Special Operations
The Special Operations Division has six specialized investigative and operational units which includes the Air Wing Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, Criminal Information and Identification Section, Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit, Intelligence and Technical Services Section, and Special Services Unit.
Airplanes and Surveillance
The Air Wing duties include aerial surveillance, statewide coordination of the marijuana eradication program, investigative photography, investigative reconnaissance, and investigative and prisoner transportation associated with criminal investigations.
Computer Crimes Investigations
Agents with the Computer Crimes Unit investigate crimes perpetrated by use of a computer, computer systems, or computer networks. The unit is responsible for statewide coordination of the investigation of computer and Internet Crimes. It is responsible for the administration of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Background Checks and Identification
The Criminal Information and Identification Section provides help to the SBI, law enforcement, and citizens of North Carolina with background checks and identification.
We are the central repository for criminal history information based on fingerprint identification. We operate the State Automated Fingerprint System (SAFIS). We also train, audit, and approve access to the DCI Network (DCIN), the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) network used to exchange criminal justice and law enforcement information. Assisted by the Department of Justice IT Division, we maintain and oversee the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry with information supplied by North Carolina sheriffs.
Prescription Drug Theft and Environmental Crimes
The Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit conducts specialized criminal investigations involving diversion of controlled drugs by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals. We also investigate drug diversion, or theft, committed by fraud, sometimes by organized drug rings.
We investigate environmental crimes that involve the illegal storage, transportation, or disposal of hazardous waste, illegal discharges into state waterways, air quality violations, and other state or federal environmental crimes.
Crime Tips, Information, and Technical Services
The Intelligence and Technical Services Section is responsible for the collection, classification, and sharing of criminal intelligence information to local, state, and federal law enforcement. We also provide technical help in audio, video, and surveillance to North Carolina law enforcement.
Specialized Skills In Drugs, Bombs, and Response
The Special Services Unit has highly specialized agents assigned to three investigative areas:
- Clandestine Laboratory Response Program handles explosive meth labs
- Weapons of Mass Destruction/Hazardous Devices handles bombs, biological weapons, and other explosives
- Special Response Team responds to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, high-risk search warrants and arrests, or high-level security events.
Special Operations: Assistant Director
Pam Tully