The primary function of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) is working drug cases. In addition, SIU members provide drug recognition and eradication training to various law enforcement and community organizations. A large portion of these cases are those developed by the SIU detectives.
SIU also receives complaints from citizens on drug trafficking in Spokane. These complaints are prioritized and assessed on a case by case basis. All felony drug cases generated from patrol are also assigned to SIU. SIU is also involved in undercover operations as needed by the Spokane Police Department.
Personnel assigned to SIU receive specialized training on clandestine labs and are members of the Meth Lab Team. The Meth Lab Team will dismantle clandestine labs that are located. SIU has one lieutenant, two sergeants, seven detectives, one patrol officer and one civilian. The Technical Support is staffed by the patrol officer. Their primary functions are to care for and operate all of the specialized equipment stored in SIU, technical support for the entire Spokane Police Department and also a resource for local, state and federal agencies in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. In addition to these duties, one of the technicians is assigned part time to EDU.
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