Overview
The Support Services Division is comprised of Detectives, Major Accident Investigations Team, Auxiliary Police, School Resource Officers, Accreditation, Crime Analysis Unit and Crime Solvers. Crimes commonly assigned to the division include rape, robbery, homicide, burglary, sex offenses, missing persons, internet crimes, narcotics and fraud related incidents. These investigations are the most serious or complex crimes. These types of crimes often require a team approach with several investigators working together or with outside agencies to successfully solve and apprehend offenders.
Training
Each detective is trained in basic investigations, interview, interrogation, forensics, narcotics and photography. Specialty courses such as computer fraud, internet crimes, child sexual abuse investigation and forensic science courses have been completed by most detectives. Detectives are regularly enrolled in advanced training to expand their knowledge and skills necessary to carry out complex investigations.
Partnerships
The Investigations Division routinely works with local, state and federal agencies in to investigate crimes occurring in Colonial Heights and the region. Agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, ATF, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Virginia Lottery, Virginia State Police and other local law enforcement agencies provide or receive assistance from the Investigations Division annually. In addition, the Investigations Division provides one officer to each of the following Task Forces:
1. Virginia State Police 1-B Drug Task Force
2. Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Task Force
Detectives
Detectives are criminal investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases within the City of Colonial Heights. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and trial are completed or no viable leads are discovered.
Major Accident Investigations Team (M.A.I.T.)
The M.A.I.T. is responsible for investigating fatal and major vehicle crashes, as well as crashes involving police department vehicles. M.A.I.T. also provides expertise to patrol officers regarding the investigation of less serious crashes. Many M.A.I.T. investigations involve the determination of speed and crash reconstruction. In order to provide accurate reconstructions of major crashes, the M.A.I.T. utilizes a GPS mapping device to analyze to draw accident scenes.
Forensics
The Investigations Division has at two detectives that have graduated the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy, which is a nine-week school of crime scene technology. This school certifies the detective in their ability to apply proper techniques for locating, recognizing, documenting and collecting items of physical evidence. They also will be able to preserve items of physical evidence, recognize the laboratory potential of examining physical evidence and properly package and submit physical evidence.
Crime Scene Technicians
Crime Scene Technicians are an essential part of the Colonial Heights Police Department. They are patrol officers trained to assist detectives with major crime scenes as well as investigate minor crimes on their own. Crime Scene Technicians are assigned to a patrol squad.
Auxiliary Police
The Auxiliary Police is a volunteer division of the Colonial Heights Police Department. The main function of the Auxiliary Police is to provide support to the patrol division. The Auxiliary Police are utilized on both an assigned and call-out basis, as well to ride-along with officers on patrol. In the past the Auxiliary Police have been able to provide much needed additional manpower during holiday celebrations, storms and disasters, civic events, athletic events, and school functions. Also during the busy season and throughout the year, the Auxiliary Police provide security at local retailers, banks, etc. Besides the initial training upon acceptance by the police department, the Auxiliary Police receive regular monthly training, firearm qualifications, and other mandated qualifications.
Qualifications
The requirements to become an Auxiliary Police Officer are as follows:
• Must be 21 years of age
• Have a good driving record
• Pass a background investigation
• Successfully complete a basic 80-hour course to include handgun qualification
• Attend monthly training meetings
• Work a minimum of 16 hours per month
• Must be a resident of the City of Colonial Heights
All equipment and uniforms are furnished by the City of Colonial Heights.
Serving as an Auxiliary Police Officer is an excellent opportunity to aid your community while gaining valuable background experience in police work. Applications for Auxiliary Police Officer are only accepted during open enrollment periods. To inquire further about the Auxiliary Police, please call (804) 520-9311.
Crime Solvers
We are the residents, business owners, law enforcement agencies, and local media of Chesterfield County & the city of Colonial Heights, Virginia working together in the fight against crime.
www.crimesolvers.net
