Criminal Investigations Division
The Criminal Investigations Division command staff includes one major, Major Gary Rich andtwosergeants, Rick Willey and Gary Spillman. The division consists of 11 detectives, two of which are assigned to the Warren County Drug Task Force and one that is specially assigned to the SHOCAP/Sex Offender program. Rounding out the unit are the Victim Advocacy Unit and the BRASS domestic violence coordinators. CID is responsible for gathering evidence, identifying and apprehending offenders, preparing cases for trial, and maintaining liaison with prosecutors, courts, and corrections.
The Criminal Investigations Division recently assisted the FBI with two bank robberies, which occurred at South Central Bank. On May 3, 2007, two suspects were identified and charged with these crimes. During the fiscal year 06/07, 713 cases were assigned to CID for investigation. CID cleared 623 cases during the same period.
The Victim Advocacy Unit...
assists investigators by providing crisis intervention, ongoing case support, court advocacy, assistance with crime victims compensation claims, and referrals for community-based services to victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. The Unit consists of one full-time child abuse advocate, and two domestic violence advocates from the Barren River Area Safe Space (BRASS), who work on a part-time basis at the police department. During FY 06/07, the child abuse advocate has provided services to 358 victims and their family members, in addition to collaborating with numerous other agencies addressing abuse and family violence issues. BRASS Victim Advocates have been in contact with 204 clients here at the BGPD directly or over the phone for January, February and March of 2007.
The Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP)...
makes a positive impact on the juvenile crime rate by identifying local juveniles who show a pattern of repeatedly involving themselves in criminal activity. The SHOCAP officer monitors juvenile offenders classified as Serious Habitual Offenders (SHO’s). SHO’s who are found to be out of compliance in some way with court orders are placed in detention and face immediate consequences for their actions. The SHOCAP officer is active in locating and recommending to the courts alternative sentencing options to help break the cycle of crime these juveniles find themselves in. The Bowling Green Police Department entered into a partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice to form a Juvenile Intensive Supervision Team (JIST). This team shares information and monitors all youth in Bowling Green and Warren County who are under court supervision.
