Turlock Police Department

Special Operations

Investigations

The investigations unit is comprised of highly trained police officers and civilian employee’s who are committed to providing professional service to the community of Turlock by conducting thorough investigations in order to ensure a successful prosecution. The unit works closely with other county, state, and federal organizations as well as the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office to obtain and secure criminal complaints and convictions.

The primary function of the Investigations unit is to provide follow-up to those cases which warrant investigation beyond what can be provided by patrol personnel. Often times these cases require additional technical skills and extensive follow-up. Examples of such crimes include homicides, robberies, sex offenses, financial crimes, and burglaries.

The general investigations unit is comprised of 1 Sergeant, 9 Detectives, and 1 Community Service Officers. There are currently 3 Detectives assigned to investigate crimes against persons, 2 economic crimes Investigators, and 3 property crime Detectives. There is currently 1 vacancy in the unit.

In addition to general investigations detective, there is 1 detective assigned to the Sacramento High Tech Crimes Task Force as well as 1 detective assigned to the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force.

Detectives assigned to general investigations rotate being “on call” as the primary investigator for significant crimes which may occur after normal working hours. However, as cases may involve many hours of investigative time, particularly during the initial investigation where Detectives may be required to work 24 to 36 hours straight, all members of Investigations are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Investigations Unit is under the Special Operations Division, headed by Captain Rob Jackson. Lieutenant Carl Nielsen is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of both the general investigations unit as well as the Turlock Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET). The general investigations unit is supervised by Sergeant Russell Holeman.

Crimes Against Persons

Detectives assigned to investigate crimes against persons actively conduct investigations into such cases as homicides, robberies, crimes against children, sexual assaults, elder abuse, suspicious deaths, felony assaults, and other assorted major crimes.

The primary duty of detectives assigned to Crimes Against Persons is to conduct competent, timely and professional follow-up investigations of all cases assigned by the Investigations Sergeant. These highly qualified, competent, professional and motivated detectives handle many high profile cases that are scrutinized closely by the public and the press. In 2008, there were 5 homicide cases resulting in 6 deaths and 134 robberies reported in the City of Turlock. Investigators arrested 4 suspects in 3 of the homicide cases. 2 homicide cases remain open. The infamous “Band-Aid Bandit” was also arrested in 2008. It is believed he is responsible for several area commercial robberies.

Economic Crimes

Economic Crimes detectives investigate forgeries, frauds, embezzlements, and identity thefts. These detectives work closely with banks and other financial institutions to detect, investigate, solve and prevent crimes touching the financial health of members of our community. The dollar amount of these crimes can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars in losses. Unraveling these crimes, which can be some of the most complex and time consuming investigations conducted, requires perseverance and determination by the detectives assigned. In 2008 there were 508 economic crime cases reported in the City of Turlock.

Property Crimes

Property Crimes detectives investigate residential, commercial and vehicle burglaries, as well as grand thefts and possession of stolen property. Detectives assigned to Property Crimes work hard to arrest those responsible for these crimes and return property to the victims of these criminals. They work closely with the Investigations community service officer to match fingerprints found at the scene of crimes with those of potential suspects. In 2008, there were 652 residential/commercial burglaries reported in the City of Turlock. Many of these burglaries can be attributed to the same group of subjects.

Sergeant Russ Holeman

Sergeant Russ Holeman was born and raised in Selma, California. He began his career with the Turlock Police Department in 1999 as a Police Officer. Russ was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2007. He has had a number of different assignments and collateral duties during his career including Field Training Officer, K-9, Bike Patrol, Honor Guard, and Recruiter. Sergeant Holeman was named Officer of the Year for the Turlock Police Department in 2001 and 2005. He was assigned as the Investigations Supervisor in 2009.