The Bureau of Investigations

The Bureau of Investigations has oversight over all functions in the Violent Crimes, Narcotics and Victims Advocate units.  The Bureau is responsible for investigating all violent crimes reported to the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. 

Criminal Investigations (Violent Crimes)

• Follow up investigation on violent crimes
• Develop evidence of crimes by infiltrating an operation
• Makes arrests

Narcotics

• Coordinates, oversees and controls drug enforcement within the boundaries of Gadsden County
• Seizes property used in the commission of a felony narcotics transactions, such as cash, firearms and vehicles.
• Multi-agency Task force which investigates the importation of narcotics into Gadsden County on a larger scale

Victims Advocacy

• Provides crisis counseling and emotional support to victims of crimes
• Assist victims with understanding the judicial system, filing victims compensation claims and obtaining information about their cases (court dates, arrests made)

Criminal Investigation Division

The Division is responsible for investigating all violent crimes reported to the GCSO where uniform patrol deputies did not make an arrest. These crimes may range from simple battery to homicide.

There are seven investigators currently in the division. Their daily work load include such investigations as robbery/theft/burglary, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, stolen vehicles, identity theft, missing persons, criminal mischief, forgery, assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, suicide, suspicious death, and homicide.

This past year, investigators closed approximately 400 cases and are currently working over 500 open cases. Over the past year it is estimated that over $750,000 in property has been recovered. During this same period of time seven homicides were committed and all were solve.

Victim Advocate Division

Tia Thorpe manages this office that was established in 2001 to provide direct services to victims of violent crimes in a caring and compassionate manner.

The following services are provided, but not limited to: on scene assistance, crisis intervention and counseling, death notifications, grief and bereavement counseling, support throughout the criminal justice system, assistance in filing victims compensation forms, and assistance with domestic violations injunctions.

The office is available 24 hours a day; to reach Miss Thorpe, call 850-627-9233.