The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Bureau has primary responsibility for all search and rescue missions involving lost or stranded persons within the unincorporated areas of the County as well as certain contract cities the Department services. Upon request from other jurisdictions, the SAR Bureau will respond to any other city, and occasionally, to other counties within the state under a mutual aid system. The Bureau also activates during natural disasters such as wildfires, flooding and earthquakes.

All SAR members are registered with the San Diego County Office of Disaster Preparedness as Disaster Service Workers. This registration enables the members to qualify for State Worker's Compensation benefits in the event of personal injury or death while on duty.

The SAR Bureau is divided into specialized units consisting of: Canine, Communications, Logistics, Medical, Motorized, Mounted, Tactical Search, Technical Rescue and Training.