The operational supervisor of the Investigations Unit is a Sergeant who reports to the Patrol Captain. Responsibilities include serious criminal incident investigations, confidential investigations, follow-up criminal investigations, counter terrorism efforts, organized crime, vice control, intelligence, case file management and other duties as assigned.

Reporting to the Sergeant are three detectives who conduct follow-up investigations on the more serious criminal investigative reports taken by Patrol Operations. Members of the Investigations Unit receive additional training in evidence processing, crime scene management, investigative techniques, interview and interrogation, computer investigations, photography and other specialized training to enhance the quality of their investigations. As in any other unit, the officers specialize in an area that interests and motivates them. When these officers return to patrol duties or work with the patrol officers, this knowledge is passed on to their co-workers.

Detectives typically maintain daytime working hours during a normal work week. However, they may stay late or be called in outside of their normal work hours to conduct investigations. Our officers have assisted the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad, of which MUPD is a member, in investigating murders, rapes and other serious crime in Boone County and adjoining areas. They have also tracked down students and employees who have left the country after committing crimes in Columbia. Members of this unit do their best to stay current on new techniques and equipment to better serve the community. An officer’s job is rarely like it is shown on television, and this holds true for detectives as well. University detectives have been called upon to notify family/friends that loved ones have died, dig in the trash for evidence and rescue children from abusive parents. Dedication and compassion are imperative in this unit.

Want to anonymously report a campus crime? Silent Witness is an anonymous e-mail reporting system. When you use this service, MUPD receives the information, but not your name or e-mail location. Safety is a community effort. We appreciate your help.

Columbia Crime Stoppers (573) 875-TIPS (8477) Crime Stoppers does not require that you give your name. Simply provide the information you have and nothing more is required. If desired, you will receive a Crime Stoppers caller number. This will allow you to receive any reward money. Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,500 for information that leads to an arrest.