The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is a multi task-orientated unit of highly trained and experienced criminal investigators.
The division's focus is to have a positive impact on the community and to have the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office detectives recognized as a true asset to the community. CID goals are to continue to enhance the quality of life for the citizens and visitors to Milwaukee County, utilizing a community based collaborative crime reduction strategy to reduce violent crime and identify and charge repeat offenders. There are currently 39 sworn and civilian personnel assigned to the Division. The detectives are assigned to a variety of duties, responsibilities and units within this division.
The units within the division include the General Investigations Unit (GIU), the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), the Elderly Abuse Unit (EAU), the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Extradition Unit and Background Investigations Unit. (BIU)
The General Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating a variety of criminal activity such as violent crimes, weapon offenses, sexual assault, battery, drug arrests, sexual predators, sudden death, stolen vehicles, intimidation of witnesses, and graffiti / tagging.
In January of 2007, Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. formed the Elderly Abuse Unit. This unit addresses crimes against society's most vulnerable population - the elderly. The Elderly Abuse Unit partners with the Department on Aging investigating cases of neglect, physical abuse and financial exploitation.
The Drug Enforcement Unit's focus is to combat the supply of drugs that continues to play a major impact in the Milwaukee Community. The Drug Unit's goal is to prevent, reduce and control violent crime in Milwaukee County by reducing the supply of drugs and by reducing the profitability of those persons supplying the drugs.
The use of current technology is at the forefront of the strategy and goal for CID. 
Our Computer Crimes Unit continues to meet the technical requirements and computer skills for investigating 21st century crimes, to include identity theft, child pornography / enticement, Credit Card Fraud, Check Forgery, and E-mail Harassment.
The Special Investigations Unit investigates cases from the Attorney General, the District Attorney, the County Executive, County Board of Supervisors, Milwaukee County Department Heads, citizen groups or investigations deemed special in nature by the Sheriff or his designee.
Confidentiality, professionalism, job knowledge and proper decorum are paramount in conducting these types of investigations, which are often sensitive and reflect directly on the Agency.
CID detectives are responsible for and assigned to the Extradition Unit. This unit is responsible for the transportation of subjects in other states back to Wisconsin who are wanted on Felony charges in Wisconsin. CID detectives also search for and apprehend wanted Felony subjects in Milwaukee County. CID conducts several warrant sweeps a year to ensure violent felony offenders are located and placed into custody to protect the community.
There are 4 non-sworn personnel assigned to the Background Investigations Unit. This unit is responsible to complete the background investigations on persons applying for positions within the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and other positions with Milwaukee County. This unit also completes background investigations for other government agencies county and statewide upon their request.
In addition, CID sworn personnel are assigned to both full time and part -time task force positions. These task forces include the US Marshals Office, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Southeastern Terrorist Alert Center (STAC), the Alcoholic Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I). Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF), and the Cyber Crimes Task Force (CCTF).
Detectives must achieve and maintain a high degree of proficiency and expertise, and be versatile in numerous disciplines and types of investigations. Detectives must maintain expert skills in interviewing, interrogation, and surveillance. CID detectives also must develop confidential informants, collect evidence, and process and manage crime scenes.
CID detectives also serve a variety of civil process papers, which include temporary restraining orders, evictions, replevins, commitment orders and body attachments.
CID detectives provide a leadership role in crime prevention for our community though education. MCSO detectives liaison with the 19 municipalities within Milwaukee County to offer assistance and work jointly. Giving joint presentations and investigating criminal activity with the local police departments to enforce our joint effort against the war on crime.
CID personnel are committed to becoming effective and efficient in their mission to serve the citizens of Milwaukee County.