The Role of Investigators in Small Police Departments

When discussing the role of investigators in police departments, it is important to understand the varying structures and resources available across departments of different sizes. In large cities, it is common to have dedicated investigative units staffed with trained detectives. However, smaller departments often face unique challenges in staffing such positions due to financial constraints and limited resources. This article explores the specifics around the presence of investigators in small police departments and the workarounds used to ensure effective investigations.

Investigators in Small Departments

The presence of a full-time investigator, or detective, in every police department is not a universal standard. In rural Indiana and Northwest Ohio, for instance, there are several small towns with police forces of twenty or fewer officers that do not have a dedicated detective. These departments rely on the combined efforts of their patrol officers to handle investigations as part of their duties.

To supplement their limited resources, smaller departments often work closely with larger investigative units or request assistance from state or federal agencies. In Indiana, for example, some counties have their own investigative units that local police can collaborate with. Similarly, in Ohio, departments can access state resources for more complex cases. These cooperative efforts are crucial in dealing with crimes that require specialized expertise and resources.

Training and Practice in Legal Investigations

Even though there is no dedicated detective, every police officer is trained in investigating crimes, and this often includes follow-up investigations. I, myself, worked on follow-up investigations while serving as a uniformed patrol officer. These duties were shared among the department, with two full-time plainclothes detectives handling a substantial portion of investigative work.

Several thousand small police departments across the United States do not employ full-time detectives. This can be due to the size of the department or a lack of financial resources. Some small towns must provide 24/7 uniformed presence, leaving them to rely on neighboring larger agencies for critical investigative work during off-hours. In these cases, state and federal agencies can provide necessary assistance for major crimes that require specialized investigation.

Specialized Units

When cases require more expertise than a small department can provide, they may call upon specialized units. For instance, in Texas, small towns often request assistance from the Texas Rangers, one of the specialized investigative units within the Texas Department of Public Safety. This external assistance ensures that small departments can handle more complex investigations that they might otherwise struggle with.

Key Issues Faced by Small Departments:

Cyber-crime: Small departments often lack the trained personnel to handle cyber-related crimes, so they must seek assistance from larger agencies that have the necessary expertise and resources. Online Romance Scams: Similar to cyber-crime, online romance scams are another significant issue. Small departments may not have officers with the specific training to investigate these cases effectively.

Conclusion

The presence of investigators in small police departments is not always mandated and depends on the size and resources of the department. While not every small police department has a dedicated detective, they can manage with a combination of trained officers and outside assistance. This collaborative approach is essential in ensuring that smaller departments can maintain effective investigative capabilities while addressing the unique challenges they face.