Investigations
The Investigative Division is more of a behind-the-scenes operation responsible for assisting in major investigations as well as follow-up on all original complaints.
Detective Bureau
The Detective Unit of Michigan State University is composed of 12 Detectives. The unit is responsible for conducting follow-up investigations on criminal complaints. The unit gathers evidence, identifies suspects and prepares chargeable cases against perpetrators of crime. The unit submits cases for review and prosecutions to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office.
The most common type of complaints handled by this unit are larcenies, breaking & entering, malicious destruction of property, assault & batteries (including domestic assaults), criminal sexual conduct (rapes), and frauds (insufficient fund, closed account, and forged checks). The Detectives also attend meetings with other area departments to share and disseminate information on possible related crimes.
Computer Forensics
There has been a sharp increase in crimes involving computers, prompting a need for a specialized computer forensics laboratory at the Michigan State University Police Department.
The purpose of the laboratory is to conduct investigations, educate others in computer crimes, plus store and process digital evidence that directly affects law enforcement at Michigan State University. The laboratory also assists Academic Technology Services (ATS) and other departments within the University collaborating on education in Internet security and identify theft issues.
The computer forensic laboratory also assists other local law enforcement agencies as requested, provides internships and cooperation with the Criminal Justice Department on education and research, as well as provides announcements and bulletins on trends and frauds that affect Michigan State University students and staff.
Crime Scene Investigations
The MSU Police Department currently has six crime scene investigators. In addition to their initial 80 hours of training, investigators participate in specialized and in-service training. MSU Police Crime Scene Investigators have also been crossed trained by the MSU Office of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Safety (ORCBS). As hazardous material technicians, we have 2 composite artists, 1 video specialist, advanced photographers, and accident investigators. The investigators are on call 24 hours a day for major crime scenes.
The Crime Scene Investigators are responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence at a crime scene. Our unit has processed scenes involving homicides, deaths, rapes, stabbings, drive-by shootings, explosive devices, home invasions, breaking & entering, larcenies from vehicles, and vehicle accidents.
Our efforts have resulted in the successful identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminals.
Fire Marshal
Michigan State University follows the codes developed by the National Fire Protection Association. In some areas these codes have been adopted by law, in others they are advisory.
Officer Denis Zietlow is assigned to the MSU Police Fire Marshal's Office. He is charged with all aspects of fire safety for Michigan State University except the suppression of active fires. The East Lansing Fire Department is responsible for the suppression of active fires.
The duties of this office include fire safety inspections, plan review and consultation, special event fire safety (pyrotechnic approval), bonfire permits, arson and fire investigations.