Criminal Investigation Process

Detectives process all crime scenes for forensic evidence and photograph the scene for future reference in Court proceedings. In the course of an investigation, Detectives regularly prepare, apply for and execute search warrants. They also take video and audio taped interviews from victims, witnesses and suspects. Subject to immediate recall to duty, a member of the Detective Unit is always available to respond within a short time period.

Background investigations to determine the suitability for employment within the Police Department are also conducted by Detectives as well as any other additional special investigations as assigned by the Chief of Police.

The Detective Unit also manages the Sex Offender Registry for the Department. We register, photograph, fingerprint and monitor convicted sex offenders who live in Duxbury and monitor those who are employed in town.

The Detective Unit collects and logs property and evidence that is related to an investigation. This includes items that are recovered as stolen property and items that are seized as evidence of a criminal offense. Detectives submit evidence to the Massachusetts State Police laboratories for examination such as toxicology, presence of narcotics and DNA comparison. Latent fingerprints are submitted to the Plymouth County AFIS Unit for comparison.

The Detective Unit takes a proactive approach in investigation cases. Our commitment does not end with the arrest of a suspect, but requires us to work with prosecutors to further ensure that a case is presented in a professional manner and that as a result of our investigation the Commonwealth was able to present the strongest case possible to the Court.