Bureau of Criminal Investigations

Overview of BCI

The function of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) is to investigate serious and involved crimes as well as assist the patrol division. Detectives can receive preliminary investigations, initiate investigations into serious criminal activity, assess leads, contact witnesses, interview suspects, prepare and serve search warrants, collect evidence, and prepare cases for presentation to the State's Attorney & the United States Attorneys Office. 

Each detective has received extensive training in the investigation of complex crimes, such as homicide and suspicious death, narcotics investigations as well as computer/Internet crimes.

Detectives frequently work with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies during the course of their duties.

Currently the South Burlington Police Department contains six detectives and one detective sergeant. Four of the detectives are housed at the police department in the detective office.

One detective from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations is assigned to the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI). CUSI is a multi-agency task force dedicated to providing criminal investigations in response to reports of sexual assaults and serious child abuse. More information about CUSI can be located at their website http://cusi-vt.org/.

The South Burlington Police Department Bureau of Criminal Investigations also works cooperatively with the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigating Internet facilitated child sexual exploitation. Detectives have the capability of investigating incidents of enticement of a child via the Internet and the possession and distribution of child pornography. The Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force’s Investigations and Undercover Internet Operations Unit will soon be housed at the South Burlington Police Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations.  Go to http://www.vt-icac.org/ for the website for the Vermont ICAC.

The affiliations with CUSI and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force brings a high level of investigative expertise to the police department as well as the City of South Burlington.

Within the last year the Bureau of Criminal Investigations has successfully closed many serious felony investigations with the arrest of suspects for crimes such as:

  • Sexual assault
  • Aggravated assault
  • Careless and negligent operation of a motor vehicle with death resulting
  • Robbery
  • Arson
  • Internet fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Attempting to persuade a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Distribution of child pornography

Detectives have given public presentations on Internet safety to local schools and colleges. They have also provided robbery prevention training to local banks and financial institutions. To request a detective to present for your organization please contact the South Burlington Police Department and ask to speak with a detective supervisor.

Most detectives work normal business hours, wear business attire, and drive unmarked vehicles.  They are certified police officers, and have all the discretionary powers to stop, detain and arrest that uniformed officers have.  Detectives do not normally take initial reports of crimes, although they are always available to the public for questions, advice, and to receive information regarding crimes.

Contact Us
In an emergency dial:
911

Non-emergency line:
(802) 846-4111

Bureau of Criminal Investigation Contact Information

DEPARTMENT CONTACT LIST

 

Claiming Evidence

All evidence related inquiries are to be made by telephone at 802-846-4111 and asking to speak with a detective. Please note that evidence returns will take place on Tuesday and Thursdays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, with prior approval.  Property that has been found or is not evidence can be picked up seven days a week between the hours of 1:30 pm - 3 pm and 9:30 pm - 11 pm.