Criminal Investigations Division

The La Porte Police Criminal Investigation Division (or "CID") is composed of 19 dedicated professionals whose mission is to conduct extensive investigations of criminal activity in our community.  

The division is commanded by Lieutenant Steve Deardorff.  Sergeant Tammy McBeath supervises a squad of six Detectives who have primary responsibility for follow-up investigations and, in many cases primary investigation of crimes against persons and property. These range from theft to murder, fraud to sexual assault, and burglary to child abuse. These Detectives are: David Huckabee, Carl Rise, Lance Cook, Ronnie Head, Danny Jones and Matt Parsons.

Sergeant Dwayne Spann supervises the officers of the Special Operations Unit. These Detectives are assigned covert narcotics, vice, and illegal gambling cases as well as assisting other detectives and the Patrol Division when needed. Some of these officers are assigned to cooperative working groups with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. These are the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, the South Texas Homeland Security Task Force and the Pasadena-Bay Area Narcotics Task Force.

CID is also responsible for conducting forensic crime scene investigations and the handling, processing and storage of evidence and property. The primary Crime Scene Investigator is Rick Hilton (who also operates the department's photo lab.)

The mission of CID is as varied and extensive as the longevity and experience of its personnel. While patrol officers refer most cases that are investigated, CID Detectives may also instigate investigations. And, should circumstances or department need dictate, detectives may perform patrol functions to augment the Patrol Division. Some of the detectives are licensed law enforcement trainers and as such, assist the department's Training Section in conducting classes. They have also assisted in the Citizen's Police Academy, Police Explorer Program and the department's Uniformed Bicycle Patrol activities. Some Detectives are also members of the department's SWAT Team and Waterborne Search and Rescue Team.

Frequently asked questions of the detectives

Why does it take so long for a detective to call me back after I've reported a crime?

After a patrol officer conducts an initial investigation and writes an offense report, that report is approved by a patrol supervisor and forwarded to a detective supervisor for assignment. This may take a day or two in itself, longer if a holiday weekend is involved. Moreover, detectives maintain a caseload assignment that averages 35-40 cases a month. If a new case has little or no investigative "leads", it will not usually take precedence over a case with more workable information. Add to this the other things that take up a detective's time (court appearances, training days, vacation, assisting in other major cases) and it is readily apparent that an immediate contact by a detective is not always possible.

How can I check on the status of my case?

Any complainant or victim can check on the status of their case by calling the detective who is assigned the follow up investigation at 281-471-3811 (option 3). Having the case number ready when calling is always helpful.

It should be noted that detailed information on an ongoing investigation is not always available, even to a victim or complainant and is not available to the general public.

How do I get my stolen property back after the police have recovered it?

A complainant may contact the detectives assigned the case to arrange to pick up their property. They can also contact the La Porte Police Property Custodian at 281-471-3811 (extension 3121)  during normal business hours to arrange pick up. However, it should be noted that property that is considered evidence is often necessary for trial and it might not be released to the owner until the trial is completed. This status is usually determined by the District Attorney's Office.

My friends told me who stole my stuff and I told the police, but they won't arrest him. Why is that?

Information given to the police on a criminal case is not always admissible to obtain a search or arrest warrant. Any information from a person who is not an eye witness (i.e.: he said-she said) must be corroborated by other evidence in order for a search/seizure or arrest warrant to be obtained from a court. Oftentimes, rumors and stories abound "on the street" and these are taken as fact, when in fact, they are not true. However, useful information obtained from a third party may help a detective in his investigation and should always be forwarded to him.

 As with all the divisions of the police department, the Criminal Investigation Division is dedicated to the service of all our community's citizens and visitors. All the division's members stand ready to give their best effort in the constant battle against crime.