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Year-End Reports     Investigative Section     Detective Division    Computer Crimes Division 
 Narcotics Division    Snowmobile Division    Substance Abuse Abatement Program  

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If you have information on a crime or narcotics violation, contact the following officers:

YEAR-END REPORTS FOR 2009

Investigative Section

The Investigative Section of the Sheriff’s Office is comprised of the Detective Division, Narcotics Division, Computer Crime Unit, Substance Abuse Abatement Program (Reports & Arrest tracking only) and the Snowmobile Enforcement Unit.

The Investigative Section has a Lieutenant that supervises all five divisions, with a Sergeant and two investigators assigned to Detective Division, a Sergeant and three investigators in the Narcotics Division. The Computer Crimes Unit has a Sergeant assigned, that also supervises and assists s in both divisions along with the Snowmobile Division. The Substance Abuse Abatement Program has one investigator assigned.

Detective Division

The three investigators assigned to the Detective Division provide assistance and support to the Uniformed Response Division. They conduct lengthy and/or complicated investigations not only generated by the Uniform Response Division, but also referrals from local, state and federal agencies. The investigations for 2009 resulted in the arrest of 68 (61) individuals on 93 (84) arrest counts. There were also an additional 54 (31) counts of exceptional clearance, which means a suspect was identified but prosecutions was declined. The Detectives also had 30 (24) assists to other agencies, conducted 4 (11) background investigations, 11 (14) search warrants, 12 (13) hours of public relations, and 24 (64) hours of instructing.

In 2009, the Detective Division investigated 223 (188) complaints, with 49 (49) being violent crimes including, 2 (2) homicides, 41 (37) sexual assaults, 2 (6) armed robbery, and 4 (4) aggravated assaults. The remaining 174 (139)crimes investigated were breaking & entering, larcenies, vehicle theft, embezzlements, arson, fraud, identity theft, receiving and concealing stolen property and safe breaking. The division has 31 (35) open ongoing investigations that were carried into 2010.

One of the three investigators is also assigned to completing the background information for new and renewal CPL (Concealed Pistol License) applications. In 2009, a total of 662 (369) applications were submitted and issued, with 20 (11) NICS investigations, along with 27 (13) gun permit corrections. There were also 10 (10) suspensions or revoked CPL’s for the year.

This division also coordinates the Sex Offended Registrations (SOR’s), with 82 (82) SOR’s being verified, 25 (21) cases investigated with 25 (21) suspects identified. Resulting in 11 (14) arrests for violations of the SOR act, along with 6 (7) exceptional clearances, 3 (0) assists, and 1 (1) open investigation.

These three investigators are highly dedicated and motivated in investigating and solving criminal case.

Narcotic's Division

The offsite facility houses the Computer Crime Unit, Narcotics Division, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent.

The four investigators assigned to the Narcotic’s Division had a productive and busy year. The narcotics investigators conducted investigations involving street level dealers along with lengthy and/or long term investigations with Federal agencies. They also provide assistance and support to the Uniformed Response Division and Local Police agencies.

In 2009, Narcotic’s Division conducted 241 (169) narcotic investigations, with the arrest of 102 (91) suspects on 183 (180) arrest counts.

2009 Arrests

Van Buren County and Southwestern Michigan has seen over the past couple of years a big impact of Methamphetamine and the clandestine labs. We have seen a drop in customary labs, however an increase in the “one pot” method over the past couple of years.  The “one pot” method is just what it states, the offender uses one container that being a 2 liter pop bottle and places all of the precursors and pills in the bottle and waits for everything to react before finishing off the final product (Methamphetamine). Detectives conducted (62) methamphetamine lab investigations  in 2009, with reportable EPICS on 49 for 2009, 38 in 2008, 19 in 2007, 17 in 2006, 53 in 2005, 60 in 2004 and 37 in 2003. The Sheriff’s Office has officers certified by the DEA and MSP as clandestine lab technicians.

Computer Crime Division

In 2003, the Computer Crime Unit was established and has grown in case load, technical hardware and software, training and knowledge. A forensic computer examiner became urgent due to the ever-evolving Internet growth and advancement in technology. The Internet has become a source for on line child pornography, and sexual predators, and fraud. An investigator was trained as a forensic examiner and has conducted investigations for this office, local, and federal agencies as well. During the 2009 year the Sheriff has committed an additional deputy for training as an examiner and has been attending in house training, along with courses from NW#C and Access Data.

In 2009, the Computer Crimes Unit conducted 33 (18) examination/investigations, including 12 (6) child pornography, 0 (0) manufacturing child pornography, 2 (1) arson, 1 (0) administrative, 2 (0) Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1 (0) breaking & entering, 3 (1) drugs, 1 (2) counterfeiting, 2 (0) embezzlement, 4 (0) fraud and 5 (0) stolen property/theft.  Some of the examinations include not only computer exams, but also digital photos, photos from cell phones, and SIM cards. This is an 83% increase over last year.

The mission of the Computer crimes Unit is to lend technical support to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and area law enforcement, in the proper collection, preservation and analysis of digital evidence.

The task of conducting a complete forensic examination, depending on the offense and amount of media, can take months and involve numerous complex steps. These steps can include not only the forensic examination but also the search warrant issues with seized evidence, search warrants of ISP and other companies, the submission for victim identification to the Nation Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and a host of other smaller but just as important procedures.

It is believed the increase in cases is due in part to increased awareness of the abilities and functionalities of the CCU, along with the number of Uniform Response generated investigations that include digital evidence. We expect this trend to continue and we will see similar numbers for 2010.

Substance Abuse Abatement Program

In 2009, the Van Buren County Substance Abuse Abatement Program enforcement officer who is working with the New Directions Program, investigated 182 (136) violations of probation, parole or a bond violation resulting in the arrest and/or violation of 173 (130) individuals. These violations occurred after being placed on probation, paroled from prison or while awaiting trial. The violations were all from drug use after being placed on one of the programs.

Snowmobile Division

The Snowmobile Division patrolled 184.5 (285) hours, made 842 (256) contacts, issued 54 (29) citations, gave 70 (97) verbal warnings, and investigated 17 (28) complaints.

The annual Department of Natural Recourses (DNR) grant provides funding for wages, officer equipment, two snowmobiles, and trailer so that officers can patrol the trails within the county.

Respectfully,
Bryan R. Stump D/Lt.
01/2010