A. County Detectives: These detectives investigate complaints made directly to the District Attorney, if a determination is made that the matter should not be referred to a municipal police department for further action; they assist municipal or state police officers in the conduct of criminal investigations at the request of the department; they conduct investigations and operations as part of the Domestic Violence Unit, Child Abuse/Sexual Assault Unit, or Major Crimes Unit; they prepare exhibits in support of the Legal Division; and they review all private criminal complaints forwarded to this office from a District Justice. These detectives also conduct special investigations for the District Attorney.
Core activities include identifying, locating and obtaining written statements from witnesses; conducting forensic crime scene investigations as directed; preparing and executing approved search and arrest warrants as required; preparing written reports of all investigative activities; storing and controlling all evidence held in the District Attorney’s Office; and preparing exhibits for use at trial as requested.
B. Drug Task Force: Certain county detectives are assigned to the Lancaster County Drug Enforcement Task Force, which operates under the authority of the District Attorney. With the addition of a number of municipal police officers who are sworn-in as Special County Detectives, this Task Force concentrates exclusively on drug activity throughout Lancaster county. The Drug Task Force uses a number of different approaches and tools to investigate violations of the Drug Act, including establishing and maintaining an intelligence databank of suspected illegal drug dealers and users, maintaining and utilizing approved electronic surveillance equipment in support of investigations, coordinating drug investigations in the county with state and federal drug enforcement agencies, as well as seizing and forfeiting assets found in the possession of drug dealers.
Core activities of the Drug Task Force include selecting and training both county and municipal personnel for drug investigations; maintaining and becoming proficient in the use of electronic surveillance equipment and techniques; establishing an intelligence system that records all suspected and confirmed drug dealers; conducting undercover drug operations involving the use of both police and civilian informants; conducting surveillance operations of locations and/or individuals suspected of illegal drug activity; documenting in report form all investigative activity conducted by the task force; maintaining all property and contraband seized during drug investigations; and conducting liaison contacts with state and federal drug enforcement agencies.
C. Special Emergency Response Team (SERT): On October 17, 2001, the Lancaster County Chief’s of Police Association did vote overwhelmingly for the creation of one county wide Special Emergency Response Team, to cover any emergency situation occurring at any location in Lancaster County, with a recognition that there must be county wide coordination regarding who will respond to various emergency situations. This became very apparent after the events at Columbine High School, as well as the events of September 11, 2001. The Lancaster County SERT Team will play a crucial role in any law enforcement response to a hostage or terrorist event. This Team consists of 40 members, from 13 municipal police departments, who operate under the leadership of Lancaster City Bureau of Police Lt. James Zahm. Each member of this SERT Team was sworn in as a Special County Detective, with county wide jurisdiction to respond to an emergency situation anywhere in Lancaster County. An Advisory Board, comprised of the District Attorney and four other members, has been created to make financial decisions regarding grants, equipment purchases, and other related matters. The Advisory Board will also make recommendations to the Team Commander on changes to operational policies. This Board will meet on a regular basis to analyze Team effectiveness.