The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) provides specialized investigative and forensic support for the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and plays a critical role in ensuring that evidence is properly collected, preserved, analyzed, and maintained throughout the criminal justice process. The unit is comprised of the Crime Scene Unit, Cold Case Squad, Property and Evidence Division, and other specialized investigative functions that support both current and long-term criminal investigations.
The Crime Scene Unit (CSU) responds to major crime scenes and assists investigators by documenting, processing, collecting, and preserving physical evidence. Crime scene personnel utilize specialized training and techniques to identify, photograph, recover, and package evidence that may be crucial to the successful prosecution of criminal cases. The Crime Scene Unit (CSU) conducts advanced shooting scene reconstruction by analyzing bullet trajectories, projectile impacts, firearm-related evidence, and scene measurements to determine the sequence of events. CSU personnel also perform bloodstain pattern analysis to assist investigators in interpreting movement, positions of involved parties, and actions that occurred during violent incidents. Their work helps ensure the integrity of investigations from the initial response through courtroom presentation.
The Property and Evidence Division is responsible for the secure intake, cataloging, storage, tracking, and disposition of all evidence and property submitted to the Sheriff’s Office. Strict procedures are followed to maintain chain of custody and ensure the integrity of evidence throughout the life of a case. The division manages thousands of items of evidence and found property while complying with state laws, court orders, and evidence retention requirements.
The Cold Case Squad is dedicated to reviewing unsolved investigations and utilizing modern investigative techniques, technological advancements, forensic testing, and newly developed leads to pursue justice for victims and their families. These investigators continually evaluate previously unresolved cases in an effort to identify offenders and bring long-awaited closure to those affected by serious crimes.
SIU personnel work closely with patrol deputies, criminal investigators, prosecutors, forensic laboratories, medical examiners, and partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that investigations are supported by accurate documentation, reliable evidence, and professional forensic practices.
The mission of the Special Investigations Unit is to provide exceptional forensic, evidentiary, and investigative support while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and integrity. Through specialized training, meticulous evidence management, and a commitment to solving crimes both past and present, SIU serves as a vital component of the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and its commitment to justice and public safety.
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
The Special Investigations Unit partners with regional and federal agencies to utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Recovered firearms are test-fired and entered into a national database to determine whether they have been used in previous crimes and to create a ballistic record for future comparisons. This technology helps investigators link crimes, identify suspects, generate investigative leads, and solve cases that may otherwise remain unsolved.
