Investigations Unit

The Corvallis Police Department currently has six full time detectives assigned to the Investigations Unit. Detectives are police officers temporarily assigned to a long-term specialty assignment.  They receive additional, specialized cross-training to prepare them for various investigative requirements such as child abuse, arson, and homicides. 

Detectives conduct initial and follow-up criminal investigations on felony and select misdemeanor crimes reported to the Police Department.  Typically, uniformed police officers respond to calls for service and then prepare a police report which may require follow-up investigation.  If follow-up is needed, a detective is assigned to continue the case, often requiring many hours of investigation before an arrest is made or a case is closed.  Detectives conduct investigation on many different types of crimes, including burglaries, assaults, thefts, computer crimes and sexual offenses. 

Detectives also work closely with the Benton County District Attorney's Office to provide follow-up investigation and case preparation for prosecution of criminal offenders. A detective is also assigned to the Attorney General's State-Wide Sexual Assault Task Force.  

As a result of September 11, 2001 and events that followed, the Investigations Unit forged and has sustained an exceptionally strong partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) by joining the FBI Regional Terrorism Task Force. The Investigations Unit works closely with the FBI to assist them in the identification of terrorist threats to Corvallis and surrounding areas.