Criminal Investigations Division

Investigations

The duties of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) consist of initiating and conducting follow-up investigations involving crimes occurring predominantly in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County; however, detectives occasionally investigate cases that occur in municipalities or towns within the County that have police departments that are not outfitted, trained or equipped to investigate certain crimes. CID is staffed with detectives specializing in violent crimes, property crimes, cold cases, gang investigations, special victim crimes (physical or sexual abuse and neglect), and financial fraud or internet crimes. The majority of CID cases are adjudicated in the General Sessions Court by the 9th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

In addition to the aforementioned investigative fields, certain detectives are assigned to various State and Federal taskforces to combat crime through a cooperative multi-agency effort: A detective is assigned to the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, a detective is assigned to the Homeland Security Investigations Gang Taskforce, a detective is a member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Taskforce and another detective is a task force officer with the SC Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

CID is also responsible for the management and maintenance of the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) for Charleston County. The SOR unit conducts and oversees field checks of sex offenders, ensuring their compliance with state law. The SOR unit registers one of the highest numbers of sex offenders in the state, often exceeding 800 convicted felons at any given time. The majority of those offenders are required to register several times a year.

Forensic Services

Sergeant Jacob Hill
Phone: (843) 529-5310
jhill@charlestoncounty.org

The Forensic Services Unit performs a wide variety of tasks on a twenty-four hours basis and is equipped to handle all types of crime scene processing. The unit's main responsibility is the custody of current evidence, i.e. guns, drugs, clothing or any other items that may have evidentiary value. Evidence is tracked by computer during the judicial process until final disposition. The evidence is then returned to it's rightful owner (or destroyed in the case of contraband).

The Forensic Services Unit can process evidence for latent fingerprinting by utilizing cyanoacrylate (super glue) fumes, assorted fingerprint powders, stains, dyes and a large assortment of chemical processes. The lab photographs and videotapes major crime scenes, public functions, ceremonies, or other civic activities when requested by the Sheriff's Office staff.

The deputies working in the crime lab have been trained and certified in marijuana analysis. The lab has the capabilities to pour dental stone (plaster) casts of tire and footwear impressions and to reproduce rubberized impressions of cuts or tool marks on items when the use of dental stone is impractical.

The Forensic Services Unit also utilizes an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) to aid in shooting investigations. This system analyzes firearms and ballistics evidence to assist investigators in the investigation and prosecution of violent offenders. The Sheriff's Office IBIS system is also utilized by numerous agencies in the region, since there are currently only 2 systems in the State. For a short video about IBIS, see the Sheriff's Office home screen.

Also, an investigator assigned to the Computer Forensics Unit, a subcomponent of the Forensic Services Unit, is a member of the US Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF). The ECTF performs forensic computer examinations on electronic devices. Computers, tablets and mobile phones are commonplace in everyday life, and as such, they often contain evidence that is crucial to criminal investigations. This unit also performs services for many surrounding agencies.

Victim Witness Advocate

Victim/Witness Advocate

Karen Bing
Phone: (843) 745-2251
kwinns@charlestoncounty.org

Victim/Witness Program

In an effort to assist victims of and witnesses to crime, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office has established a Victim/Witness Assistance Program. This program offers valuable information and assistance to victims/witnesses concerning their rights under South Carolina Law.

"Victim" as defined by S.C. State Code of Law, Title 16, is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional, or financial harm as the result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime. "Victim" also includes the immediate family of any victim who is minor of who is incompetent, or the immediate family of a homicide victim.

"Witness" is defined as any person who has been, or is expected to be summoned to testify for either the prosecution or the defense, or who by reason of having relevant information, is subject to call or likely to be called as a witness for the prosecution or defense, whether or not any action or proceeding has yet been commenced.

Victim's Bill Of Rights

To the extent reasonably possible and subject to available resources, victims, and witnesses of crime are afforded the following rights under South Carolina Law, Section 16-3-1530.

• A right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
• A right to protection from intimidation and harm.
• A right to be informed concerning the Criminal Justice Process.
• A right to reparations.
• A right to preservation of property and employment.
• A right to Due Process in Criminal Court proceedings.
• Victims and witnesses who are very young, elderly, handicapped, or have special needs, have a right to special recognition and attention by all Criminal Justice, Medical, and Social Service Agencies.

Services Rendered

Incident Reports: Section 16-3-1535 requires that victims be provided a copy of the incident report relating to their case free of charge.

Information: Comprehensive explanation of programs and services provided by various agencies for victims/witnesses of crime, to include restitution.

Referrals: Recommending or obtaining assistance from other sources that are not provided directly by the program.

Counseling: Providing emotional and moral support to the victim during the aftermath of a crime.

Personal Advocacy: Acting on behalf of victims or witnesses to ensure that they receive appropriate assistance from Social Service Agencies and the Criminal Justice System.

Employment Intervention: Interact with employer on behalf of victims to explain time off from work due to court appearances and conferences with law enforcement personnel.

Restitution: Assist victims of violent crimes in completing the appropriate forms for compensation from State Assistance Programs.

Information/Referral Phone Numbers

• Sheriff's Office Victim/Witness Advocate (843)745-2250, (843)745-2251 & (843)745-2252
• Charleston County Detention Center (Jail) (843)529-7300
• Charleston County Family Court (843)958-4400
• Charleston County Solicitor's Victim Assistance (843)958-1900
• Crime Stoppers (843)554-1111
• Hotline 211
• My Sister's House (843)744-3242
• Survivors of Homicide Support Group - a free therapeutic support group that meets four times per month in the Charleston County area. (843)745-2250 & (843)745-2251 for further information.
• Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. (843)745-0144