Sheriff Polhemus has continued to strongly support the Criminal Investigation Unit. CIU was started in 1970 by Sheriff Rutter with John Sadowski as its first commander. At that time its mission was as an extension of the Identification Unit. The Detectives were trained in Crime Scene Photography and the processing of latent fingerprints with black powder.

In the early 1980's, the department leaped ahead of most others in the field. The Criminalistics Investigation Unit (CIU) had two Forensic Chemists, a Forensic Photo Technician, and between six and fourteen sworn detectives trained to do crime scene investigations. In 1981, Ocean County was one of the very first to use "crazy glue" for the development of latent prints. Presently, we are utilizing it every day with great success. In 1981, CIU was the first department in the State of New Jersey to have and utilize a laser for forensic work. At the time, CIU was one of only a dozen departments in North America utilizing this technology.

The renowned Forensic expert, Dr. Henry Lee, of the Connecticut State Crime Lab brought several cases to Ocean County for processing with our laser before getting one in Connecticut. The FBI referred cases to Ocean County because of the reputation developed and the availability of the most modern equipment and techniques. Ocean County assisted the US Secret Service in developing its Laser Program.

In 1985, a renewed enthusiasm and commitment to the law enforcement community came with Sheriff William L. Polhemus. In 1986, Sheriff Polhemus dedicated a new Criminalistics building.

Not satisfied with the status quo, CIU in 1991 was the first in New Jersey to begin in-house DNA testing. In 1992, under Lt. William G. Haggas Commanding Officer and Lab Director, CIU supported the State Automated Fingerprint Identification System and was number one in hits. Today we are still number one with over 300 A.F.I.S. identifications.

In 1995, Lt. James Dishon took over as commanding officer of CIU and Sergeant Jeff Thompson as Laboratory Director. The staff consisted of two clericals, three forensic photographers, four forensic chemistry members, nine sworn detectives, with one A.F.I.S. coordinator and two evidence officers.

In 2001, Captain James Dishon was transferred to the Criminal Identification Division and Lt. Jeff Thompson was appointed Chief of the Sheriff's Department. Lt. Thomas Ryan took over as Commanding Officer and Laboratory Director. Under Lt. Ryan's direction, Sergeant Matthew Armstrong heads a staff, of two clericals, two forensic photographers, four Forensic Chemists, 9 sworn detectives and an arson K-9 officer.

The present capabilities include:

complete laboratory analysis

firearm/tool mark identification

basic serology-blood typing

blood alcohol and urine analysis

sexual assault evidence exams

arson analysis

drug analysis

footwear/tire impression identification

forensic photography

complete crime scene investigations

fingerprint identification/A.F.I.S.

laser/alternate light processing

fatal motor vehicle accident investigation

homicide/major crime investigations

The above list is always expanding as our capabilities are always changing to meet the needs of the 33 municipalities serviced by the Ocean County Sheriff's Department.

Due to the sensitive nature of criminal investigations, little is known locally of what has been accomplished by CIU. We are one of the first to arrive and the last to leave most major crime scenes. CIU has assisted many state and federal agencies over the years and has even been asked to assist with training throughout the country and for several foreign countries.