Detective
The Detective Bureau consists of nine full time detectives and a clerk with one part time detective working two days a week. Three of these employees work in the Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit. Employees of the Detective Bureau have received extensive training in homicide investigation, child sexual abuse, crime scene investigation, and many other specialized areas of criminal investigation.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Drug Unit has also received extensive training in narcotics investigation. Members are also certified in dealing with hazardous materials and are certified as instructors in this area.
The number of drug cases have dropped from 2002 to 2003. Additionally, the number of meth labs found in 2003 was less than 2002. There are several factors that we feel have contributed to this decrease in number. We feel that legislation and educational programs such as the CHEM Program are showing some impact and causing individuals to purchase and manufacture their product in other areas. Methamphetamine, however, and the results of its abuse remain prevalent and is our most significant crime problem for 2004.
A MESSAGE ABOUT DRUG ENFORCEMENT
For the past few years the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been very proactive in the fight against drug abuse. We have addressed the problem from the enforcement, education, and legislative directions. We have received excellent cooperation from citizens and the business community. Some businesses have been very generous donating equipment and their resources to help fight this problem and enhance the safety of the deputies that do. We are very grateful for their support.
The Drug and Crime Control Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies in the St. Louis area have also been very helpful to us. They have been a big factor in helping us accomplish our goals. If there is a positive light related to methamphetamine, it is that it has brought law enforcement agencies together sharing information and resources. Franklin County has been among the top three counties in the State of Missouri in creating methamphetamine cases. Our success rate and high numbers have been as a result of an aggressive approach from a team effort.
Crime Scene Unit vehicle, donated by Union Ambulance.