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"The mission of the Fall River Police Department is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for all, through a partnership with our citizens."
Major Crimes Division
The Major Crimes Division is comprised of four units, the Major Case Unit, the Special Investigations Unit, the Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Crime Scene Unit. The division is tasked with investigating murders, armed robberies, sexual assault, burglaries, gang related crimes, shootings, illegal narcotics, prostitution, illegal gambling, embezzlement and some internet crimes. These detectives are highly motivated and committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens and business owners in Fall River.
We realize that criminals do not recognize geographic boundaries. Subsequently, we work closely with other agencies on the federal, state and local level. Monthly intelligence meetings are held where suspect information, crime trends and informant information is reviewed. Supervisors from this division attend weekly computer statistics meetings to ensure the professional communication and coordination within and outside the Fall River Police Department.
The division was born in the early 1900s as a small group of patrols officers that were given the title of inspectors. They were charged with investigating crimes of adultery, gambling, prostitution, safe cracking, thievery and murder. It was then that the proud tradition of detective work began.
Major Case Unit
Detectives assigned to this unit investigate murder, robbery, burglary and gang/gun related crimes. They have a wide range of responsibility and experience. Detectives focus on specific geographic areas of the city, where they maintain strong relationships with uniformed officers, business people and residents. These detectives are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and often respond to active crime scenes.
Crime Scene Unit
The Crimes Scene Unit collects around one thousand pieces of evidence and seized property every year. These detectives have extensive experience in fingerprint recovery and identification, gunshot residue, crime scene photography and the collection of fluids. The Automated Fingerprint Identification System was recently added to the unit. Crime Scene Detectives undergo continuous training to ensure their capabilities remain current with modern forensic procedures.
Special Investigation Unit
The Special Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating the city’s most sensitive cases, including crimes involving sexual assaults and domestic violence. Detectives have extensive training and investigative expertise in these areas. They work daily with representatives of the Department of Children and Families, Children’s Advocacy Center and the District Attorneys Office.
Vice and Intelligence Unit
The Vice and Intelligence / Gang Unit Detectives are assigned to investigate cases involving illegal narcotics, prostitution, gun crimes and gang violence. They work closely with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Agency, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Massachusetts State Police. The unit gathers information regarding criminal activity from a wide variety of sources which leads to undercover operations and the execution of search warrants.
