The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is comprised of investigators working to solve crimes in various units: Persons and Property, Special Victims, Human Trafficking, Special Operations (Narcotics), and the Violent Crimes/Gang Unit. Each unit has a sergeant who is in charge of a number of detectives. The division has one lieutenant and one captain, who is responsible for the entire division.
Crimes against persons, which are handled by the Persons and Property Unit led by Sergeant Grusky, consist of crimes such as robberies, assaults, gang related crimes, and all other crimes where the victim is a person. Examples of crimes against property consist of breaking and entering (residence or business), malicious damages, financial crimes, and thefts.
The Special Victims Unit investigates crimes of sexual and physical abuse where children are the victims, domestic violence cases, adult sexual assaults, and crimes against the elderly. Sergeant Brian Petty is responsible for our special victims unit. In addition, we now have one detective, Justin Parks, dedicated to investigations related to human trafficking cases. Prior to the adoption of the Special Victims Unit, there were two detectives responsible for investigating all cases involving domestic violence. Domestic violence cases frequently involve sexual assault and in most cases the victim is a female. Cases of this nature require a detective with specialized training and a working knowledge of how to handle victims of this type of offense. Our department has expanded the number of detectives with these skills in order to enhance cases for prosecution.
The vice/narcotics detectives of the Special Operations Unit investigate crimes involving illegal drug violations. Investigations deal with violations that can be found in Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes, which involve illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances. These investigations can, also, include those drugs that are legal to possess but have been obtained illegally, such as Oxycodone or Valium.
The Gang/ Violent Crimes Unit falls under Sergeant Eric Watkins. This unit has a focus solely on gang activity within the city. Their primary objective is to prevent dangerous crimes by investigating and arresting those individuals that represent a consistent threat to the community. They also work to intervene before criminal action might occur.
CID has a Victim’s Assistance Unit. This consists of a director, Staci Harris, one part-time employee, and a trained volunteer staff. Their function is to assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system and provide direction to community based partners for victims to access. Personnel are trained to assist in victims' compensation when applicable.