About the Criminal Investigations Unit
The Investigations Division is tasked with investigating crimes that did not incur a permanent resolution during the course of a patrol officer’s initial response to an incident. While patrol is responsible for responding to immediate situations, detectives are responsible for responding to those incidents when extensive and immediate investigation is necessary, such as what is necessary to properly investigate a violent crime. Detectives also conduct follow-up relating to other criminal incidents. Their involvement in a case will depend upon solvability factors, meaning what information is available for detectives to follow-up on further in an effort to resolve the case.
Some of the crimes that the Investigations Unit handle are as follows:
- Burglary
- Homicide
- Narcotics
- Child Abuse
- Forgery
- Cyber-Crimes
- Identity Theft
- Arson
- Sex Assault
- Sex Offender Registration Compliance
- Robbery
- Financial and other crimes involving adult offenders
Detectives conduct investigations and follow-up relating to criminal incidents involving adult offenders. Not all cases are assigned to a detective; it is important to note that their involvement in a case will depend upon solvability factors, meaning what information is available for detectives to follow-up on in an effort to resolve the case.
Financial crimes are one of the fastest growing crime trends in the country; as such, the Office has specifically trained to investigate financial crimes that have occurred within Washington County. View more information about financial crime investigations.
Financial crimes are one of the fastest growing crime trends in the country. As a result, the Washington County Sheriff has dedicated resources for their investigation.
Investigation Responsibilities
The Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating crimes involving:
- Confidence crimes
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Internet / computer fraud
- Theft involving electronic means
- Other white collar crimes
Information for Victims
If you are the victim of a financial crime and it occurred within Washington County, you may come to the Washington County Sheriff's Office to make a report. In addition, please contact the appropriate financial institutions and credit bureaus as soon as possible.
Jurisdiction
The Washington County Sheriff's Office primarily investigates crimes that actually occur within the Washington County limits. Internet and other crimes where the suspect and / or transaction location occurred outside the county should be reported to the appropriate local jurisdiction or to one of the following agencies:
- Internet-related fraud should be reported to the FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center.
- Non-internet related fraud occurring outside the state of Illinois may be reported to the FTC.
Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report
Obtain a FREE copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, or call 1-877-322-8228. The law requires that major nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) provide you with a free copy of your credit report each year upon your request.