City of Laramie, Wyoming

The Criminal Investigations Division is comprised of a Commander, a Detective Sergeant, three Detectives, two Community Youth Officers, two officers assigned to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation's Southeast Enforcement Team, an Evidence Custodian, and one Secretary whose primary duty is data entry of information obtained through the Community Youth Officers' tracking of High Risk Youth.

The Commander of the division acts as the liaison between the Police Department and the County Attorney's Office. Approximately 1100 misdemeanor and felony cases are reviewed by the Detectives and referred to the County Attorney. Not all cases that are reviewed are submitted. In addition to the normal administrative duties of his position, the Commander of the Investigations Division performs background investigations on new employees and directs internal investigations.

Detectives are responsible for the investigations of major crimes. In 1999 these investigations included the crimes of:

Cases come to the Detectives through referral from the Patrol Division or requests from other law enforcement agencies and the County Attorney's Office. Often cases are the result of investigations initiated by the Detectives themselves. The Detectives also gather intelligence on suspected criminal activity. The Detectives are also responsible for processing evidence and referring evidence to the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory for testing. They also research, purchase, and maintain all forensic equipment and supplies for the Police Department.

Two officers are assigned to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation's Southeast Enforcement Team (SEET). Their primary duties are to investigate narcotics related cases and violent crimes. Being able to assign these officers to this special duty assignment has greatly increased the number of narcotics related investigations and prosecutions in Albany County and Laramie.

The Evidence/Property Custodian, who is classified as a Community Service Officer, is responsible for receiving and maintaining all evidence and property that comes into the control of the Police Department. The custodian maintains the storage facilities and records for all property. The custodian is responsible for arranging auctions, returns, disposal of property, and the destruction of drugs and contraband. The evidence/property custodian also orders office supplies, uniforms, equipment, and forensic supplies for the department. The Custodian also stores and issues uniforms and duty equipment to all officers.

The Community Youth Officers (CYOs) are responsible for the administration of the High Risk Youth Program. This includes:

In 1999, the CYOs were assigned 230 calls. 16 were for transports, 101 were for truancies, some were for miscellaneous calls, and the rest were for various types of criminal activities ranging from sexual assault, weapons violations, minors under the influence, and tobacco violations. Community Youth Officers are also assigned on a regular basis to assist the Detectives and other officers in their investigations that involve school children.

During the summer, the CYOs assist the Detectives by investigating criminal cases.

In addition to the above duties, the Criminal Investigations Division provides training to local law enforcement agencies and the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in firearms, emergency vehicle operations, fingerprints, evidence collection, forensic photography, and crime scene management.