General Investigations Unit
“We are specialists at being generalists.”
The General Investigations Unit (GIU) investigates complex cases of all call types such as break and enters, auto thefts, property thefts, mischief and vandalism, sexual assaults, vulnerable sector calls, and others.
GIU Detectives work in teams of varying sizes depending on the scope, severity, and complexity of the case. However, each Detective is an independent worker, responsible for their own cases.
GIU Detectives liaise with Crown Attorneys to prepare their cases, allowing for broad networking opportunities within the Criminal Justice System. Additionally, because organized crime rings often involve property thefts, GIU Detectives work extensively with partner agencies in JFOs (Joint Forces Operations), both provincially and nationally.
Typical duties of GIU Detectives include:
- attending the scene of a serious crime
- taking the lead on complex cases
- canvassing for and interviewing witnesses, as well as interviewing victims and suspects
- disseminating and sharing intelligence regarding suspects and dangerous persons
- interviewing recently arrested prisoners in relation to on-going investigations
- writing warrants to conduct search and seizure
- requesting media releases to help identify suspects or missing persons
Do you have what it takes?
Successful GIU Detectives are independent, driven to solve cases, and are experienced investigators. Many of the skills needed in GIU are learned while working in the Patrol division. Possessing good time management, and organizational skills to properly prioritize cases, a GIU Detective must also be adaptable and ready to assist with high priority cases on short notice.
Being able to speak with people from all walks of life is a necessary skill for investigators. Building relationships with both victims and the accused can help elicit additional information that might break a case wide open, or it might help determine what outcome best suits a victim’s needs.
Interested in becoming an officer with Kingston Police? Visit our recruitment website JoinKP.ca and learn more about this challenging and rewarding career.