The Civil Division is a state mandated service of the Sheriff’s Office. Its purpose and function is to serve and execute the various legal processes issued not only by and for the several non-criminal courts of the state and its subdivisions, but also for the legal community and the general public. Departmental and divisional policies and procedures are consistent with New York State and court case law.

Deputy Sheriffs are public officers entrusted to perform specific duties that contribute to the administration of justice. The purpose of service of civil process is to give notice to a defendant of the commencement of a legal action or a proceeding. Although any private citizen over 18 years of age can serve process if they are not party to the action, Sheriff’s Offices are asked to serve process as a professional service.