INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

The Investigations Division is responsible for solving crimes, preventing future criminal activities, and identifying and detaining suspects. They may specialize in analyzing evidence, performing surveillance, or conducting searches and interviews. Those who specialize in surveillance use special equipment to find out more about suspicious organizations or persons. Professionals working on crime scene investigation are required to examine scenes and collect different types of evidence such as clothing samples, fingerprints, and weapons and other tasks in support of the Sheriff's Office. The division is also charged with providing professional development training and education to the office in efforts to enhance the profession.

DUTY SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with General Orders, a Investigator is a commissioned position that is responsible for solving crimes, preventing future criminal activities, and identifying and detaining suspects. They may specialize in analyzing evidence, performing surveillance, or conducting searches and interviews. Those who specialize in surveillance use special equipment to find out more about suspicious organizations or persons. Professionals working on crime scene investigation are required to examine scenes and collect different types of evidence such as clothing samples, fingerprints, and weapons and other tasks in support of the Sheriff's Office. Their responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Investigate criminal acts such as homicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies, home invasions, and property crimes such as burglaries.

• Collect and use forensic evidence to solve crimes.

• Interview informants, suspects, and witnesses to ascertain alibis, clues, time frames, and possible suspects.

• Keep detailed records.

• Bag evidence carefully and ensure it gets sent to proper office.

• Send specimens to laboratory to obtain DNA.

• Run fingerprints through database to obtain matches.

• Collect enough evidence to support a court case against a criminal.

• Process crime scenes.

• Request additional law enforcement assistance.

• File paperwork.

• Follow up on leads.

• Prepare investigative reports.

• Attend autopsies and make notes.

• Prepare sketches and diagrams.

• Explain to the jury the significance of evidence as it relates to proof.

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of federal and state statutes and court cases related to work performed and agency rules and regulations.

• Obtain search warrants.

• Perform surveillance and monitor suspects.

• Analyze laboratory findings.

• Exchange information and coordinate activities with other departments.

• Record physical information about suspects.

• Take fingerprints at crime scene.

RESOURCE(S)

• National Institute of Corrections Publications