the law enforcement needs of the residents of Amherst County are met. In addition Major Wise serves as the department's FOIA Officer.

Phone: 434-946-9383
Fax: 434-946-9380
Email: btwise@amherstsheriff.org

The Investigations Division is headed by Captain Eric Elliot. The Division handles all major crimes against persons and property. The division works all homicides, suicides, robberies, rapes and violent felonies. It is comprised of different investigation specialties. These specialties include Major Crimes, Computer Crimes, Property Crimes, Identity Theft and Narcotics.

Address: 115 Taylor St, P.O. Box 410, Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: 434-946-9373
Email: ewelliott@amherstsheriff.org
Working hours: Monday - Friday 0830-1700 434-946-9373

As a Deputy Sheriff, I recognize that I am given a special trust and confidence by the sheriff and the public that I serve. This trust and confidence is my bond to ensure that I shall behave and act according to the highest professional principles. In furtherance of this pledge, I will abide by the following Code of Ethics:
I shall ensure that in the performance of my duties I will enforce and administer the law according to the principles of the United States Constitution and applicable laws of our state so that equal protection of the law and due process are guaranteed to everyone.

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