Investigative Support Unit

Cyber Crimes

Detective's assigned to the Cyber Crimes Unit assist in investigations by performing the forensic extraction and analysis of all digital evidence items. Most investigations have some form of digital evidence associated with the case. Our Cyber Crimes Detective's are trained to use digital forensic analysis tools to extract data investigators need from these items.  There are currently two Detectives assigned to this unit.

White Collar Crimes

Detective's assigned to the White Collar Crimes unit investigate a number of crimes involving finances or identity theft such as:

• Forgery
• Credit/Debit Card Abuse
• Identity Theft
• Online Harassment

There are currently two Detective's assigned to the White Collar Crimes Unit.

If you believe you have been a victim of internet fraud, the following are some valuable resources to assist you:

• www.ic3.gov
• www.fakechecks.org
• www.onguardonline.gov - This website provides practical tips from both the Federal government and the technology industry to help guard against Internet fraud, how to secure your computer, and how to protect your personal information.

If you are aware of other crimes you believe to be related to the Internet or computers, please contact the Smith County Sheriff's Office to file a report at 903-566-6600.

Evidence

Property and Evidence Technicians are responsible for the care, custody and control of all property and evidence recovered and generated during the investigation of a crime. These technicians receive training from the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT), networking with other law enforcement agencies across the state.

Responsibilities

The Property and Evidence Technicians receive property and evidence submitted to the Smith County Sheriff's Office by properly inventorying, packaging, sealing and storing items in such a manner as to preserve the evidence until requested for analysis, courtroom proceedings or until the statute of limitations expires.

Property and Evidence Technicians also work to routinely purge the storage areas of property no longer deemed evidentiary. Following procedures set forth in the Texas Criminal Code of Procedure, items are purged through authorized release, public auction, Department use, or destruction.

Property Intake & Release

Property and Evidence Technicians are available for property intake and release Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:45 am and from 1 until 4:30 pm. Those retrieving property should provide valid photo identifications along with proper court documents i.e.:

• Case investigator authorization
• Certified letters
• Court dispositions
• Court orders, etc.

All Property is picked up or released at 227 N. Spring Ave. Tyler, TX 75702.

Appointments are preferred for property release, and can be made by calling 903-590-2970, or by email.