INVESTIGATIONS

Drawing on their years of experience, the department's detectives are charged with investigating all of the crimes within the city in which an arrest is not immediately made. While their work focuses on crimes that occur in Leawood, their work extends far beyond the city's borders as they work with detectives in local, state and federal agencies throughout the area to clear their cases. Detectives in the unit may also be called to serve as members of the Kansas City Metro Chiefs Association's Metro Squad, an ad-hoc group formed to focus trained investigators in the case of a murder or othe major crime that has just occurred. Two detectives, Sgt. Scott Hansen and Det. Joe Langer, have also served staff positions leading Metro Squad invesigations.

In addition to their work solving crimes, the Investigations Unit has also helped to establish several proactive programs to stop crime. Within the department, the unit began a computerized tracking program for known felons and gang members who have contact with officers in our city. This program aids in suspect identification as well as helping to plot possible crime patterns. Outside the department, the unit initiated a program with the Blue Valley School District and all the Johnson County jurisdictions within the district to develop a standardized protocol for reporting and investigating child abuse. The unit has also begun to host meetings for departments throughout the area to gather and share intelligence.