The Investigations Division is responsible for the investigation and identification of various crimes such as theft, robbery, murder and sex crimes. Additionally, Youth Services investigates crimes committed by persons younger than 18, missing persons, and cases involving child abuse and sexual abuse. This Investigation Division is also responsible for Evidence Collection.
Crimes Against Persons – Specializes in investigating all violent crimes committed against citizens of Winston County. This includes crimes such as Murder, Robbery, Rape, Assault, and other crimes of violence against persons.
Property Crimes – Is responsible for investigating all property crimes committed against the citizens of Winston County and assisting other local agencies in their investigations. This Bureau will investigate Burglaries, Auto Thefts, Theft of Personal Property, Commercial Theft and other major Felony Property crimes.
Youth Services – Specializes in investigating juvenile runaways and all missing person cases. They also investigate crimes of violence, such as assault and robbery, committed against juveniles.
Sex Offender Notification – Specializes in crimes involving sex offenders, registration, classification, and notification. Under existing law, the Community Notification Act provides for the community notification of the release of criminal sex offenders. Comprehensive registration and periodic address verification provides the Sheriff’s Office information critical to preventing sexual victimization and to resolving incidents involving sexual abuse and exploitation.
Identity Theft – Is responsible for investigating all cases of identity theft and trafficking in stolen identities where the victims reside within Winston County. In addition, the Identity Theft Unit is responsible for coordinating investigations with agencies in other states, where the offender may operate within Winston County. Investigators of this unit will also investigate related cases, such as Possession of Forged Instrument, Fraud, Theft by Deception, and Internet Fraud as assigned. Investigators of this unit will also conduct public presentations on preventing identity theft and conduct training on Identity Theft Investigations for other law enforcement officers.