Criminal Investigations

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for conducting prompt, thorough, and proactive investigations aimed at improving the quality of life in our community and ensuring the safety of Westfield’s residents. The division is structured to respond effectively to a wide range of crimes through both specialized detective groups and civilian criminalists.

Detectives are selected based on a combination of investigative aptitude, experience, work ethic, and professionalism. All detectives begin their careers in patrol and are appointed into CID following a competitive selection process. Upon assignment, detectives receive extensive specialized training relevant to their area of focus.

CID Structure

• Detective Captain
• Detective Sergeant
• Three Detective Specialization Groups:
  • Violent Crimes
  • Property Crimes
  • Financial Crimes
• Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
• Civilian Criminalists
• Civilian Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Detective Specialization

While each detective receives training to investigate all types of cases, they may specialize in a particular type of crime. Their specialization allows for more in-depth training, experience, and networking. As such, the Westfield Police Department CID has organized its case detectives into three areas of specialization, each responsible for investigating cases within their assigned area of crime category:

• Violent Crimes: Investigates crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and domestic violence. Detectives in this unit are trained in trauma-informed interviewing and crime scene investigation for violent offenses.
• Property Crimes: Investigates offenses including burglary, theft, vehicle break-ins, vandalism, and other crimes involving physical property. These detectives work closely with patrol officers and crime analysts to identify patterns and suspects.
• Financial Crimes: Investigates white-collar crimes such as fraud, forgery, identity theft, money laundering, and embezzlement. Detectives receive specialized training in digital forensics, financial document analysis, and workforce regulations.

Each case is assigned to a detective with appropriate expertise and is worked until resolution through arrest, prosecution, or exhaustion of all investigative leads.

Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

The Special Investigations Unit conducts covert operations and handles complex investigations that may involve narcotics, overdoses resulting in death, organized crime, human trafficking, and other criminal enterprises. SIU detectives often work in collaboration with regional, state, and federal agencies. This unit utilizes both advanced investigative techniques and intelligence gathering to target criminal activity impacting community safety.

Task Force Participation

The Westfield Police Department actively collaborates with local, state, and federal partners through assignment to multiple specialized task forces. These partnerships expand our investigative capacity, enhance public safety, and support regional efforts to combat serious and organized crime. Westfield detectives currently serve on the following task forces:

• Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force – Focuses on investigating and dismantling mid- to upper-level drug trafficking organizations operating in Hamilton and Boone Counties.
• FBI Safe Streets Task Force – Targets violent street crimes, including gang activity, illegal firearms trafficking, drug offenses, and organized criminal networks.
• FBI Violent Crimes Task Force – Investigates serious violent offenses such as homicide, kidnapping, and armed robbery, leveraging federal resources and coordination.
• FBI White Collar Crime Task Force – Conducts in-depth investigations of white-collar crimes, including fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, and money laundering.
• Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force – Investigates the online exploitation of children, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), solicitation, and other internet-based offenses targeting minors.
• US Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force – A focal point of our cyber investigative efforts involve a partnership between the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime through prevention, detection, mitigation, and investigation.
• Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) – Works to reduce gun violence by identifying, tracking, and apprehending individuals involved in illegal firearm possession, trafficking, and gun-related crimes across central Indiana.
• United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force – Locates and apprehends fugitives – especially high-risk and violent offenders – through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Hamilton County Digital Forensic Lab Task Force – Comprised of personnel from the Carmel Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, Fishers Police Department and the Westfield Police Department, this Task Force is established to coordinate, support, and enhance forensic laboratory operations and investigations within our county.

Through active participation in these task forces, the Westfield Police Department demonstrates its ongoing commitment to protecting the community by addressing complex criminal threats through specialized expertise, intelligence-sharing, and regional collaboration.

Civilian Criminalists

Civilian Criminalists play a critical role in crime scene investigation and evidence collection. WPD’s civilian criminalist’s mission is to provide exceptional forensic support to law enforcement by ensuring the thorough processing of physical evidence from crime scenes. Our team is dedicated to utilizing the latest forensic techniques and technologies to assist in criminal convictions through our active participation and commitment in the Hamilton County Digital Forensic Lab Task Force.

Responsibilities include:

• Evidence collection and preservation
• Forensic analysis
• Thorough documentation and processing of crime scenes
• Timely response to scenes
• Training and development of our police officers

Criminalists ensure that all property and evidence are tracked and stored in accordance with legal and procedural standards until it is returned to the rightful owner or used in court.

Property Release

To schedule an appointment for the release of property, please contact the Westfield Police Department’s property division at 317-804-3200.

Community Partnership

The Westfield Police Department encourages all citizens to report suspicious activity by contacting the Hamilton County Communications Center at 317-773-1300. Strong partnerships between officers and vigilant community members are essential to maintaining transparency and one of the safest cities in Indiana.

Together, through collaboration and shared responsibility, we are committed to keeping Westfield an exciting place to live, work, and visit!