The Criminal Investigations Division, commanded by Captain Sean McCusker, is tasked with investigating reports of criminal acts, as well as taking proactive measures to prevent crimes from occurring. Investigators are responsible for case development activities, including locating and recovering stolen property, gathering and processing forensic evidence from crime scenes, and interrogating criminal suspects. Investigators then compile and organize this information before presenting it to the courts for prosecution.

The Criminal Investigations Division is divided into eight specific units: crimes against persons, property crimes, crime scene unit, domestic violence, gang task force, multi-agency narcotics squad, property and evidence, and victim/witness advocacy.

 Crimes Against Persons
 Property Crimes
 Crime Scene Investigations
 Domestic Violence Unit
 Gang Task Force
 Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (MANS)
 Property & Evidence
 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The crimes against persons section, supervised by Lieutenant Sean McCusker, consists of (8) investigators, (2) sergeants, and (1) crime scene investigator and is responsible for cases such as physical assaults, domestic violence, threats, phone harassment, missing persons, stalking, rapes, murders, crimes against children, runaway / missing juveniles, and child exploitation and computer related crimes. The majority of these cases are felonies, many of which are among the most sensitive cases investigated by law enforcement.

These types of cases are very time consuming to investigate and to prosecute. In most sex crimes, child cruelty, death investigation, assaults, and murder cases, numerous interviews and crime scene searches must be conducted. Search warrants, court orders, neighborhood canvass, and other investigative processes may also be necessary depending upon the individual case.

Lieutenant Sean McCusker
 770.531.6887
 Email

The property crimes section is made up of ten (10) investigators, (2) sergeants and (1) lieutenant who investigate crimes against property such as burglary, theft, criminal damage, auto-theft, and any other crime involving property. The unit has investigators specially trained in the fields of tracking stolen vehicles as well as identity theft.

The investigators review police reports generated by Patrol officers and help in developing leads in those cases. Many times a suspect is involved in more than one crime, and the investigator will attempt to link that suspect with any other crimes they may have been involved in. They also coordinate with investigators from other agencies in order to identify suspects and coordinate efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.

Lieutenant Kenny Neece
 770.531.6879
 Email

The Hall County Sheriff's Office crime scene investigator is a Georgia certified identification technician investigating major case crime scenes with the Sheriff's Office. Assisting the primary Investigator are (8) crime scene technicians assigned to the uniform patrol shifts. The shift crime scene technicians conduct immediate investigations of cases reported to patrol and forward their reports and any evidence collected to the crime lab for further analysis and recording.

Crime scene investigation plays a vital role in modern law enforcement, with the processing and documentation of crime scenes playing a critical role in the prosecution of criminal cases. The modernization of evidence handling procedures and maintenance of a professional and efficient crime scene unit is imperative for successful prosecution of any criminal case.

Investigator Cameron Durham
 770.531.6879
 Email

At present there are five (5) documented gangs active in the Hall County area. This number reflects a reduction in the number of gangs and gang members since 1997. Most of these gangs are categorized as "non-traditional," having little or no ties to larger gangs on the state and national level. These non-traditional gangs finance themselves through crimes such as theft, burglary, drug distribution, firearms trafficking, intimidation, and extortion. Gang members commit these types of crimes to establish their individual status within the gang as well as elevating the local status of the gang itself.

The Gang Task Force operates under the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, and is comprised of Hall County Sheriff's Deputies, Gainesville Police Officers, and also a contingent of Federal Law Enforcement Officers representing the FBI, ATF, and ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement). Due to the joint nature of operations and working with these agencies, members of the Gang Task Force are all federally sworn, and many of their cases are presented in federal court.

Combating gang graffiti or "tagging" is an important and constant effort that the Gang Task Force undertakes. Tagging is commonly used by gangs to mark "their" turf, as well as to issue and answer challenges to rival gangs. Its prompt removal is one way of reducing gang problems and lowering their visibility. If you see gang graffiti, you can click here to request removal.

Sergeant Jason Smith
 770.297.2291
 Email

The Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (MANS) consists of a group of specially trained investigators that focus their efforts on combating drug crimes, ranging from street-level sales and use, all the way through mid and upper level trafficking organizations.

The unit also investigates crimes involving prostitution, gambling, and illegal alcohol sales, among others. Additionally, they are responsible for gathering and interpreting criminal intelligence information pertaining to the persons involved in these crimes.

TIP LINE
 770.531.6883

General inquiries
 770.531.6878

The Hall County Sheriff's Office property and evidence section is responsible for cataloging and inventorying items seized as evidence after they are submitted to the evidence room or crime lab for processing until needed for court. Items turned into this range from lost / recovered property to evidentiary items in rape, homicide, drug, and weapons cases.

The effective investigation and prosecution of a criminal offender relies heavily on the careful, methodical, and proper use and handling of evidence. It is the responsibility of the property and evidence section to maintain not only the integrity of each item of evidence, but the integrity of its chain of custody as well. Stringent safeguards are in place to ensure all property coming through the section is processed in accordance with state law and departmental policies and procedures, helping to ensure the item's evidentiary value in court.

 770.535.3790
 770.297.2696

Criminal Investigations Contact
Captain Sean McCusker  770.531.6879  Email	610 Main Street SW Gainesville, GA 30501-4420 Driving Map