Alternate Response Unit

The Alternate Response Unit is a division of communications that is responsible for taking non-emergency calls for service over the phone and handling our front desk information center at headquarters located at 3228 Gun Club Road. West Palm Beach, Fl 33406.

The purpose of the Alternate Response Unit (A.R.U.) is to provide a service to the public that enables them to report certain crimes and losses by phone that do not require sworn personnel to respond at any particular scene. Not only is this convenient to the public, it helps to ensure the availability of patrol deputies for immediate response to serious and emergency calls.

The unit also provides information to communications regarding vehicles that have been towed or impounded. ARU provides coverage to the Crime Stoppers Unit when they have left for the day and on weekends.

Types of Reports taken by phone by an ARU officer
All crime reports where the complainant has valid suspect information or a crime scene that can be processed require a patrol deputy to respond. If no suspect information or crime scene is available, A.R.U. can handle the reports. Types of reports that can be handled by A.R.U. include:

• Theft / Larceny - an unknown person has taken your property.
• Identity Theft - someone has used your identity without your authority.
• Theft of Auto Parts - an unknown person removed items from the outside of your vehicle.
• Stolen Tag - an unknown person removed your license tag and/or decal without your permission.
• Burglary to a Vehicle - delayed incident generally when the vehicle has been moved from the incident location and/or the processing of a crime scene would be unproductive.
• Gas Drive off - non payment after pumping gas.
• Vandalism - damage done to your property.
• Fraud / Identity Theft - unauthorized use of your checks or credit cards.
• Shoplifting - taking of property from an open business.
• Illegal Trash Dumping - on your property without your permission.
• Obscene / Harassing Phone Calls - unidentified caller.
• Graffiti - to your residence, property or in your community.

A.R.U. also can take reports on non-crime incidents such as:

• Lost Property (wallets, tags, purses, credit cards etc.)
• Civil Matters (not requiring a Deputy's presence at the scene)
• Information Reports (when a complainant wishes to document a non-crime incident with the Sheriff's Office)

These crimes and non-crimes, if delayed or not emergencies, require a police report be made but do not require the presence of a deputy at your home or business.