General Investigations

The Criminal Investigations Division Incorporates six detectives and two detective supervisors that all investigate crimes that occur in Columbus. These detectives go through additional training to ensure they can handle any investigation that comes their way. Some of our detectives specialize in certain areas, such as financial crimes, drug diversion, sex crimes, and child exploitation.

One of our detectives is also assigned to the Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), which includes the prosecutor’s and sheriff’s office. This task force is part of a large state and national network of investigators looking into tips they receive about child exploitation. This task force is just one example of how detectives work closely with other agencies and community partners to conduct thorough investigations.

If you have a question about a report or case, you can call our front desk at 812-376-2600.

Intelligence Led Policing

Intelligence Led Policing (ILP) is a transition from traditional policing methods to improving public safety, reducing crime and making the best use of resources by centralizing all intelligence information, analyzing the information and providing actionable direction for law enforcement activities. ILP concepts build on the theory that the majority of crimes are committed by a small portion of offenders. We call the people committing a disproportionate amount of crime repeat offenders.

To submit a crime tip, you can call the ILP Unit at 812-376-2619 or submit a tip online at the link below.

Narcotics

CPD has allocated officers to a Narcotics Unit since the 70’s. The types of drugs coming into our community have changed, but the mission has not: we will not tolerate drug dealers in our city. Recognizing that drugs are a major contributor to property crimes and personal crimes, we will continue to target drug dealers in Columbus.

We primarily accomplish this mission through the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), which was formed in 2015 to unite local law enforcement in their efforts to stop drug dealers. JNET is made up of investigators from CPD and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office working alongside the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office. JNET also works closely with regional local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

We strongly encourage citizens with questions or concerns about drug use in their neighborhoods, businesses, or schools to contact us at, 812-376-2621. You can remain anonymous with your information or questions.

Drug Recognition Expert

Officers trained as Drug Recognition Experts are able to conduct intensive, non-invasive, evaluations of subjects suspected to be impaired by a substance other than alcohol. Through this evaluation, the D.R.E. is able to recognize specific types of impairment, and identify one or more categories of drugs impairing a particular individual. In addition, these evaluations can also allow the D.R.E. to determine that the person is not impaired, or simply suffering from a medical issue.

The title of Drug Recognition Expert means that the respective Officer is potentially able to be recognized by the courts as an, “expert witness”. If recognized as such, the officer is able to give his or her professional opinions as opposed to simply stating facts. To date, D.R.E. officers have given testimony in several court proceedings that have resulted in judgements for the state.

Police

Dispatch
(812) 379-1689

Front Desk
(812) 376-2600

Records Division
123 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-2653
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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