The Detective Division also works in conjuction with the East Central Narcotics Task Force, which is a regional undercover drug unit. Officers assigned to this unit(ECN) are tasked with all aspects of drug investigation, undercover work, surveillance, warrant preparation, search warrant applications and service, and criminal arrests.
In order to effectively perform the duties on scene, the detective division responds in its own crime scene van. This van is equipped with the latest technologies for evidence collection, identification, and seizure.
The Vernon Police Department detective division is also involved in several other investigative areas including Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence. This division conducts criminal investigations, assists other law enforcement agencies, and performs forensic analysis of electronic evidence.
Another area of concentration is in Child Sexual Assault Investigations. Sexual crimes and child sexual abuse are among the most devastating of crimes. Through their criminal acts, sex crime and child sexual abuse offenders can inflict severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on their victims. The effects can be long-lasting; the healing process can be an arduous one. Since many sexual abuse cases occur within the family, investigations are often conducted jointly by Vernon Police Detectives and DCF caseworkers. While the detectives focus on the criminal aspect of a child sexual abuse investigation, DCF caseworkers focus on steps necessary to protect the victim and his or her siblings from further abuse.