Investigations Division

The Investigations Division is responsible for Criminal Investigations, Drug Investigations, Prosecution, The School Resource Officer Position and Department Training. We investigate serious criminal offenses, assist patrol officers, while working with the schools and Local, County and Federal agencies.

Our Prosecutor handles arraignments, various motions along with misdemeanor and violations level court cases. Our relationship with area schools and their students allows us to help keep the schools in Somersworth a safe place for our children. Finally, all Departmental Training is scheduled and administered through the Investigations Division.

Detectives

Police Detectives investigate criminal conduct to identify and apprehend offenders for prosecution and recovery of property and to assist citizens in the prevention of crime. Their duties include:

• Investigates criminal law violations occurring within the jurisdiction of the department, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, renders assistance at scenes of vehicular accidents, seeks and questions victims, witnesses and suspects, develops leads and tips and related activities.
• Gathers and maintains intelligence on criminal activities and future criminal activities, utilizes intelligence to prevent future acts and apprehends violators. Develops and maintains sources of information, including but not limited to informants, electronic databases and the Internet.
• Reviews a variety of police related reports and teletypes prepared by officers or others in order to maintain a high degree of knowledge of criminal activity within jurisdiction.
• Makes plans about individual tactical matters such as equipment to be used for particular operations and the detailed plans needed for an investigation.
• Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities.
• Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances.
• Prepares reports and records of activity and conduct investigations in a timely manner.
• Maintains proficiency in the processing of crime scenes, the collection of evidence and current criminal investigative techniques.
• Establishes and maintains a working relationship with investigators in other local police departments, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Coordinates activities with supervisors or other City departments; exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, Circuit Court and other government agencies; and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator regarding cases, policies and procedures.
• May participate in various proactive programs that address safety and crime issues.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of all laws and ordinances.

School Resource Officer

The School Resource Officer (SRO) collaborates on-site with school administration and staff to investigate crime on school property, incorporate crime prevention into school curriculum and enhance communication with the community. This Certified law enforcement officer is assigned to either the middle school or the high school and is engaged in a variety of activities designed to increase understanding between the student body, the faculty and staff and the law enforcement community. The SRO’s duties include:

• Maintains a safe educational environment.
• Enforces all state, federal and local laws and educates parents, students and faculty on these laws.
• Acts as a resource for teachers and parents, available for conferences, on an individual or group basis. By being active in the school, the SRO can provide individual mentoring to students, fostering a positive image so that enhanced communication with students, staff and parents can exist.
• Keeps abreast of elements and incidents that threaten the students or school and assists school staff with the development of safety procedures. Assists principals with strategies and plans for dealing with dangerous situations such as fights, drugs and weapons in school.
• Presents a positive role model and mentor to the school community.
• Attends extra-curricular activities in support of the school community.
• Speaks to groups associated with the schools on a wide variety of relevant issues.
• Conducts drug education.
• Receives and investigates reports from the school staff and determines if it is required to report the incident under mandatory school reporting laws. The SRO handles all investigations involving the students, staff, transportation and school property.
• Mediates student conflicts, enforces school rules and assists with school truancy.
• Works closely with juvenile detectives, probation officers, the court system, DCYF and other agencies.
• Maintains Divisional communications and keeps abreast of active investigations and policies.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all reports, documentation and records required.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police-related equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of all laws and ordinances.

Police Prosecutor

The Police Prosecutor is responsible for the following list of duties:

• Prepares and processes all court related paperwork.
• Prosecutes traffic violation, crimes and other violations.
• Prepares and arranges plea agreements.
• Attends court or other related hearings.
• Prepares or oversees preparation of copies to be released to courts or Attorneys and other State or local agencies.
• Prepares weekly court trial schedule.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of all laws and ordinances.