Investigations

The Criminal Investigations Unit is currently headed by Lieutenant David Stimson and over seen by Captain Thomas Harris.  The investigation unit consists of three detectives, broken into two divisions consisting of Property / Personal Crimes and the second unit consisting of Narcotics Investigations.  The criminal investigations unit handles all felony crimes and investigations with in the city limits of Wauchula.  Detectives are assigned cases after road patrol officers can no longer follow available leads to solving the crime.  Detectives are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and may respond to initial calls.

Lt. Stimson handles property criminal offense investigations and follows ups typically dealing with various types of crimes such as; burglaries, robberies, criminal mischief’s, and frauds, however, the investigations division also focuses on crime reduction, crime statistics, trends or patterns, crime scene investigations, crime scene processing, and Evidence storage Section.

Capt. Thomas Harris handles personal crime investigations and follow ups typically dealing with various types of crimes such as; homicides, sex crimes, and batteries.

• Detectives are responsible for such tasks as information development, interviews and interrogations, the collection, preservation and use of physical evidence through Crime Scene processing, and Evidence storage.  

• Det. Kevin Brock is assigned to the Hardee County Drug Task Force, which is a cooperative effort, by the Wauchula Police Department and the Hardee County Sheriffs Office to reduce and eliminate drug activity with in the County through proactive efforts.

1. Each Detective has specialized training in certain areas of Crime Scene Processing, Crime Scene Photography, Latent Fingerprints, the Detection of Gunshot Residue, the detection of Forensic Bodily Fluids, Narcotics Identification, and Forensic Imaging.  Detectives use this specialized training in all areas of investigation and are extremely committed to solving as many criminal offenses as possible.
2. The criminal offense investigations unit works closely with the Road Patrol Officers, and Community Involvement to help reduce burglary, auto theft and gang activity.   Investigators often rely on help from citizens in solving crime in their neighborhoods and communities. By working together with the community, in order to achieve a common goal we can make a positive difference and create a safer environment for all of us to live, work, and play.
3. If you have information or a tip, which you feel, may be relevant to a specific crime or criminal activity, you can contact the Investigations unit at (863) 773-3265 or by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).  Via e-mail dstimson@cityofwauchula.com or go to www.crimestopperstb.com. You can leave anonymous tips, and you may be eligible for a reward should the information you give help to lead to the arrest and conviction of a criminal.