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The
Criminal Investigations Unit or C.I.U. of the Belmont County
Sheriff's Office handles serious felony cases and long term,
in-depth investigations. The unit is comprised of a Sergeant and
two investigators and is divided
roughly into four different investigative areas of
responsibility. The Chief of Investigations oversees the
operation of all cases and supervises the unit, coordinating
investigative efforts with other local, state and federal
agencies. In addition, the Chief maintains a case load which
includes long term major investigations such as murders,
questioned deaths, and organized crime. The Sergeant assists in
the management and supervision of the unit and is responsible
for all drug enforcement matters, including monitoring the
Sheriff's Office TIP-LINE dispersing tips to the proper
detective or agency. The reserve detectives are assigned to
assist the Sergeant in all aspects of investigations with
emphasis on undercover drug enforcement. The drug enforcement is
an extremely effective tool that continues to deter and
eliminate drug activity in Belmont County. All illegal money
seized and forfeited from drug cases are put back into the unit
for the purchase of updated surveillance equipment, monitoring
devices and undercover operations.
The two (2) full-time detectives both have specific areas of
investigative responsibilities. One handles all burglaries,
breaking and entering, frauds, and theft-related offenses. This
detective maps crime activity in the county and provides
analysis of such crimes as burglaries and breaking and entering
so that road patrols may be assigned to high areas of activity.
The second detective, the Personal Crimes Detective, deals with
personal crimes, i.e....domestic violence, sex offenses and
other related crimes.
The Personal Crimes Detective position became available last May
with the application for and implementation of the Violence
Against Women Act grant, which is administered by the Office of
Criminal Justice Services. The grant awarded provides the salary
and benefits for the Personal Crimes Detective and also allowed
of the purchase of equipment, including a computer, camera and
office supplies. This detective works in conjunction with the
Belmont County Prosecutor's Office, the Women's Tri-County Help
Center, and all other social service agencies, in an effort to
alleviate domestic violence and sex crimes.
Criminal Investigation Unit personnel are available for call-out
24 hours a day on any serious felony case, major crime scene or
assistance to other agencies as requested. |