CPD CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

CLARKSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

Criminal Investigation is a that term refers to the process of collecting information about a crime in order to: determine if a crime has been committed, identify the perpetrator, apprehend the perpetrator, and provide evidence to support a conviction in court.

The term “Criminal Investigation” may be simple to define, but is much harder to effectively execute. Not only must each officer complete rigorous academic and physical training, but they must also abide by strict rules and regulations routinely to ensure that any ongoing investigation isn’t compromised. Sergeant Cory Coleman explains, “To become a detective, you typically have to be a patrol officer for three years. There are also several schools to attend; Interviewing and Interrogations, Search and Seizure, Basic Investigations, etc. In addition to attending schools, new detectives will continue their training on the job with a veteran detective, so the process can become pretty extensive.”

Most people would consider all the requirements it takes to be a member of the Criminal Investigations Unit and be overwhelmed. Some may say that the training and schooling is too extensive, while others try to take into account the sheer mental toughness you must possess to effectively do your job as a detective and deem it “too much.” However, the brave officers within the Criminal Investigations Unit shy away from these fears simply because they love what they do, and are passionate about the criminal investigation field.

“I spent the majority of my career in the narcotics division and when the opportunity came to supervise the District 1 Criminal Investigations, I jumped on it because the detectives in the unit were the top of tier,” Sergeant Lon Chaney shares. Sergeant Coleman adds, “Investigations has been my passion since I began my law enforcement career. I feel like the cases solved are felt throughout the community. For example, if there is an individual continuously burglarizing homes, an arrest on that individual immediately stops those crimes. People feel safer because of that arrest.”

Due to the sheer amount of time spent together, and experiences that will stick with them forever, the officers within this unit are more like family than co-workers. Sergeant Chaney tells VIP, “This unit is very successful and it is like a large extended family. Everyone respects each other and assists one another with investigations.”

Not only does this type comradery help morale, but it helps the overall efficiency of the unit itself. Sergeant Coleman says, “My favorite part of the job is when the entire office comes together when a major crime has taken place. There are many things that need to be done during an investigation and working together helps apprehend a dangerous individual quickly and effectively.” Sergeant Coleman continues by adding, “I believe the CPD CI Divisions are efficient and are constantly improving. While other jurisdictions do their best; CPD’s professionalism, knowledge of the law, and tenacity have been superior. We are different because we continue to look for ways to improve and utilize new technology to conduct our investigations better.”

Nothing can compare to an officer’s willingness to actively protect their local community. As shown by their continued relentlessness, and passion for what they do, the Clarksville Criminal Investigations Unit truly exemplifies what true bravery and unselfishness is. Sergeant Chaney shares, “I want the citizens of Clarksville to know that Criminal Investigations works hard each day for them, and we hope to make a difference.”