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Investigations Division

 

Property Crime Unit:  Includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The property crime category includes arson because the offense involves the destruction of property; however, arson victims may be subjected to force.

Sex Offender Unit: There are approximately 96 sexual offenders/predators in Okeechobee County who have to be monitored by the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office. The Sexual Offender Unit is tasked with this by Monitoring and registering sexual offenders and predators quarterly, semi-annually, and annually according to their level or status of registration. This also includes Career Criminals who are released from prison and returned back into the community. Files must be maintained on all offenders and predators and information on their movement within our county is released through the public Information officer when obtained.

Crime Scene Technician / Evidence Technician: The Crime Scene Technician specializes in a broad array of generalized photographic and forensic applications. They must efficiently locate, document, and collect anything of evidentiary value during the course of an investigation; including but not limited to latent prints, hairs, fibers, blood, and any other trace evidence. Once these items are collected, the Evidence Technician must maintain the integrity and confidentiality of evidence, investigations, and operations. To properly store and document anything of possible evidentiary value including but not limited to computer and other electronic equipment, latent prints, hairs, fibers, blood, and other trace evidence. The technician is responsible for transporting evidence to and from crime laboratories when needed, and also properly securing, storing, documenting, returning, retaining, transporting, and destroying items of evidence, found property, or safekeeping.

Narcotics Unit: Is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and the State of Florida. We work very closely with our local, state, and federal partners to aggressively investigate those organizations and their members involved in the growth, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances. We also recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances. Those of us in public safety realize each day brings new challenges; however, the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office is committed to working with our elected officials, community leaders, and the citizens of this great community to ensure that Okeechobee County remains a safe environment in which to live, work, and raise our families.

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