Division Commander: Captain Laura Williams

CID is unique to other Detective Divisions, in area law enforcement agencies, in that most have a separate narcotics division. The Smyrna Police Department's CID currently has nine detectives and one investigative assistant. All investigators work all types of cases, including drug investigations. This provides more manpower and better information-sharing. Drug investigations are sometimes linked with other types of crimes, also. All detectives are trained to do both.

Also new to CID is the designation of two patrol officers as crime scene investigators. Officer Robert Jacobs and Officer Shane Prater have received extensive training in investigating crime scenes. They still serve in patrol, but also respond to crime scenes when needed. Both were selected for this designation because of their interest in, and abilities for, this area. With the help of County Executive Nancy Allen, and the Rutherford County Ambulance Service, a used ambulance was donated to the Police Department, that was turned into the Crime Scene Unit. The Police Department appreciates their assistance and generosity.

The detectives come from a variety of backgrounds and work experiences. All of them started in the Patrol Division. Annual training is required for all police officers. CID mostly seeks specialized training in current trends in crime. Examples of this are: identity theft and investigating methamphetamine laboratories.

CID operates under the same Community Police philosophy that the rest of the Police Department does. Every offense report that is filed is reviewed, for possible assignment to a detective. Whether you are a victim of an armed robbery, or a bicycle theft, you have been victimized, and your case will be treated as such. Due to the volume of offense reports, case assignment is done on a priority basis. Solvability factors are considered, also. Every report is considered on an individual basis.

If your case is assigned, a detective should contact you and let you know that they have received the case. They should also make sure that you know how to contact them. That detective should also keep you informed of the progress of the case and advise you of any changes in the status of the case. Sometimes cases are closed because the victims decide that they do not want the investigation to continue and/or that they do not wish to prosecute. Cases can also be closed or placed on inactive status when all leads have been exhausted, or an arrest is made. If a case is not assigned at first, but later more information or leads become available, it could then be assigned. Statutes of limitation are considered also.

CID encourages the public to get involved in crime-fighting. It is hoped that crime tips will continue to come in from this website. Also, please feel free to email any detective with questions.

Detectives can be reached at Direct Dial or at their Extensions-Dial 459-9742 then their Extensions.
Click on the email address to send an email.

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