Criminal Investigations Division
The Criminal Investigations Division, supervised by Captain Grey Smith, is responsible for the investigation of crime. The basic purpose of the Detective Division is to investigate designated crimes in order to arrest, convict perpetrators and recover stolen property. If the perpetrator has not been arrested, the detective must analyze and integrate the information attained. Their skills, abilities, specialized training, and background of experience qualify these plainclothes investigators for their task.
To reach their objectives, they seek the aid of experts in specialized fields, technicians, forensic specialists, etc., and couples this with their training, developed knowledge of informants and experience to deal with a variety of suspects. Their investigation must be complete in every detail to assure a successful prosecution and conviction when present in a court of law.
Every case is important to the Detectives investigating the crimes. Their first priority is to take care of the victims and protect the innocent. The team concept approach is utilized by the Detective Division, and is exemplified by daily briefings with free exchange of criminal intelligence information by the detectives. When a detective is assigned a case, he/she will make contact with the victim and introduce himself. They conduct follow-up interviews and discuss the preliminary aspects of the cases. They begin to examine and explore every aspect of their cases and follow any leads that are present.
These leads are often in the form of witness information, physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA, etc.), apparent methods of operation (MO), or a strong intuitive feeling of the detective that is based on their knowledge, training and experience.
Detectives work with many other agencies to investigate cases and to share information. They work with State and Federal Law Enforcement agencies on many high profile cases and cases involving multiple jurisdictions.
Winnie Ortega is our Crime Scene Specialist. The CSI unit is equipped with one of the most advanced mobile crime labs in the entire state of North Carolina. The Crime Scene Specialists respond regularly to crime scenes.
Although a detective is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Criminal Investigations Division's Office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Our Evidence Custodian here at the Sheriff's Office is Ms. Kayla Roberts. She can be reached Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 336-634-3232 ext. 4129.
Vice-Narcotics Division
There are detectives assigned to vice and narcotics investigations. Our Narcotics Detectives appreciate your information and may be called at 336-634-3238. Information received will be kept confidential.
