Criminal Investigations
The Criminal Investigation Division is sub-divided into four primary workgroups--Administration, Drugs and Vice, Operations, and Special Operations. These divisions investigate alleged criminal activity. Each workgroup is further divided into specialized, well-trained and equipped units directly deployed to serve and meet citizens’ needs through comprehensive investigative functions and community interaction.
Operations:
Two Property Crimes Units, comprised of one Sergeant and seven investigators, investigate crimes of theft and damage to property, residential and commercial break-ins, larcenies, and recovered stolen property.
The Person Crimes Unit has one sergeant and nine investigators. Three investigators focus on fraud, white-collar, cyber crimes and Identity Theft. Six investigators are responsible for investigating crimes of violence --murder, rape, robberies, assaults and arsons. Their cases also include adult missing persons.
The Juvenile Unit consists of one Sergeant and six investigators who manage all criminal cases involving offenders and victims under the age of 16. The Juvenile Unit also investigates missing persons under the age of 18, child abuse, and sexual predators cases.
This unit of the Criminal Investigations Division conducts overt and covert operations and investigates all alleged drug complaints and illicit drug activity. Drugs and Vice also apprehends violators of the NC Controlled Substance Act and investigates other vice offenses such as illegal gambling and prostitution.
Special Operations Unit:
Special Operations Unit consists of five separate squads: Canine Handlers (K-9), Special Response Team (SRT), Sheriff’s Traffic Observation Patrol (STOP) and Impact Team.
The K-9 Unit patrols Wake County, answers calls for service, and responds to requests from patrol units and other agencies for tracking suspects, missing persons, and locating illicit drugs in vehicles, enclosed structures, and outdoor terrain.
The SRT Unit specializes in the area of high risk entries such as search warrants and felony warrant service, barricaded suspects, and active shooter incidents. The SRT unit is on call 24 hours a day to respond to these types of incidents and other manpower or support issues for the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.
The STOP Unit specializes in traffic enforcement on secondary roads and subdivisions in Wake County. The STOP unit is funded by the Governors Highway Safety Program, tasked to target traffic related issues such as drunk drivers, child safety seat violations, complaints for speeding and reckless driving.
The Impact Unit conducts drug interdiction by patrolling targeted areas where individuals transport illegal drugs and contraband on the streets and highways in Wake County.
Administration Unit:
The Administration Unit consists of the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), Gang Investigation Unit (GIU), School Resource Officer Program, Criminal Analysis and Clerical Staff.
Criminal Intelligence Unit and Gang Investigation Unit:
The CIU and GIU are deployed jointly and independently. They gather criminal intelligence from a variety of sources and investigate the following crime categories:
- Criminal Street Gangs
- Extremist Groups
- Organized Crime Groups
- Terrorists, Domestic and International
- Threats to Law Enforcement and Public Figures
- Explosive Devices and Bomb Threats
The School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit:
The SRO Program helps provides a safe atmosphere conducive for learning in the county’s middle and high schools. The program also focuses on the safety of students, staff, and visitors at our schools. The SROs work to decrease criminal offenses committed against persons and property and to enhance overall safety. The School Resources Officers are highly visible on campuses but unpredictable in their movements. We help students not only learn more about law and the Criminal Justice System, but also familiarize students with law enforcement personnel and their functions. SROs try to establish a close working relationship among law enforcement, students, parents and faculty. Law enforcement is their primary function, but they also teach classes and provide students in need with counseling or recommend outside agencies for assistance.
Criminal Analysis Unit:
The Criminal Analysis Unit uses the latest and most advanced software to map and chart crimes, criminal patterns and trends. Both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions use this information to assign projects and target areas of concern and interest.
Clerical Staff:
The Clerical Staff manages telephone calls, maintains the office files and ensures the proper dissemination of reports and related paperwork to the Offices of the Clerk of Court, District Attorney and general public.