Local Crime Investigations (CID)

The Local Crime Investigations function delivers detailed, victim-focused investigations into crime across every district in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Sitting within the Local Policing Command (LPC), it bridges the gap between frontline response and specialist investigations.
Local investigators are responsible for tackling a wide range of offences that affect our communities day to day — from burglary and robbery to serious assaults and high-risk missing persons.

These teams ensure that crimes are investigated thoroughly, victims receive the support they need, and offenders are brought swiftly to justice.

Purpose and Role

Local Crime Investigations teams are responsible for:

• Conducting detailed investigations into volume and priority offences.

• Securing and managing evidence to build strong case files.

• Interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.

• Managing outstanding suspects and offenders.

• Liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

• Supporting victims through the justice process.

They work closely with Response and Neighbourhood officers, ensuring every incident receives an effective follow-up investigation.
More complex or specialist cases may be escalated to the Specialist Crime Command.

Local Investigation Teams (LITs)

(Also known internally as CID)

LITs are based in each district and form the backbone of local investigative capability.
They deal with crimes requiring sustained investigation, such as:

• Burglary and theft

• Assaults causing actual bodily harm (ABH) or grievous bodily harm (GBH)

• Domestic abuse-related offences

• Stalking and harassment

• Fraud, criminal damage, and hate crime

Officers and staff within LITs are trained in investigative interviewing, case file preparation, and victim care.
Their work provides continuity for victims, ensuring that cases are progressed from initial report through to charge and court.

Each LIT is led by a Detective Sergeant, supported by Detective Constables and Police Staff Investigators (PSIs).

Priority Crime Teams (PCTs)

PCTs are proactive investigation teams focusing on high-harm and repeat offending.
They target those causing the greatest threat, harm, and risk in local communities, and play a vital role in tackling offences such as:

• Burglary and robbery

• Serious violence

• Vehicle crime and repeat acquisitive offending

• Organised shoplifting and business crime

PCT officers are often deployed proactively to disrupt offenders, execute warrants, and deliver arrest operations in partnership with Neighbourhood and Task Force colleagues.
They also handle serious acquisitive crime investigations where local or regional links exist.

Each PCT is managed by a Detective Sergeant reporting into the District Detective Chief Inspector (DCI), ensuring alignment with force-wide investigative priorities.

Missing & Locate Teams (MLTs)

MLTs manage the investigation and safe return of missing persons across each district, with a particular focus on vulnerable and high-risk individuals.
They conduct enquiries, gather intelligence, and work with partner agencies such as:

• Children’s Services

• Adult Social Care

• Health and Education

• Charities and support services

MLTs are responsible for:

• Risk assessing all missing person reports.

• Coordinating search efforts with Local Policing and Task Forces.

• Conducting debriefs to identify risk, harm, and safeguarding needs.

• Supporting the ongoing protection of vulnerable individuals.

They are often supported by Public Protection colleagues when exploitation or harm is suspected.

Leadership and Structure

Local Crime Investigations are overseen by District Detective Chief Inspectors (DCIs), who ensure consistency, performance, and investigative standards across each district.
They work under the leadership of the Area Detective Superintendent, who provides governance, professional oversight, and coordination between local and specialist investigative teams.

LITs, PCTs, and MLTs report directly into this local structure, forming the district’s integrated investigative framework.
Complex or serious crimes may then be escalated to the Specialist Crime Command, ensuring a seamless investigative continuum from local to major crime.

Working with Partners

Local investigators work daily with:

• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

• Victim and Witness Care Units

• Local Authorities and Safeguarding Boards

• Probation and Youth Offending Teams

This partnership approach ensures that every investigation places victims first, builds safer communities, and reduces reoffending.

In Summary

The Local Crime Investigations teams form the investigative backbone of the Constabulary.
They combine local knowledge, detective expertise, and partnership working to deliver justice and protect those most at risk.

From missing persons to burglary, these teams ensure that every crime matters — and every victim counts.

Explore more:

• Local Policing Command (LPC)

• Prevention and Neighbourhoods

• Response

• Task Forces

• Local Bobbies