The
Criminal Division represents the investigative section,
which provides follow-up, preparation and presentation
of evidence for cases presented to the County Grand Jury
and later to the court or jury. This division is actively
involved in several state task forces. The division is
equipped with a Mobile Crime Scene Unit, as well as our
crime lab within the facility. This division is responsible
for the collection of evidence, processing and storage.
All divisions,
especially the Patrol Division, work with the Detectives.
The Detective Bureau conducts investigations on all
crime reports, and documents each case progress.
The detectives
work closely with the Pickaway County Prosecutor to
insure legal technicalities are met. The Detective
Bureau collects, preserves, and processes evidence
involved with investigations of all different types.
Examples of a few of the evidence types are; DNA,
Fingerprint, Trace, Gunshot Residue, handwriting,
victim and eye witness statements. Detectives
must stay current on methods of collection and preservation
for different types of evidence. Detectives work with
B.C.I. & I. laboratory and field agents to insure
evidence is maintained in suitable condition for lab
analysis and to maintain a strict chain of custody.
The “Chain of Custody” insures evidence
has not presented an opportunity for tampering.
The Detectives
must also be able to document and testify as to the
relevance of each evidence item to the case. The Detectives
and Prosecutor must meet the high standards of “Proof
beyond a reasonable doubt”, when the case is
presented to the Court or Jury.
