The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of serious felony crimes. Its mission is to conduct thorough investigations, gather strong evidence, and build the most compelling cases against offenders. This work includes detailed crime scene examinations, persistent follow-up on leads and interviews, and close collaboration with the prosecutor’s office throughout the investigative and trial process.

The Street Crimes Unit (SCU) specializes in complex investigations involving drugs, weapons, gangs, and patterns of property crime, with a primary focus on apprehending suspects. SCU works in close partnership with interdepartmental teams, regional task forces, neighboring agencies, and community partners to enhance public safety.

In addition to their investigative work, SCU addresses quality-of-life concerns in Richland, such as patrol emphases at Uptown bars, graffiti issues, and massage parlor investigations. The unit also partners with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to monitor registered sex offenders, and one SCU detective serves as the department’s liaison to Benton County’s Recovery Court.

The Richland Police Department leads a multi-agency task force, made up of local and federal law enforcement partners, with support from the State and National ICAC Task Force Programs. RPD contributes a detective, sergeant, and commander to oversee operations. The Kennewick Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, and the Department of Homeland Security also contribute a detective to the task force.

This task force is dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. Its work includes conducting forensic examinations, carrying out thorough investigations, providing training and technical assistance to partner agencies, and offering community education to help prevent these crimes.