The Criminal Investigations Division is a specialized unit within the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office tasked with investigating major crimes that occur in unincorporated Montrose County. Once investigations are completed, cases are forwarded to the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The division handles a broad range of cases, including crimes against persons and property, as well as matters involving terrorism, narcotics, and organized crime. Investigators are typically assigned to focus on either person-related or property-related crimes, where they conduct detailed follow-up investigations within their area of expertise.
Investigators frequently work in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocates to ensure that victims receive support throughout the investigative process. Because of the complexity of certain cases, investigators undergo advanced training in areas such as crimes against children, juvenile offenders, financial crimes, and computer forensics.
Beyond local responsibilities, members of the division also serve on regional, state, and federal task forces addressing issues such as terrorism, illegal drug activity, auto theft, fugitives, and cybercrime. While each investigator maintains specialized duties, the division functions as a unified team dedicated to solving cases and supporting community safety.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office provides personnel to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in investigations targeting individuals and organizations engaged in illegal drug trafficking and related criminal enterprises.
Critical Incident Investigations Team (CIIT)
The Sheriff’s Office participates in the Critical Incident Investigations Team (CIIT), a multi-agency task force within the 7th Judicial District. CIIT investigates officer-involved critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths.
Established by state legislation, the CIIT protocol ensures that all Colorado law enforcement agencies and district attorneys work together to conduct independent, impartial, and thorough investigations of these incidents.
