Investigations consists of two primary components: Detectives, who work general felony criminal cases, and the Street Crimes Unit, whose focus is gang- and drug-related crimes. During major criminal investigations, often related to serious injury or death, they combine personnel and resources.

All detectives receive on-going specialized training to enable them to stay current on the latest trends and technologies in criminal investigations; and work closely with federal, state and local area law enforcement agencies on joint investigations.

The Division also has access to a state-of-the-art computer and cellphone forensics examination lab, unique to our region. The detective assigned to forensically examine computers and/or cellphones used in the commission of a crime or believed to contain evidence of a crime, has received extensive specialized training and holds multiple related certifications.

Also at their disposal is a fully equipped mobile command post and crime scene trailer. This is a valuable asset when responding to major crimes. It is essentially an office/laboratory on wheels with most equipment necessary to gather, process, and log evidence at a major crime scene.

Detectives

Detectives consist of one Sergeant, six Detectives, and one civilian Domestic Violence Advocate who provide follow-up investigation and prosecution assistance for approximately 900 adult and juvenile felony cases each year. These crimes include, but are not limited to, homicides, assaults, armed robberies, arsons, burglaries, kidnappings, and other felony crimes.

In addition, a state Child Protective Services Investigator is collocated within our Investigations Division. This partnership provides for a timely, comprehensive, and efficient investigation into allegations of child abuse or neglect.

Detectives also investigate felony crimes which occur within the Washington State Penitentiary such as Assaults, Riots, Homicides, etc.

Street Crimes Unit

The Street Crimes Unit consists of one Sergeant and four Detectives assigned specifically to work drug- and gang-related investigations. As a team, they have the ability to focus all of their resources to target specific criminal activity or persons engaged in drug and violent gang activity. These investigations have included violent assaults, drug trafficking, trafficking in stolen property, and homicides.

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

The Walla Walla Police Department has over 1,000 contacts with domestic violence a year and these numbers are rising. In order to help these victims break the cycle of violence, Chalese Rabidue, Domestic Violence Services Officer, contacts the victim after an assault has occurred to offer further social services and investigative follow-up by taking statements and photographs to prepare cases for prosecution. She also makes referrals to other Walla Walla agencies, as well as assists in educating our community on the various aspects of domestic violence.