The Ann Arbor Police Department detective section investigates criminal activity reported in the city of Ann Arbor. Detectives' responsibilities typically begin after the patrol section's initial response and report. The detectives handle any necessary follow up needed to ensure a complete investigation is presented to the Washtenaw County prosecutor for warrant authorization and later court proceedings.
Lieutenant Bonnie Theil,
[email protected], is the commander of the detective section.
District Detectives
The detective section has approximately 20 detectives. Most are assigned to one of two district detective groups. These groups are assigned cases based on the geographical location of the incident. District detectives conduct investigations on a variety of crimes ranging from larceny and fraud to home invasion, robbery and homicide.
Some detectives have additional training or expertise in crime scene processing, polygraph, computer forensics and domestic violence investigations.
Sergeant Christ Garrett,
[email protected], and Sergeant Dawn Murphy,
[email protected], directly supervise the district detectives.
Special Victims Unit
The Ann Arbor Police Department's Special Victim's Unit (SVU) is responsible for investigation of sexual assault and intimate partner violence (such as domestic assault, stalking, sexual abuse, trafficking, etc.). SVU detectives receive extensive training and they maintain a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach which includes:
Prioritizing the safety, privacy, and well-being of the survivor.
Acknowledging and respecting victims' input into the criminal justice system
Assisting with referrals to reduce barriers in services like counseling, requesting personal protection orders, receiving medical care, and working with the local prosecuting attorney.
Those assigned to the SVU are aware that survivors have endured emotional and physical trauma, which may be expressed differently by each survivor. SVU detectives maintain close relationships with the SafeHouse Center and the University of Michigan SAPAC (Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Coalition).
The AAPD SVU is proactive in their effort to prevent the escalation of violence in the home, through education and early intervention.
Sergeant Dawn Murphy,
[email protected], directly supervises the SVU detectives.
LAWNET
The Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET) is a regional drug enforcement task force with participation from member law enforcement agencies in Washtenaw and Livingston counties as well as the Michigan State Police. The AAPD is a participating agency. LAWNET can be reached at 734.994.8881.
