Larceny/Heroin Investigative Group

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Our department reacted quickly and decisively to address the national opioid overdose epidemic. A holistic approach was adopted to address this epidemic through a four prong approach of education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. Our department conducted external meetings and internal meetings with Mental Health/Social Services, Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield County Fire/EMS and SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment). Internally our department and detectives identified an increase in larceny from automobiles and shoplifting cases which could be linked to opioid addicts supporting their habits including one bank robbery in 2016. From this data, the Larceny/Heroin Investigative Group was formed. Their mission is to enhance existing/or create working relationships with community members and businesses to identify and arrest individuals. At the same time they are the conduit to social service organizations when the investigation reveals the suspect is supporting their addiction through criminal activity.