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.


Assistant Chief Richard Johnson


Assistant Chief Captain Johnson has dedicated nearly two decades to serving the community through his exemplary work with the PPD. Ascending through the ranks, his recent promotion in August 2023 to the role of Assistant Chief is a testament to his unwavering commitment, skill set, and leadership capabilities.

His journey with the PPD began in 2004, and over the span of 18 years and 10 months, Captain Johnson has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge.

An advocate for continuing education and training, Assistant Chief Captain Johnson boasts an impressive list of certifications. He is a proud recipient of the Law Enforcement Command Officer Program from the Texas Police Chiefs Association. His dedication to law enforcement excellence is further showcased by his attainment of the Master Peace License and his role as a TCOLE certified instructor. With specialized experience in firearms instruction, defensive tactics instruction, and tactical operations, Captain Johnson ensures that the officers under his command are equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect and serve at the highest level.

Outside of his law enforcement achievements, Captain Johnson is a proud alumnus of Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management. His educational background has equipped him with the managerial and strategic skills that make him a dynamic leader within the PPD.


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.