The law enforcement agency covering Bartow County has its headquarters in Cartersville.

In addition to responding to reports of crime and patrolling county roads, BCSO investigates crimes that occur outside the city limits and operates the county's 911 service, which includes several municipal police departments and fire and ambulance services. BCSO deputies also serve warrants, provide security for the superior, probate, magistrate and juvenile courts, and house prisoners jailed by both county officials and municipal police authorities.

The sheriff's office, along with the city of Cartersville Police Department, operates a combined Drug Task Force, which includes regular K-9 units and a bomb-sniffing dog.