Marion County has joined the Downstate Major Case Squad.
Sheriff Kevin Cripps asked the Marion County Board to approve the memorandum of understanding which sets out the guidelines of how the squad would be used in the event of a homicide or other major incident.
“While acting as part of the Major Case Squad, if you would happen to go into Marion County and help me with a case, that county is actually responsible for that officer while he’s here,” Cripps said. “It takes a lot of liability off of us as a county, but it also provides us a large number of resources that we need. There’s been a lot of work put into the groundwork for this. It’s a huge thing for whenever it’s needed.”
Cripps says the need for a Major Case Squad surfaced at a recent Sheriff’s Association meeting. They worked with the Metro East Major Case squad in setting up the guidelines.
If needed, Cripps says Marion County could have up to four investigators available to assist other counties.
Marion County Board member Dr. Michael Douglas questioned if State Police didn’t already handle those types of cases which would save the county money. Cripps says they do, but State Police resources are also limited, and Marion County has in the past has always led their own major investigations.
Marion County will be working with Clinton, Washington, Clay, Wayne, Jefferson, Perry, Richland, Edwards, Lawrence and Wabash Counties.
