These more serious offenses are requiring more follow up and investigative services by the investigations division. Due to the longer prison sentences being handed down, suspects are fighting cases in every way possible. We have used the State Crime Lab to analyze evidence on more occasions this year than any other time and there is no end in sight to this expanding trend. The advanced laboratory analysis of evidentiary items has increased. We have asked for DNA analysis on crimes such as aggravated assaults.
Investigators are in court more, and more often, for various suppression and voluntariness hearings.
We prevailed in most of these hearings, but the time needed for preparation and court is significant. The Investigations Division of the department consists of six officers. A detective sergeant oversees the daily operations, handles administrative duties, case management and follows up on his own caseload. This sergeant is responsible for supervising specialized investigations, approving all search warrants as well as coordinating investigative efforts between other law enforcement agencies. These specialized units are the Navajo County Major Crimes Task Force and the Arizona State Gang Task Force.