Criminal Investigations Bureau


Lieutenant Rahn Farder

Key Responsibilities
  • In-depth Criminal Investigations
  • Crime Scene Processing
  • Uniformed Patrol Support

The Criminal Investigations Bureau’s (CIB) main task is to investigate crimes that occur in Grand Forks that require extra time and/or expertise. Through investigative means we attempt to identify suspects and supply prosecutors with information needed for a successful prosecution. It goes along with this that we also work hard to aid in the clearing of the innocent. CIB consists of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, and seven Officers. Of those seven, two are assigned full time to the Grand Forks area Narcotics Task Force. On the average, CIB formally investigates about 250 cases per year. “Follow-up” means cases specifically assigned to a CIB detective to investigate to conclusion. This does not include the numerous other situations that did not require a formal case assignment, but did require some further investigation. Some cases assigned can be handled with a few interviews, followed by paperwork forwarded to the proper court. Most cases require a lot of time, many interviews, the taking of statements, phone calls, paperwork, and numerous other tasks. Detectives work an “on call rotation” for the weekends and are subject to call during the week as investigative needs may arise.

To aid in our mission, we have a number of specializations and/or equipment to include:
  • Fingerprint analysis
  • Computer forensics
  • Handwriting analysis
  • Digital recorders
  • Digital cameras, digital video capability
  • Digital video analysis capability - this allows us to take surveillance videotape and process it for useable evidence
  • Equipment to aid in obtaining footprints in dust
  • A crime lab dedicated to the above listed activities


Lieutenant Rahn Farder daily reads through all the Incident Reports filed by all GFPD officers in the previous 24 hours. He then makes assignments as part of our overall case management system. Some cases are assigned back to the originating officer for follow-up. Cases assigned to CIB officers are those that will usually require more time or specific expertise. All of the detectives in CIB are “generalist” and can work on any given case as the need arises.

In addition to specific cases, other special duties assigned to CIB Officers include liaisons to the following entities:

CIB also aids in processing concealed weapons permits, taxi license applications, and liquor license applications. We also assist UPB with photo line-ups, interviews as needed, and other miscellaneous things.

There will always be advances in equipment and scientific techniques. Things such as digital cameras, computer forensics, or newer identification techniques such as DNA etc. are all changing and improving. However, the basics of investigative work remains. Processing crimes scenes, interviewing suspects and victims, and trying to figure out what really happened and who did what, will always be the main job for a detective.

Contact: Lt. Rahn Farder