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Criminal Investigations Unit

The Criminal Investigations Unit provides the investigative support for crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the Port of Seattle. This support, or follow-up investigation, is initiated when the patrol officer is unable to complete the case and/or when special investigative skills are needed.

There are nine detectives and an evidence technician assigned to this unit.

Duties

Follow-up investigations:

• Writing and serving search warrants
• Interviewing victims and witnesses
• Locating, identifying and preserving physical evidence
• Recovering stolen property
• Identifying, locating, interviewing and arresting suspects
• Preparing and filing cases with the prosecutors
• Cooperating in prosecution of the defendants

 

Background checks for:

• Entry-level and lateral police officers
• 911 communication specialists and other non-sworn personnel

 

Provide security for:

• Port of Seattle Commission Meetings
• Port media and public events
• Community events

The team also disseminates crime prevention information and provides investigative training to patrol officers.

 

Sample Cases

• Major traffic accident investigation and reconstruction
• Missing persons
• Major crimes
• Fraud investigation
• Auto theft, vehicle prowls
• Burglary
• Narcotics

Training

Basic training in:

• Crime scene investigation
• Criminal investigations
• Interview and interrogation techniques
• Homicide investigation
• Background investigations

Special Assignments

Evidence/Identification Technician, Crime Scene Specialist
This officer is responsible for the care and custody of all evidence and seized items as well as maintaining the physical plant, i.e., evidence storage, evidence processing room and equipment.

The E/I Technician/Crime Scene Specialist provides technical assistance to the investigating and patrol officers at crime scenes and throughout the investigation process. He/she also trains officers assigned as Crime Scene Investigators.

Task Forces
Select detectives are also members of two special task forces:

• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration ) Task Force, a multi-agency narcotics team covering transportation centers (i.e., airport, train stations and bus depots)
• FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force - a multi-agency counter-terrorism task force