Functions & Responsibilities

The Special Investigations Bureau has primary responsibility for activities in the following areas:

General Criminal Investigations

The Special Investigations Bureau efficiently and effectively conducts investigations of all criminal matters which have been referred to the Special Investigations Bureau for action. It is this Department's policy to have patrol officers conduct most preliminary investigations. However, all Crime Index Offenses shall be referred to the Special Investigations Bureau for investigation and/or review. The following types of cases are referred to the Special Investigations Bureau:

  • Abduction/Kidnapping
  • Aggravated Assaults
  • Armed Robbery
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Child Abuse/Neglect
  • Death Investigations
  • First, Second and Third Degree Sexual Assault
  • Homicide
  • Missing/Runaway Juveniles and Missing Adults
  • Theft

Crime Scene & Evidence Management

The Special Investigation Bureau's personnel are responsible for the management of major crime scenes. When present at crime scenes, Special Investigation Bureau personnel should direct and coordinate evidence collection with the Department Evidence Technician. The Evidence Technician is responsible for ensuring the proper handling, processing, retention, and ultimate disposition of evidence seized by this department.

Administrative Investigations

Administrative investigations are non-criminal investigations which are required or requested by proper authority. These may include record checks on license applicants, background investigations of prospective employees and other similar types of investigations.

Criminal Identification

The Special Investigation Bureau is responsible for maintaining fingerprint and photo identification information necessary to properly identify criminal offenders. Specifically:

  • Monitor the obtaining of fingerprints and photographs of persons arrested by this Department; identify problems and recommend corrective action.
  • Maintain local fingerprint and photo files.
  • Make fingerprint comparisons for investigative and evidential purposes.
  • Work closely with records personnel to ensure proper maintenance of arrest record files.

Intelligence & Crime Analysis

Information is collected from a variety of sources which may be useful in on-going investigations or in the development of pro-active patrol counter measures (directed patrol). The Special Investigations Bureau is the clearinghouse for all such information and must provide for the timely review and analysis of such information and the dissemination of useful information obtained.

Special Investigation

Special investigations are either criminal or civil in nature and require special skills, knowledge, or techniques to successfully complete. The Special Investigations Bureau is responsible for establishing and maintaining expertise for the conducting of special investigations.

Training & Development

Special Investigations Bureau personnel are expected to utilize their expertise and experience for the training and development of other Department personnel.

Special Enforcement Programs

The Special Investigations Bureau will assist other operational bureaus in providing for directed enforcement programs in the areas that have a high percentage of juvenile violators and in the areas where laws or ordinances are directed primarily at the juvenile population.

Community Programs

Whenever possible, the Special Investigations Bureau assists community organizations with programs designed to reduce criminal behavior by juveniles. It is recognized that a police agency alone cannot effectively control juvenile related crime and that the police function, if isolated from other community efforts, will have little impact on juvenile problems in the community.

School Liaison Officer Program

Police officers trained for this position will serve as a liaison between youth, law enforcement, and school officials. This position should facilitate the investigation of juvenile related complaints, which are reported or occur within the school setting.

Crime Prevention

The Special Investigations Bureau is charged with the development and maintenance of the Neighborhood Watch program, the provision of security surveys and other related services as well as liaison with community groups interested in the prevention, resistance, and suppression of crime.

D.A.R.E. Program

Police officers trained as D.A.R.E. instructors regardless of assignment or rank will provide this training to students in those private and public schools desiring to include this program as part of their curriculum.

Police School Liaison Committee

Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with the Menomonee Falls School District through the identification of problems of mutual concern and agree on mutual responses, coordination of on-going joint programs, development of new opportunities for joint programs and shared resources. The Police/School Liaison Committee consists of Menomonee Falls School District Principals or their designees and the following department personnel: the Chief of Police or his designee, the Day Shift Patrol Bureau Commander, the Special Investigations Bureau Commander, and all School Liaison Officers.