The Oakland County Sheriff's Auto Theft Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force with the Sheriff's Office acting as the project director, and specializes in investigating all auto theft-related crimes. Since the Unit began its work in 1986, the auto theft rate has dropped 79%. Between 2009 and 2010, Oakland County's auto theft rate dropped 18%, which has resulted in an estimated average of $51 annual savings on personal auto insurance rates.

Subsequently, this unit was recognized by the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) as one of the best in the State of Michigan. Partial funding for this unit is also provided by the ATPA. The Auto Theft Unit responds to any law enforcement agency in need of expert assistance in automobile theft.

In 2019, the Auto Theft Unit recovered 499 stolen vehicles with a value of $7,994,062.

The Cold Case Unit is comprised of retired, dedicated veteran detectives and prosecutors who are willing to volunteer their experience and time in order to solve criminal cases that have gone cold. The main objective of this group is to review and investigate homicides and other major cases that were violent in nature and, through modern technology, establish leads that may help solve and close the cases. Interested persons may contact the Sheriff's Investigative and Forensic Services Division (IFS) Cold Case Unit at 248-858-7155 or email coldcaseunit@oakgov.com for further information.

Note: For tips or information related to the Oakland County Child Killer case (1976-1977), please call 1-888-TURN-1-IN.

The Computer Crimes Unit has a flood of cases that demand attention because computer crimes are one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation.

During 2019, the Computer Crimes Unit conducted 296 computer forensic examinations. It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to complete one exam because the hard drives in computers have dramatically increased in size in recent years. The Computer Crimes Unit also conducts internet child safety presentations to community groups around the county.

Since its inception, the Computer Crimes Unit has an exemplary conviction rate. The Unit is recognized for their expertise by police departments, as well as state and federal agencies.

See also: Oakland County Sheriff's Office Child Internet Safety Program

Detective Sergeant Jerry DeRosia
248-858-4942

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Corps serves as a resource to OCSO Deputies and civilian staff and their families, and to the victims of crime and their families in the Oakland County community. They are an active group of experienced chaplains who are on-call 24/7, able to respond immediately to emergency or non-emergency situations that require some form of counseling or spiritual or emotional guidance. They provide pastoral counseling services and interact with the Sheriff’s Office and the community in a constructive and compassionate manner in times of tragedy or conflict. They are also available for spiritual consultation with the inmate population of the Oakland County Jail.

The Fire Investigations Unit is recognized as one of the best fire investigation units in the country. In 2019, the Sheriff's Fire Investigations Unit conducted 138 fire investigations, of which 37 were determined to be arson.

This is the seventh full year an accelerant detection dog has worked with the Unit and the dog has had extensive training, indicating the exact location of a fire's origin. Also, the dog is able to identify and track residue on fire starting materials and on suspects.

The primary function of this unit is to apprehend serious and career offenders who are wanted for arraignment on a warrant for trial. Experience and specialized skill are crucial requirements for FAT investigators, due to the violent individuals that are targeted and confronted regularly. FAT investigators are federally deputized as marshals and work closely with the US Marshals Service.

This Unit is also responsible for the 24-hour tip line. Anyone who has a tip, which could lead to the arrest of someone wanted by the law, is encouraged to call the Tip Line at 1-888-TURN-1-IN (1-888-887-6146).

In 2019, the Fugitive Team picked up 285 fugitives on outstanding warrants. The team is responsible for completing all extraditions; in 2019, a total of 16 extraditions were processed. Because of their professionalism and success, the Fugitive Apprehension Team continues to be called upon by other agencies for assistance with fugitive apprehension, investigations and surveillance.

The Friend of the Court (FOC) Enforcement Unit enforces 6000+ arrest warrants issued annually. They travel throughout the state to transport individuals arrested by other law enforcement agencies on Oakland County Friend of the Court warrants. The FOC Unit consists of a Sergeant, six Investigators and 3 part-time Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Clerks.

The Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team is a multi-jurisdictional task force which is designed to integrate federal and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of identifying, investigating, and prosecuting violators of state and federal narcotics laws.

NET has observed a significant rise in methamphetamine investigations, as well as the amount of synthetic drugs being purchased online and shipped into our community. Oakland County is closely watching the increasing national usage trends in heroin, cocaine, marijuana and synthetic drug (GHB, GBL, MDMA, Molly), to assist with investigations of use and trafficking.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is the Major Crimes and Professional Standards Unit of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. SIU is comprised of six detective sergeants with significant experience and expertise in the investigation, supervision, administration and prosecution of complex criminal cases at both the state and federal levels.

SIU provides investigative support to all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office as well as to a wide variety of other law enforcement agencies, including local, state and federal agencies as well as the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. SIU provides investigative assistance on major crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, robbery, serial crimes of violence and financial crimes.

The Special Investigations Unit is a highly trained, multi-functional, county-wide investigative unit that:

• Provides inter-county agency assists
• Investigates county complex crimes and complaints
• Responds to outside agency requests for assistance
• Conducts departmental internal investigations
• Responds to all major crime investigations including rapes, homicides and armed robberies

The unit is also responsible for investigating jail disturbances, escapes and criminal complaints arising in Corrections. The Special Investigations Unit provides investigative support to all divisions of the OCSO, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, as well as to all 42 Oakland County police departments and county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Warrants Unit is responsible for researching, entering, and confirming warrants from 15 district courts in Oakland County and the 6th Circuit Court. They also make arrests throughout the State of Michigan and facilitate extraditions for out-of-state agencies. The Warrants Unit also partners with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. in 2019, the Warrants Unit made 509 arrests.

Visit Oakland County's Forensic Science Laboratory.