Investigations

Detective Jimmy Turner
Contact: (903) 590-4911
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Inspection of vehicles/trailers/etc. (903) 590-4916

The Tyler Police Department is dedicated to controlling crime not only in Tyler but throughout the East Texas community. This is proven by our commitment to several area Crime Task Forces, which are multi-agency groups dedicated to specific criminal problems.

The East Texas Auto Theft Task Force is a multi-agency task force which is funded by the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority and administered by the Smith County District Attorney's Office. Its members include four law enforcement officers and one secretary from the following police agencies: Department of Public Safety, Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff's Office, Rusk County Sheriff's Office and Upshur County Sherriff's Office

The East Texas Auto Theft Task Force focuses on a 14-county geographical area, having a population of 756,796, and involving Smith, Rusk, Gregg, Cherokee, Henderson, Harrison, Panola, Rains, Van Zandt, Upshur, Camp, Anderson, Wood and Marion counties. They encompass a total of 9,721 square miles. Officers are often called to assist these area law enforcement officers in auto theft investigations.

The East Texas Auto Theft Task Force officers conduct area Vehicle Identification Number etching events as well as public awareness speaking engagements as requested.

Sergeant Chad Homer
Contact: (903) 531-1051
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This unit is responsible for the follow-up investigation of all crimes that involve a child as a victim. Members of this unit work primarily from offices located at the Children’s Advocacy Center, but also from the Downtown Headquarters building. Cases worked by detectives within this unit include, but are not limited to

• Child Death Investigations

• Injury to a Child

• Sexual Assault/Indecency

• Child Endangerment

• Child Pornography and Internet Crimes Against Children

Sergeant James Freeman
Contact: (903) 531-1071
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This unit is responsible for the follow-up investigation of all crimes that involve a person as a victim. Members of this unit work from offices located at the Downtown Headquarters building, as well as from the Faulkner Park substation. Cases worked by detectives within this unit include, but are not limited to:

• Homicide

• Death Investigations

• Kidnapping

• Robbery

• Sexual Assault

• Human Trafficking

• Missing Persons

• Interference with Child Custody

• Violation of Protective Orders

• Assaults

• Injury to the Elderly

• Weapons Violations

• Lewd Conduct and Other Sex Offenses

Sergeant Jeffery Rackliff
Contact: (903)526-7076
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This unit is responsible for the collection and processing of evidence at major crime scenes and responds in specially equipped vehicles that contain necessary forensic equipment. Members of the unit are trained in advanced fingerprinting, evidence collection and alternate spectrum photography techniques. To process evidence and assist with prosecution, Crime Scene Investigators have access to specialized equipment like an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Members of this unit currently work from offices located at the Downtown Headquarters building but are preparing to occupy a new 3,200 square foot space next door that will contain a new Crime Lab and equipment.

Sergeant David Hall
Contact: (903) 531-1022
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This unit is responsible for the follow-up investigation of all crimes involving property. Members of this unit work from offices located at the Downtown Headquarters building, the Faulkner Park substation and the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force Office. Cases worked by detectives within this unit include, but are not limited to:

• Burglary

• Criminal Mischief

• Theft

• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

• Hit and Run Accidents

• Fail to Identify

• Criminal Trespass

• Animal Cruelty

• Graffiti

• Evading

• Driving While Intoxicated

• Hindering Secured Creditor

Detective Sean Ratliff
Contact: (903) 531-1099
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Sex Offender Registration Investigator is responsible for collecting, distributing and storing all of the information relating to the registered sexual offender. The Investigator will maintain and update the electronic Sex Offender Notebook with a photograph and identification information of each registered sexual offender, forward all initial and updated Sex Offender registration information to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Sex Offender Registration Investigator shall be responsible for public notification, to include school notifications and public release of registered sex offender information and routinely conduct a computer check on registered Sex Offenders and forward warrant information to the patrol officers.

Offenders registering with the Tyler Police Department will be directed to the Sex Offender Registration Investigator for registration.

• View the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry.

• Tyler City Ordinance for New Sex Offender Residency Requirements/Halloween Restrictions

• City of Tyler Map of Safety Zones Concerning Registered Sex Offenders

Sergeant Chad Homer
Contact: (903) 531-1051
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This unit is responsible for the follow-up investigation of all crimes related to finance and ID Fraud. In addition, this unit maintains responsibility for the Crime Stoppers Program, Sex Offender Registration program and participates in the US Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force. Members of this unit work from offices located at the Faulkner Park substation. Cases worked by detectives within this unit include but are not limited to: 

• Credit/Debit Card Abuse

• Check Fraud

• Forgery

• Identity Theft

• Fraudulent Use or Possession of ID

Credit Card Abuse, Fraud and Forgery Form(PDF, 381KB)

Learn more about how to protect yourself from these crimes

Sergeant Ethan Johnson

Contact: (903)747-1008
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The duties of the Youth Crimes Unit consist of the investigation of crimes committed by juveniles. Also, this unit coordinates the Crimestoppers Program. The unit consists of one sergeant and two investigators that work the Juvenile Crimes.