Divisions

Criminal Investigations Division Supervisor – Sergeant Darin Smith

The Criminal Investigations Division has the responsibility of investigating all criminal acts committed within the boundaries of Elm Ridge WCID. Each of our detectives receive specialized training and have the experience and expertise to investigate any type of crime. Detectives investigate and follow-up on leads, develop suspects, execute search and arrest warrants,  coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, and file appropriate charges with District Attorney for prosecution.

Typical duties for Police Detectives include:

• Contacting and interviewing complainants and witnesses on assigned cases.
• Determining the identity of criminal suspects.
• Preparing probable cause affidavits for arrest and search warrants.
• Executing arrest and search warrants  for  offenders when possible.
• Preparing case reports for the District Attorney’s office.
• Testifying before Grand Jury’s and Criminal Courts of Law.
• Locating and returning stolen property
• Assisting other law enforcement agencies when required.
• Assisting crime victims with understanding the judicial process.

The patrol division is the largest and most visible unit of the police department, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Manpower is divided into four twelve-hour shifts which are staffed by a Sergeant and several officers.  

Responsibilities

The patrol division functions as the department’s first responders. These officers are responsible for conducting preventative patrols throughout the community, responding to citizen calls for service, providing immediate investigation of crimes, assisting EMS on emergency medical calls, promoting traffic safety, and conducting traffic crash investigations. Patrol Officers operate as Bicycle Patrols Officers, Field Training Officers, State Certified Instructors, and Traffic Enforcement and Collision Investigators. 

The Elm Ridge Police Department currently staffs Savannah Elementary with a full-time school resource officer. Officer William May is currently the School Resource Office (SRO) for Savannah Elementary. Officer May is a member of the Texas and National Association of School Resource Officers and has received specialized training to be a school resource officer.  The duties of the school resource officer is to act as a law enforcement officer, an informal counselor, and a law-related presenter. As a law enforcement officer, the primary purpose is to “keep the peace.” As an informal counselor, the officer provides resource guidance to students, parents, teachers, staff, and act as a link to support services both inside and outside the school. As a law-related presenter, the officer will share special law enforcement expertise by presentations in the classroom to promote a better understanding of our laws.