The Criminal Investigative Unit investigates property crimes, assaults, fraud cases, homicides, sex crimes, and any other crimes covered by North Carolina General Statues. The Criminal Investigative Unit consists of (6) full time detectives which are supervised by a Lieutenant and Captain. 

Many of the detectives possess expertise in various fields of work, and are such assigned cases according to each one’s expertise. Burglaries, robberies, larcenies, motor vehicle thefts, missing/neglected juveniles, etc. are assigned to a detective based on the geographic area of the county that the crime occurred.

The Special Victims Unit consists of highly trained investigators who specialize in child exploitation, and child pornography, Crimes against children, and sexual assaults against children and adults.

The Crime Scene Unit consists of two (2) crime scene technicians. These detectives are responsible for the documentation of major crimes including homicides, suicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies, shootings, and any suspicious deaths. This unit covers all county patrol districts and also serves most Scotland County municipalities as well as federal and state agencies. Using state-of-the-art video and still photography equipment, team member record details of a scene for future investigation analysis and preparation for court review.

The unit also supervises the proper collection of evidence, latent fingerprint and other evidentiary duties relating to major cases. This unit is on call and available to respond 24/7.

The Financial Crimes Unit investigates all frauds, embezzlement, forgery, financial transaction card fraud, breach of trust, and financial identity frauds. These investigations are assigned to a detective who specializes in white collar crimes and also trained in cyber-crimes.

All of the detectives in the Criminal Investigative Unit work closely with our District Attorney’s Office and victims throughout the judicial process.

Drug investigators main duties are related to the investigation of criminal activities connected to the sale, use, and distribution of illegal drugs in Scotland County.