INVESTIGATIONS

BURN Taskforce

The Butler Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force (BURN), is comprised of deputies and officers from our Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton Police, Fairfield Police, Butler County Adult Probation, and Parole Authority.  Butler County has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which allows us to receive funding from the federal government to help combat the drug epidemic within our county. 

The taskforce includes participation from:

• Butler County Adult Probation
• Butler County Prosecutor’s Office
• Butler County Sheriff’s Office
• Fairfield Township PD
• Monroe PD
• Oxford PD
• West Chester Township PD

Honor Guard

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard perform several different activities throughout the year, such as parades, Presenting Colors, swearing-in ceremonies, and casket guard. In 2021 the Honor Guard stood at casket guard and grave side service for Deputy John Reiring, Deputy Craig Mills, and Lieutenant David Reynolds, who all passed away due to Covid-19.

Mounted Patrol Unit

The Butler County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol is a dedicated group of volunteers who are Honorary Special Deputies that share a common interest in horses, law enforcement, and community service. Members have a variety of backgrounds, and consist of both employees and members who work outside the agency.  The Mounted Patrol Unit includes auxiliary members who are volunteers without their own horses but willing to assist to help make the unit’s activities a success. 

The Mounted Patrol  assist in various types of events such as the Butler County Fair and parades. The Mounted Patrol holds monthly meetings and regular trainings, with members volunteering their time for these purposes.

Pipe and Drum Corp

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Pipes and Drums is a volunteer Pipe Band that was formed in 1997 and comprised of both civilian and Law Enforcement personnel.

The band practices several times a month.  Beginner lessons are provided for the Great Highland Bagpipes and Scottish drumming techniques by senior band members at no cost.  Performances include services for Fallen Officers, Firefighters, Military, and Community Leaders as well as parades and services such as Veteran’s Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day.

The total cost to outfit one member can be well over $2,000.00.  To offset the cost to volunteers, the band receives donations and grants through the Hamilton Community Foundation to assist in outfitting each member.  The Sheriff’s Office and the public incur no cost for the operation and maintenance of the Pipe Band.

Instruments used by the band include the Great Highland Bagpipes, Scottish Snare Drums, Tenor Drums, and Bass Drums. The band is currently seeking experienced players or those seeking to learn to play bagpipes.

Investigations Division

Criminal Investigations

Victim Assistance Program

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Program serves victims of crime in the Butler County Area I, II, and III Courts. Advocates are present at all court proceedings Monday through Friday to ensure victims remain notified and their rights are enforced. Advocates stay in consistent contact with victims either in-person or via phone calls, emails, or virtual calls to answer any questions and notify them of court continuances, subpoenas, plea/sentencing hearings, and additional information about their case. Advocates review Marsy’s Law victims’ rights information so victims are aware of their rights within the criminal justice process. Advocates assist victims with registering for VINE so they are notified when defendants are being released. Advocates accompany victims to court dates and law enforcement/prosecutorial meetings. Our advocates will relay to the assistant prosecutor any expectations or concerns victims have regarding their case. Advocates will sit next to victims while they testify at trials or preliminary hearings for emotional support. Advocates help victims prepare Victim Impact Statements for offender's sentencing hearings and provide them to the judge to read silently. Advocates acquire out of pocket restitution estimates, pictures of injuries/medical documents, and videos to provide to the assistant prosecutor on the criminal case. If restitution cannot be ordered through the criminal case, our advocates meet with victims one-on-one to fill out an application for Victims of Crime Compensation. Advocates provide follow-up communication after their case is resolved, crisis intervention, and regularly create/review safety plans. Advocates make referrals to community agencies based off of individual needs such as counseling, support groups, relocation services, emergency assistance, and shelter. Advocates assist with filing petitions for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders, Dating Violence Civil Protection Orders, Stalking Civil Protection Orders, and Civil Sexually Oriented Protection Orders. Advocates attend ex-parte and final hearings with victims for emotional support. Our office provides in-person assistance with applications for the Safe at Home Confidentiality Program through the Ohio Secretary of State when victims are moving to a new safe location.

Advocates provide eight local law enforcement agencies with program pamphlets and folders with information regarding our program, victim rights, VOCC, VINE, and local community resources. Officers distribute our folders to victims of crime when dispatched to 911 calls or if victims come into the police department to file a report. Advocates regularly stock folders monthly to ensure our program information is readily available.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower victims of misdemeanor crimes by serving as a liaison of communication between the courts and the victim, providing support both during and after a victim’s involvement in the court system. We believe all persons have a right to live free of violence and to have a voice in the judicial process.

Vision

We are committed to providing excellent, ever-evolving victim services throughout the criminal and civil court by serving the people of Butler County with fairness, dignity and respect as it relates to their judicial experience.

Partners

Partners include:

• The Butler County Prosecutor’s Office Victim / Witness Division
• The Butler County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
• Citizens Against Domestic Violence

This project is supported by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through the Office of Criminal Justice Services and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Federal crime victims will be served.

Contact

To contact an advocate, please call (513) 887-3430.

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