Criminal Investigations Division

Responsibilities

The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for conducting follow-up investigations of felony offenses, as well as various preliminary investigations. The members of the division are available 24 hours a day to provide investigative assistance to the police department, as well as to other outside agencies.

Activities of the Criminal Investigations Division include:

  • Investigations of major crimes and subsequent case preparation
  • Processing of crime scenes and evidence management 
  • Internal affairs investigations for officer accountability 
  • Investigation of missing person cases
  • Narcotics, human trafficking, and abuse cases

Police Social Worker

A police social worker is a trained professional who works alongside law enforcement agencies to provide support in situations that involve mental health crises, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and other social or emotional issues. Their role is to help bridge the gap between police officers and the communities they serve by offering compassionate, trauma-informed care and connecting individuals and families with appropriate resources and services.

Key responsibilities of a police social worker may include:

  • Responding with police officers to crisis calls involving mental health or social service needs.
  • Assessing individuals in crisis to determine their immediate safety and support needs.
  • Providing on-site de-escalation and emotional support.
  • Referring individuals to mental health services, shelters, addiction treatment, or social programs.
  • Following up with clients to ensure continued care and support.
  • Training and advising police officers on best practices for handling social service-related incidents.

Police social workers play a crucial role in promoting public safety through non-punitive approaches, reducing repeat police encounters, and improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals and communities.

Contact Skylar Fox: 859-292-3681

Crime Tip Line

Please call 859-261-TIPS (8477) to report any crime tips. All calls will go to our voicemail, which is monitored daily. Tips can be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are confidential and anonymous. Newport residents are the eyes and ears of our great city, and we encourage anyone requiring the assistance of the Newport Police Department to reach out. In the event of an emergency, always call 911 immediately!

Please remember, if you see something, say something!