The Financial Crimes Unit is responsible for investigating crimes in which a financial instrument is used by the criminal element. The Forgery unit works offenses of credit card abuse, identity theft, counterfeit or forged checks, false statement to obtain credit and counterfeit U.S. Currency cases (in conjunction with the U.S. Secret Service).
The Financial Crimes Unit of the Austin Police Department consist of:
- 1 Sergeant
- 5 Detectives
- 1 Administrative Supervisor
- 1 Administrative Senior
The investigation of Forgery cases are detailed in nature, require specialized investigative techniques and take an extraordinary amount of time to complete. The suspect has to be positively identified and the case must meet the minimum criteria to be assigned to a Detective. The investigation will involve following a paper trail to build the case for prosecution. If the case does not meet the minimum criteria it will be suspended and the evidence maintained by the Section.