Detective Unit

The Elk River Police Department's Detective Unit is commanded by Detective Sergeant Joe Gacke. In addition, it is comprised of three criminal detectives and three juvenile detectives. The sergeant is responsible for making daily case assignments, supervision of the evidence room/crime lab, and daily operation of the unit.

The Detective Unit is responsible for investigating misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony incidents. All detectives are trained in a wide range of specialized skills including:

• Interview and interrogation
• Evidence and collection
• Photography
• Other necessary crime scene related skills

Two members of the Detective Unit are also assigned to the Sherburne County Crime Scene Unit, which responds to major incidents throughout Sherburne County.

The juvenile detectives are responsible for investigating juvenile crimes and child welfare incidents in addition to providing a police liaison resource to the schools in the Elk River School District.