Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is the primary investigative arm of the Palestine Police Department and is comprised of a CID Sergeant and five detectives, all of whom maintain an investigative caseload. The Criminal Investigations Division's primary mission is the follow-up investigation of criminal acts, including crimes against persons and crimes against property. The criminal investigations division is the primary liaison between the department and the Anderson County District Attorney's Office.

Image of CID Supervisor Sgt James Heavner

Sgt. James Heavner

CID Supervisor

Sergeant James Heavner is assigned as a supervisor to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), where he supervises detectives who have the task of investigating all types of crimes and manages cases under investigation by the Palestine Police Department. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology. He joined the Palestine Police Department in 2011 and patrolled the streets of Palestine for three years before becoming a detective. Sergeant Heavner was promoted to Sergeant and CID supervisor in August of 2019. Sergeant Heavner received specialized computer and cellular phone forensics training from the Secret Service. In addition to specializing in white-collar and internet crimes, he is also the department's drone operator.

Investigations

The primary functions of the Criminal Investigation Unit are:

  • Review and investigate reports of felony and misdemeanor criminal acts.
  • Identify suspects, both adult and juvenile.
  • Prepare cases for prosecution with the District Attorney's Office.

Investigative work is reactive from reports with the identification, arrest, and prosecution of suspects and also proactive through the prevention of criminal acts in their identification of suspects.

CID Detectives' Responsibilities

The Criminal Investigations Division handles a broad spectrum of cases.

  • Property crimes, such as theft, burglary, financial crimes, and arson.
  • Personal crimes, such as battery and robbery.
  • Sex crimes, such as rape, child molestation, and voyeurism.
  • Death investigations, including homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths.
  • Drug investigations, including any illegal drugs and emerging drug threats such as Spice.
  • Pharmaceutical diversion crimes, dealing with prescription fraud, doctor-shopping, and related offenses.
  • Juvenile offenses, such as alcohol offenses, truancy, incorrigibility, and curfew violations.
  • Domestic violence crimes, such as battery, confinement, and violation of protection orders.