Operational Support Bureau

Investigations Division - This site is being edited. 

  1. Johnson_Jeffrey_JWD_5770_2x3

    Jeffery Johnson

    Captain, Investigations Division
    Jeffery.Johnson@accgov.com
    Phone: 762-400-7136

header_detectives

Comprised of highly-trained and experienced officers as well as many of our vital civilian employees, this bureau is divided into two divisions, Investigations and Administrative Services.

The Investigations Division includes Persons Crimes, Property Crimes, Special Victims,  ACCPD's Gang Unit, Tactical Anti-Crime Unit, and our collaboration with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Our Crime Analysis and Intelligence Unit manages our Real Time Crime Center, which provides officers with vital information when responding to specific calls.

Special Victims

Accordion_Special_Victims_00166_IMG-9545 copyThe Special Victims Unit is a specialized division within a police department dedicated to investigating sensitive and often complex crimes involving vulnerable victims, such as sexual assaults, domestic violence and missing persons. Detectives in this unit receive specialized training in trauma-informed interviewing, evidence collection, victim advocacy, and working collaboratively with medical professionals, social services, and prosecutors to ensure thorough investigations while prioritizing the safety, dignity, and well-being of victims.

Persons Crimes

Accordion_Forensics_APD_1934 copyThe Persons Crimes Unit is responsible for investigating serious offenses committed against individuals, including homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and other violent crimes. Detectives in this unit are trained in advanced investigative techniques such as witness and suspect interviews and evidence analysis. They collaborate with prosecutors to bring offenders to justice while ensuring a thorough and objective investigation. The Forensics Unit is responsible for the analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes. This includes tasks such as fingerprint analysis, DNA processing, ballistic examination, and crime scene photography.

Tactical Anti-Crime

drugs_ammo_confiscatedThe Tactical Anti-Crime Unit focuses on proactive enforcement to reduce violent crime, drug activity, and other high-impact criminal activity. Officers in this unit are responsible for utilizing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted operations to identify and apprehend repeat offenders. They collaborate with other divisions to disrupt criminal networks, seize illegal weapons and narcotics, and enhance public safety through rapid, strategic deployment.

Gang Unit

Accordion_Gang_Layer 18 copyThe Gang Unit is dedicated to investigating and disrupting gang-related crime, including violent offenses, drug activity, and illegal firearms activity. Officers in this unit use intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted enforcement to identify gang members, track criminal networks, and prevent retaliatory violence. They work closely with other units and law enforcement agencies to reduce gang activity, support intervention programs, and enhance community safety.

Property Crimes

broken_windowThe Property Crimes Unit investigates offenses involving the theft, destruction, or unlawful taking of property, including burglary, larceny, and fraud. Detectives in this unit specialize in interviews, identifying patterns, and gathering evidence to link suspects to multiple cases. They work closely with other units to resolve cases, to hold offenders accountable, and to reduce repeat offenses through targeted investigations.

Crime Analysis/Intelligence

Accordion_Crime_Analysis_untitled-20112 copyThe Crime Analysis and Intelligence Unit collects, evaluates, and interprets data to identify crime trends, patterns, and emerging threats. Analysts in this unit compile intelligence from multiple sources, including police reports and surveillance, to support investigations and guide proactive enforcement strategies. They work closely with all divisions to provide actionable information, assist in suspect identification, and enhance the department’s ability to prevent and respond to criminal activity effectively.

  1. Nick_Barker_Portrait

    Nick Barker

    Crime Analyst
    nick.barker@accgov.com
    Phone: 762-400-7077

Real Time Crime Center

Our Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) is currently operating in a smaller space while building out its new 1800 square foot expansion and preparing for additional staffing needs, which the mayor and commission approved in the FY2006.

Working alongside our public safety camera infrastructure are mobile camera trailers that can be moved to areas of interest. Local businesses can assist with our efforts by sharing their cameras with the RTCC to enhance its coverage area. We are currently partnering with UGA to expand our public safety camera network throughout downtown and campus corridors. UGA has financially contributed to this effort. Currently, UGA is sharing some of its cameras with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Residents can assist the RTCC by registering their home surveillance cameras. This will allow detectives and officers to quickly locate video footage when a crime occurs near their home. In this case, the RTCC does not have live access to the home cameras - only the ability to locate and ask for footage from homes near where a crime occurred.

  1. 1 Real-Time-Crime-Center-01
  2. 2 Real-Time-Crime-Center-02
  3. 3 Real-Time-Crime-Center-03
  4. 4 Real-Time-Crime-Center-04

Administrative Services Division

  1. Nichols_Christopher_JWD_5708_2x3

    Christopher Nichols

    Captain, Administrative Services
    christopher.nichols@accgov.com
    Phone: (762) 400-7161

Evidence_Website_Interior

The Administrative Services Bureau includes Career Development (Training Unit and Officers in Training), Records, Property, and Evidence (Records Unit and Property and Evidence Unit), and the Accreditation Unit. The Quartermaster stocks all the necessary supplies for all our employees. The Community Communications Coordinator ensures our outreach programs are effective

Career Development

accordian_atv

This unit coordinates basic and advanced training for the police department. This includes training for new recruits as well as experienced officers. The Career Training and Development Unit (CTDU) oversees the eight-week New Officer Basic Course and the 15-week Police Training Officer Program for new personnel after they complete the 10-week Georgia Police Academy. 

Records/Property/Evidence

evidence_technicianThe Records, Property, and Evidence Unit is responsible for managing and safeguarding official police records, storing and tracking property in police custody, and preserving evidence for criminal investigations. The unit ensures accurate documentation, secure storage, and proper chain of custody so that records and evidence remain legally admissible in court. They also handle the release or disposal of property in accordance with laws and departmental policy. 

Accreditation

accordian_behrnsThe police department’s Accreditation Unit oversees compliance with professional policing standards set by accrediting bodies. The unit reviews and updates policies, ensures practices meet required benchmarks, coordinates audits and inspections, and prepares the department for accreditation or reaccreditation reviews. Their work helps maintain accountability, improve operations, and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to excellence and community trust.