Criminal Investigations

The Criminal Investigations Division is divided into two sections - the General Investigations Unit (GIU) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). 

General Investigations Unit

The General Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating serious felonies and misdemeanors, as well as conducting crime scene and forensic examinations.

Detectives are assigned cases based on their expertise, knowledge, and skill level. The majority of case assignments originate from Part I offenses that include murder, rape, arson, burglary, larceny, auto larceny, and aggravated assaults. They also investigate financial crimes including embezzlement, forgery, and credit card fraud. Thanks to funding by a state grant, one detective is dedicated to investigating violent crimes against women, including domestic assault. Visit The Laurel Center's website for additional information regarding crimes against women. 

Detectives are responsible for conducting police officer applicant background investigations and work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on joint investigations involving matters of mutual concern.

Special Investigations Unit

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is responsible for gathering criminal intelligence and completing narcotics, gang, and fire and explosives investigations. Officers assigned to the SIU are members of the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force and the Northwest Regional Gang Task Force.

Crime Solvers & P3 Tip App

If you have any tips or information regarding a crime, you can remain anonymous by calling the Winchester-Frederick County Crime Solvers hotline at 540-665-TIPS (8477). If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

You can also submit tips anonymously through the P3 Tips App. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.