Criminal Investigations Division
The Bowling Green Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for gathering evidence, identifying and apprehending offenders, preparing cases for trial, and maintaining liaison with prosecutors, courts, and corrections. The Criminal Investigations Division staff includes one major, two sergeants and eleven detectives. Two of these investigators are assigned to the Warren County Drug Task Force. One investigator coordinates the SHOCAP/Sex Offender program. The Criminal Investigation Division also includes the Victim Advocacy Unit and the BRASS domestic violence coordinators.
Victim Advocacy Unit
The Victim Advocacy Unit assists investigators by providing crisis intervention, ongoing case support, court advocacy, assistance with crime victims compensation claims, and referrals for community-based services to victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. The Unit consists of one full-time child abuse advocate, and two part-time domestic violence advocates from the Barren River Area Safe Space (BRASS).
The Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP)
SHOCAP is making a positive impact on the juvenile crime rate by identifying local juveniles who show a pattern of repeatedly involving themselves in criminal activity. The SHOCAP officer monitors juvenile offenders classified as Serious Habitual Offenders (SHO’s). SHO’s who are found to be out of compliance in some way with court orders are placed in detention and face immediate consequences for their actions. The SHOCAP officer is active in locating and recommending to the courts alternative sentencing options to help break the cycle of crime these juveniles find themselves in. The Bowling Green Police Department entered into a partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice to form a Juvenile Intensive Supervision Team (JIST). This team shares information and monitors all youth in Bowling Green and Warren County who are under Department of Juvenile Justice supervision.