The Criminal Investigations Division investigates offenses such as:

• Homicide
• Sexual Assault
• Robbery
• Assault
• Terrorist Threat
• Harassment
• Juvenile Crimes

The majority of the cases investigated in this area is related to Domestic Violence, and include the assaults, the harassments, and sexual assaults.  In most of the sexual assault cases the suspect is known and the case it what is commonly referred to as a “date rape”.  The Criminal Investigations Division works closely with VISTA and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program) nurses in these cases.  In Domestic Violence cases the Criminal Investigations Division works closely with Peace Place, (770) 307-3633, an organization in Barrow County that can assist victims of Domestic Violence.  

Juvenile crimes include those that involve either a juvenile suspect or a juvenile victim.  Cases with a juvenile victim are often difficult to work on because they involve physical and or sexual abuse of innocent children.  Child pornography is increasingly becoming more common due in large part to the ease of obtaining and trading it via a computer.  Detectives work closely with The Tree House (Barrow County Children's Advocacy Center), (770) 868-1900 and Barrow County DFCS (770) 868-4222, when investigating cases involving juvenile victims. 

The Criminal Investigations Division of the Auburn Police Department thinks that you should know some of the warning signs of Domestic Abuse and the responses you can receive. Look through our sections below and see if there are multiple warning signs that are occurring in your life. Then look to see the responses available, which can help you and your family out of this type of situation. Remember domestic violence does not tend to end but escalate in both severity and frequency the longer a victim waits before taking action. There is help and information available for you to break this cycle of violence.

Symptoms of Abuse - Threats, Power Misuse, and Control

Response and Follow-up by responding Police Officers

Response and Follow-up by Domestic Violence Detectives

Services and Telephone Numbers to Victim Shelters

Sample Separation Safety Plan

Symptoms of Abuse - Threats; Power Misuse; and Control

What symptoms below fit your life?

Response and Follow-up by Responding Police Officers

If you believe you are the victim of an abusive relationship or domestic violence, then call the police and allow us to assist you the victim. As the responding officers are in route to your address remember that they are there to help you and your children. Below is but a few of the issues that the officers will address and what you can expect.

When the Police Arrive:

Tell what has happened and who is involved.

Tell the location of the suspect. (If known)

Tell if weapons were involved and there location. (Don’t approach the officer with a weapon)

Indicate injuries you sustained. (Photos may have to be taken)

The Officer Will:

Write a report of the incident that occurred.

The officer will ask and /or determine if medical attention is needed.

The officer will prosecute the primary aggressor.

The Officer Can Assist in:

Obtaining a Temporary Protection Order. (The suspect's address, work location, or other possible locations is needed)

The officer can assist in locating a victim’s shelter.

They can provide transportation to a shelter.

They can refer other social services as needed.

Response and Follow-up by Domestic Violence Detectives

The detective will:

Photograph any injuries, property damage, or other evidence.

Ask for any written or taped statements of the incident.

Collect evidence and reports concerning the incident.

The detective can assist in:

Obtaining a Temporary Protection Order.

Calling or locating a shelter for you and your children’s safety.

Referral to counseling or other social services.

Go over a safety plan, which helps you make yourself safer.

Answering any other questions you have about the process by explaining the prosecution and how it proceeds.

Domestic Violence can affect you emotionally. The following are a few examples of how you may feel:

Feeling like you are "walking on eggshells"

Difficulty concentrating at school or work

Fearful

Sadness, feeling "trapped" and/or angry

Guilt feelings

Domestic Violence can affect your children. A few examples:

Eating and sleeping disorders (nightmares)

Separation anxieties

Regressive or aggressive behaviors (angry)

Difficulty in concentration

Anxiety, fear, shame, guilt

Taking responsibility for the abuse

Constant anxiety (that another beating will occur)

Guilt for not being able to stop the abuse or for loving the abuser

Fear of abandonment

Barrow County provides personalized, compassionate and confidential services, which include:

Short term individual counseling and support for victims, their children and non-perpetrating family members.

Limited court support.

Resource and referral services.

Safety planning.

Group counseling for victims and children.

Education seminars to community groups on domestic violence.

Grief counseling.

Services and Telephone Numbers to Victim Shelters

 Within Barrow County many victims of domestic violence feel trapped in violent relationships because they are unaware of the resources available to help them. Below is a list of telephone numbers, which assist in temporary places of safety and shelters to the victims of domestic violence.