Investigative Svcs Programs

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES

COURT SERVICES

COURT SECURITY: In 1998 Court Security acquired through a joint venture with Court Florida's first full time courthouse bomb detection dog Administration of the 15th Judicial Circuit, a bomb detection dog. This was the first full time bomb detection dog assigned to any court house in the State of Florida. The unit also secured a portable x-ray machine to enhance courthouse security.

BAILIFFS: Also in 1998, in another joint venture with Court Administration, this unit obtained three "Heart Stream" semiautomatic defibrillators for use in emergency situations. The program is supported by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who provides on-going training in the use of the equipment.
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COMPUTER CRIMES UNIT

During 1998, the Computer Crimes Unit became a member of the LEACH (Law Enforcement Against Child Harm) Taskforce. The unit investigated a number of cases involving child pornography, attempted homicide, fraud, auto thefts, and lewd assault of a minor. The volume and type of cases grows as the Internet and computers become more powerful and more users sign on.

Law enforcement experts agree that computers and the Internet are going to be of major importance in the coming years. A computer's multiple uses make it ideal for communication, buying goods, selling goods, printing, and storing data of all types.

The Computer Crimes Unit's case load increased during 1998. As more investigators are trained to look for computer involvement in cases, more cases require the assistance of the unit. Since computer evidence is so volatile, it requires specialized training and handling to ensure that the evidence is not changed.

GANG RESISTANCE AND INTERVENTION UNIT (GRIP)

This unit is comprised of one sergeant and four deputies that specialize in gang-related crimes and activity. The GRIP unit is responsible for training PBSO deputies, as well as local police and correctional officers, in the recognition of gang-related graffiti and other symbols of gang involvement. They also investigate gang-related crimes throughout the unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County.

The GRIP Team often works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to develop a database of gang related activity and crime trends. To report gang involvement or criminal activity, use the hotline number 1-800-429-0006.

SERIOUS HABITUAL OFFENDER COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PROGRAM (SHOCAP)

The newly started SHOCAP program is designed to track serious repeat youthful offenders through a database developed for that purpose. Law enforcement agencies throughout the county provide information for the database, and will have access to this intelligence when needed.

Local law enforcement believes that as much as one-third of all crimes attributed to youthful offenders are committed by a small percentage of repeat offenders. The program will provide a monthly updated list of chronic juvenile offenders to law enforcement agencies, the state attorney, school board police and other affiliated organizations.

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