Bureau of Criminal Investigations

The St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations is comprised of personnel from both the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police.  Within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations are two units: Investigations and the Crime Laboratory. These units conduct investigations in their respective areas of responsibility.  The Investigations Unit of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations is responsible for the investigation of major crimes such as homicides, robberies and rapes. The commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations is Captain Terry L. Black of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigators assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations are responsible for obtaining information, developing suspects and leads, as well as gathering physical evidence.  

Once all information, physical evidence, and suspect leads are obtained, the investigators are responsible for the arrest of the perpetrator of the crime and the preparation of the case for trial.  The investigation is thoroughly reviewed and once approved, the case is forwarded to the States Attorney's Office for final review and preparation for trial.

The investigation is not complete until the case is brought before the States Attorney's Office and/or Grand Jury and tried in the District or Circuit Courts of St. Mary's County.