Investigations Section

The Investigations Section plays an extremely significant role in the Department's efforts to detect and apprehend offenders who commit crimes in Vernon Hills. The Investigations Section, a part of the Operations Division, is responsible for the follow-up investigations of crimes and the implementation of a variety of proactive measures to reduce and stop crime. Investigators process evidence at crime scenes and analyze patterns and criminal intelligence utilizing modern resources and techniques. The Investigations Section is headed by an Investigations Commander. There are nine additional officers who function as non-uniformed investigators in various ways. Four of these investigators perform most of the follow-up investigations. Two serve as School Resource Officers (SROs - one is assigned full-time to the Vernon Hills High School and the other to the Hawthorn School District). Another investigator is assigned full-time to the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). MEG's primary purpose is the investigation and arrest of drug offenders. Finally, two investigators function primarily as tactical officers. The tactical officers conduct proactive operations (sometimes undercover) and are also available to assist the Patrol Section when necessary.

The Investigations Section's work includes:

• Investigating major crimes, such as homicide, robbery, sexual assault, fraud and burglary.
• Investigating less serious offenses, such as theft, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.
• Conducting juvenile investigations in which specially trained investigators handle all cases involving victims or offenders under the age of eighteen.
• Handling Tactical Unit investigations that utilize plainclothes officers to target drug, gang and stolen vehicle offenses.
• Processing crime scenes and collecting evidence, including computers and digital evidence. 
• Conducting pre-employment and liquor license background investigations.
• Obtaining search and arrest warrants.

In February, 2000, the Police Department joined the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Child Exploitation Task Force. The Task Force was created in 1997 to combat the growing threat of child sexual predators who use the Internet to victimize children. Over 60 investigators and prosecutors from over 40 Illinois agencies work together to investigate and prosecute pedophiles who use the Internet to prey on children. Detective Jim Koch is the Vernon Hills representative on the Task Force. Jim is trained in techniques used to combat the use of the internet by pedophiles. He has experience in this field and has successfully investigated many crimes of this type. The police department's involvement in the Task Force is an extremely valuable asset and resource.