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Our Role ...
The University Police Department operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Patrol officers conduct nearly all initial criminal investigations. The
Investigations Sergeant and 2 Officer Detectives in the detective/plain clothes division
then conduct follow-up investigations for the more serious criminal cases.
The detective unit follows up on the criminal cases, conducts background checks on University employees (when requested), assist other
divisions/departments with security concerns, assists other agencies in contacting University employees and students, assists with special security
concerns for visitors, and many other duties as called upon.
Who we are and what we do...
Patrol officers rotate into the Investigations Unit through an application
process and fill that position for a fixed time period. They usually receive more training in the areas of computer investigations, photography, sketches of wanted people, and crime scene
processing. As in any other unit, the officers specialize in an area that interests
and motivates them . When these officers return to patrol duties, or work with the patrol officers, this knowledge is passed on to
their co-workers.
The typical day in this division is varied. Evidence is
maintained, returned to the correct owner in a timely fashion, or sent to the lab for further
work. We answer many phone calls from other agencies and companies that are conducting background checks on past, or current, employees and
students who have applied for a different job. We usually maintain day time
hours during a normal work week, but we sometimes stay late or come in at all
hours of the day (or night) to complete the job.
A police officer's job is rarely like it is shown on TV,
and this holds true for detectives as well. We have been called upon to tell people that loved ones have died, to dig in the trash for evidence, and
to rescue children from their abusive parents. Afterwards, there is always paperwork and court
appearances. Dedication and compassion are foremost in this unit, as in
all other areas of a police department.
Other places you might find us ...
Officers from this department have assisted the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad, of which the University Police Department is a member, in
investigating murders, rapes and other serious crime in the areas adjoining Boone County. They have also tracked down students and employees that have left the
country after committing crimes in Columbia. The members of this department attempt to stay current on new techniques and equipment
that will make their job easier and safer, and by doing so, to better serve the community.
The members of the department welcome any thoughts you have and ask for everyone's help in maintaining a safe and happy environment for everyone.
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Sergeant Shawn Spalding