INVESTIGATIONS

Criminal Investigations is divided into two sections, General Investigations and Drug Investigations. The unit is structured as follows:

Lieutenant	1
Sergeant	2
Investigator	7
Drug Investigator	2
Street Interdiction Officers	2
Gang Investigators	2

General Investigations is responsible for the follow-up investigations of all major criminal offenses. Detectives are expected to investigate all types of criminal offenses, however, specialty areas are also developed. Investigations are currently divided into:

Each of these areas has one or two investigators that have developed a specialty in that particular area or the investigator has established partnerships that assist in the investigation of some offenses.

Cases are assigned according to solve ability factors, seriousness of the offense, and past history. Factors that have been shown to increase the probability of clearing the case are used initially to screen reports for assignment. Those cases with more factors are assigned for investigation. This process does not exclude the investigation of other cases; the process applies our resources to achieve the most effective results.

Drug Investigations consists of two investigators and two street interdiction officers. The group is responsible for developing strategies to combat drug offenses in our community. Typically, the unit conducts search warrants, surveillance, and undercover operations. The unit is the primary contact for drug information. The unit assists patrol in developing projects to combat street level drug operations and also conducts specific projects to address problem areas.

In addition, the unit has developed partnerships with the Drug Enforcement Agency, State Bureau of Investigations, Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Rowan County Sheriffs Department to provide a wide range of resources. This group has targeted those groups that are above the street level offender. This group has been very successful in prosecuting cases through the Federal Courts.

Gang investigations consists of two gang officers. They identify and classify the various gangs and gang members operating in our area of operations and investigate gang related crimes and activities. The unit also gathers intelligence on gangs and gang members by conducting surveillance on specific targets and locations. Also among their responsibilities are conducting undercover buys from gang members, create plans that help in reducing gang related crimes in hard hit parts of the city, and review incident reports to determine if they are "gang related."

The entire unit is represented at several community and public agency meetings. The Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group receives monthly updates concerning drug investigations and criminal investigations. In addition, the group provides information and resources for continuing investigations.