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Detective Bureau

In 2009, the Glendale Police Department Detective Bureau conducted a total of 612 investigations.  Of those, 131 were cases turned over for full investigation, 4 remain as open investigations, 22 are closed as inactive, and 104 were cleared. The remaining 481 investigations were done in conjunction with patrol and Detective Bureau personnel as assists and follow-ups. These totals show an increase in cases turned over for full investigation by 3 and a decrease in follow up investigations by 72.  The drop in follow up activity is due, in part, to the Bureau’s involvement in a number of complex and high profile cases, specifically the investigation and clearance of two homicides.  The Bureau’s overall clearance rate for 2009 is 82%. 

                    Bookings recorded for 2009 totaled 904, of which 135 were repeat bookings of individuals previously arrested by the Department.  This represents an increase in new bookings by 77 and an increase in repeated bookings of 26 as compared to 103 in 2008. 

           The Computer Forensics Unit, staffed by Sergeant Michael Morris and Office Thomas Treder, continues to support Detective Bureau investigations, conducting 4 forensic examinations of computers in 2009 involving a large internal theft from a financial institution, sexual assault, and child abuse. The forensic examination of a computer is an extremely complex and time consuming job, taking months to complete, that requires extensive training and patience.  I would like to take this opportunity to once again commend Sergeant Morris and Officer Treder for their continued dedication to duty.

           Since the State of Wisconsin began requiring recorded interviews of all juveniles and adults arrested for felonies, the Detective Bureau has taken on the role of not only ensuring that the requirement and related policies are followed, but also one of managing the recorded files.  All required interviews are electronically recorded to standard play DVD’s and inventoried as evidence.  In 2009, a total of 257 interviews were recorded. Of the 257 recorded interviews, 167 were done by patrol personnel and 90 done by Detectives. 

           Another administrative function of the Detective Bureau is the management of our mug shot images.  For 2009, 1121 mug shots were captured for individuals arrested and transported to the GPD lock up.  This reflects a slight decrease from 2008 which can be attributed to changes made in OAR and OAS traffic law that in turn resulted in fewer in custody arrests for traffic violations. 

           The Detective Bureau also continues to manage the evidence, photograph, and fingerprint files, as well as assist with the coordination of the City’s liquor, special gathering, and transient merchant permits. 

 Noted highlights for 2009: 

 January 4, 2009: AMBER ALERT

           The Detective Bureau coordinated a regional effort to locate a missing endangered child reportedly abducted from an address in the City of Glendale by her biological and very violent, father.  The child was located, alive and well, within hours.

 March 30, 2009 to April 2, 2009 Amber Alert Child Abduction Response Team training

  Jersey City , NJ

          After the successful Amber Alert three Detective Bureau personnel attended an intense three day training session in Jersey City , NJ to prepare for the formation and participation in a regional Child Abduction Response Team (CART).  The knowledge gained at this training was brought back to GPD and added to our child abduction response plan.

 HOMICIDE

           On November 22, 2008 an elderly City of Glendale resident was severely beaten in a home invasion robbery.  The beating was so bad that he remained hospitalized and died on March 9, 2009.  His death was caused by a head/brain injury received during the November 22 beating.

This was labor intensive case and a true “who dunnit” that required an extensive amount of old-fashioned detective work.  After several months of interviewing potential suspects and witnesses the hard work paid off and probable cause to arrest a suspect was met.  The suspect was arrested, brought to GPD, and questioned.  A skillful interview resulted in his confession and to the identity of a second suspect.  This second suspect was arrested, brought to GPD, and confessed as well. 

The case went to trial in 2010. 

 HOMICIDE-OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING April, 16, 2009

           On April 16, 2009 the Cornerstone Bank in Fox Point was robbed by a lone suspect who fled the scene south on N. Port Washington Rd.   The suspect was located by officers from the River Hills and Fox Point Police Departments at the corner of N. Port Washington Rd. and W. Good Hope Rd.   The suspect shot at the officers from his vehicle.  The officers returned fire, killing the suspect. 

Because the shooting occurred in the City of Glendale , The GPD was tasked with investigating the shooting.  Much of this work fell on the shoulders of Detectives Nitschke, Bichler, and Lofy.  While it was a justifiable shooting, the case still required countless resources and man hours to investigate properly.  The investigation included a comprehensive crime scene analysis, dozens of witness’s interviews, and interviews with the involved officers.   The investigation was professionally done and received high praise from the Milwaukee County District Attorney ’s Office. 

            These are only a few examples of the work done by Detectives Nitschke, Bichler, and Lofy and are a reflection of their continued dedication to service.  They are, I believe, some of the most valuable assets to the Glendale Police Department who work tirelessly for the citizens they serve to protect.