Criminal Intelligence Unit
In May of 2022, the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) was created and is comprised of detectives and a crime analyst whose primary focus is reducing gun violence in St. Mary's County and safeguarding those we serve through innovative investigative strategies, proactive policing, and thorough investigations, ultimately leading to successful prosecution.
Often, CIU detectives work in conjunction with officers within other Sheriff's Office divisions and units, including the Patrol Division, the Special Operations Division, the Vice/Narcotics Unit, and the Emergency Services Team.
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office recognizes gun violence stems beyond the confines of a law-enforcement-only solution, and the need for a holistic community approach is necessary to ensure a lasting reduction in gun violence. Therefore, the SMCSO has partnered with the St. Mary's County Health Department and community leaders to implement the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy. GVI is an evidence-based strategy designed to reduce homicide and gun violence through effective policing, community outreach, and community partnerships with key community stakeholders.