The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol Division have an interlocking working relationship with respect to crimes committed and reported. The primary responsibility of the Criminal Investigative Division is the in-depth investigation of crimes against persons and property in Greene County. Crimes that are escalated to this division are usually more severe, complex or time-consuming in nature. Examples are assault and homicide, as well as sensitive crimes involving sexual assault or child pornography. Criminal investigation is the systematic examination and research around a crime. This includes fact gathering, searches, evidence collection and processing. Research can be a lengthy process working through background checks, criminal histories, database searches, other agency resources, and witness and victim interviews. Investigators will look at all available information to get a clear picture of what occurred. While most of their work involves current cases, the team also routinely reviews cold cases. A case that has been open for decades could progress with new officers, tips and advances in lab technology.
The Street Crime Unit was created to fight criminal activity at the street level. Unit members are responsible for conducting proactive patrol and criminal investigations. The Street Crime Unit also assists and coordinates with other departmental units and law enforcement agencies utilizing a geographically based enforcement strategy involving investigations of all crimes against persons and property.
The Street Crime Unit is comprised of experienced proactive deputies who possess the ability to adapt to the ever-changing atmosphere and mode of operations of criminal elements. The deputies assigned to the unit typically concentrate on quality of life crimes such as property crimes, theft, burglary, violent crime, criminal gang activity, guns and other weapons, and narcotic offenses. They gather intelligence, make arrests and saturate specifically targeted areas to combat crime. Their goal is to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for citizens of Greene County.