Criminal Investigations Unit

The Criminal Investigations Unit of the Moorhead Police Department is responsible for handling complex criminal investigations, specialized enforcement, and compliance monitoring. The unit addresses cases involving narcotics, juvenile and vulnerable adult crimes, computer forensics, gang activity, and predatory offender management. Additional responsibilities include participation in regional and federal task forces, conducting background investigations for city licenses and permits, and supporting community safety through specialized units and collaborative partnerships.

The Criminal Investigations Unit is led by a Division Commander and includes an Investigative Sergeant, Office Manager, and nine full-time investigators specializing in a range of cases:

• General and Juvenile Detectives
  Handle crimes against adults and property crimes. Includes a Computer Forensic Investigator who examines digital evidence in cases such as child exploitation, criminal sexual conduct, and narcotics. They also focus on crimes against children and vulnerable adults, including physical and sexual abuse and financial exploitation.

• Narcotics Detectives
  Investigate local drug trafficking, gang-related cases, and large-scale conspiracy investigations.

• Metro Street Crimes Unit
  Works with representatives from partner agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead Metro and addresses gang activity, fugitive apprehension, and high-crime areas.

Task Force Participation

Investigators collaborate with multiple task forces to enhance resources and expertise:

• DEA Drug Task Force (Fargo, ND)
• Minnesota BCA Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC)
• US Marshals North Star Fugitive Task Force

These partnerships provide additional funding for salaries, overtime, and equipment through grants and federal support.

Predatory Offender Management

The division monitors approximately 145 predatory offenders in Moorhead, ensuring compliance and providing community notifications for Level III offenders through media, meetings, and the city website.

Background Investigations

Responsibilities include conducting background checks for city licenses and permits (liquor, pawn, massage, tobacco, etc.) and processing handgun and assault weapon purchase permits.