Dear Friends and Visitors,
My name is Jack Strenges and I am the Commander of the Violent Crimes Division. I have been employed with the PBSO for 27 years. My experience at the PBSO includes assignments in Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Training. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Professional Administration and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Barry University. I am a graduate of the Southern Police Institute's Command Officer Development Course.
I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to be the Commander of a group of highly skilled, diligent and compassionate investigators who are dedicated to solving violent crime throughout Palm Beach County.
There are several diversified investigative components that comprise the Violent Crimes Division, they include:
Tactical Unit (TAC)
The Tactical Unit consists of 1 Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants and 24 Agents. TAC provides the following types of assistance to the PBSO as well as outside local, state and federal law enforcement agencies:
- Surveillance operations
- Fugitive detection and apprehension
- Dignitary protection
- High profile patrol
- Group operations
- Execution of high risk arrest and search warrants
- Tactical training
Violent Crimes Task Force
Homicide/Cold Case Unit
The Homicide Unit is responsible for investigating all homicides, suspicious and accidental deaths, suicides, critical incidents (police shootings and in-custody deaths), shootings, kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crime related cases. This unit also is available to assist any Palm Beach County municipal police agency in any type of violent crime investigation when requested. There are 3 homicide squads each supervised by a Sergeant and comprised of 5 Detectives.
The Cold Case Squad investigates unresolved homicides, the earliest dating back to 1962. The squad also investigates cases involving unidentified human remains. There are currently 271 unsolved homicides and 63 unidentified human remains being investigated by the Cold Case Squad. This squad consists of 1 Sergeant and 5 Detectives.
Robbery Squad
The Robbery squad investigates all home invasions, violent carjacking, violent business robberies, and any robbery in which the victim is seriously injured. This squad consists of 1 Sergeant and 8 Detectives.
Gang Unit
The Gang Unit is responsible for the investigation of all gang related crimes in the unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County. The unit is responsible for gathering intelligence, conducting surveillance and documenting gang members while networking with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. A priority of the gang Unit is to share gang related intelligence with our law enforcement partners. The unit is comprised of 1 Sergeant and 7 Detectives.
Juvenile Arrest and Monitoring Unit (JAM)
The Juvenile Arrest and Monitoring Unit (JAM) is responsible for the monitoring of hard-core juvenile offenders currently assigned to probation programs. The priority of the JAM Unit is to reduce the cycle of juvenile violence by creating positive partnerships with parents, community leaders, and other entities that are committed to assisting juveniles. The unit is comprised 1 Sergeant, 9 Deputies, and 1 Clerical Staff
Auto Theft Task Force
The Auto Theft Unit investigates the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles through proactive investigation. They are responsible for the following: inspecting vehicles that enter and exit the Port of Palm Beach for import and export; investigating suspected "chop shops"; conducting site inspections of salvage yards, junkyards, body shops, licensed motor vehicle and vessel dealerships, repair shops, tow yards and scrap metal processing plants. In addition they confiscate property used in conjunction with auto theft and initiate forfeiture proceedings. The Auto Theft Task Force is comprised of 1 Sergeant, 5 full time Detectives from PBSO and 5 Detectives from state and local law enforcement agencies.
Analytical Support
There are 3 analysts assigned to the Violent Crimes Division from the Strategic Intelligence Section. The analysts provide analytical support for all violent crimes investigations.
Crime Stoppers
The Crime Stoppers Unit is comprised of 1 Sergeant and Detective and 2 clerical specialists. The unit is responsible for receiving anonymous phone and website tips and contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency with the information.
One of the most important elements in conducting criminal investigations is creating and maintaining partnerships with the community. I encourage you to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) if you have information relevant to any ongoing investigation. My staff and I look forward to serving the residents and visitors of Palm Beach County and making this a safer place to live.
