Investigations
Conducting thorough criminal investigations, combating narcotics trafficking, and utilizing modern forensic techniques to solve crimes and seek justice.
Overview
Investigations is responsible for conducting detailed criminal investigations, processing crime scenes, and working specialized cases that require dedicated investigative resources. Our detectives and investigators bring years of experience and specialized training to every case they handle.
Working closely with Enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, and state and federal agencies, Investigations is committed to solving crimes, apprehending offenders, and delivering justice for the victims and citizens of Vermilion Parish.
Captain Mike Touchet
Captain of Investigations
Captain Mike Touchet began his law enforcement career in 1994 at the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office where he was a reserve deputy for the next three years. From 1996 to 1999 Captain Touchet served as a Special Deputy United States Marshal on a contractual basis.
Captain Touchet joined the Louisiana State Police (LSP) in 1999, receiving the Douglas M. Millet Award which named him the overall top graduate of his class. He worked in LSP Troop A in Baton Rouge for three years before moving into the LSP Criminal Intelligence Unit.
In 2003 Captain Touchet graduated at the top of his class at the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Academy. Over the next 21 years, Captain Touchet maintained a top-secret security clearance at the Department of Homeland Security and served the United States in a wide range of capacities. He conducted federal investigations into crimes including narcotics smuggling, money laundering, and crimes against children.
During his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, Captain Touchet was a member of the Homeland Security Investigations Special Response Team (HSI SRT) for eighteen years, where he conducted high risk search and arrest warrants throughout the United States. In addition to his service with the HSI SRT, Captain Touchet was assigned to executive and foreign dignitary protection details during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Captain Touchet is a graduate of Erath High School. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Captain Touchet is a veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard where he served six years in the Infantry and retired as an E5 Sergeant. He also became a Certified Federal Firearms Instructor through the Department of Homeland Security.
Divisions & Units
Our investigators are organized into divisions and units to provide focused expertise in different areas of criminal investigation.
Criminal Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for follow-up investigations of serious crimes including homicides, armed robberies, burglaries, sexual assaults, and other major offenses. Our experienced detectives work diligently to identify suspects, gather evidence, and bring cases to a successful conclusion.
- Homicide and violent crime investigations
- Burglary and property crime investigations
- Sexual assault and crimes against persons
- Case management and court preparation
Narcotics
Narcotics works to combat the distribution and abuse of illegal drugs in Vermilion Parish. Through undercover operations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with federal and state agencies, our narcotics investigators target drug trafficking organizations at every level.
- Undercover narcotics operations
- Drug trafficking investigations
- Prescription drug diversion cases
- Multi-agency task force participation
Crime Scene Processing
Our trained crime scene technicians are responsible for the collection, preservation, and documentation of physical evidence at crime scenes. Utilizing modern forensic techniques, the crime scene unit plays a critical role in the successful investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Fingerprint and DNA evidence processing
- Crime scene photography and documentation
- Evidence chain of custody management
Juvenile Investigations
Juvenile investigators handle cases involving minors, including crimes committed by juveniles and crimes committed against children. These specially trained detectives work closely with the District Attorney's Office, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Children's Advocacy Center.
- Crimes against children investigations
- Juvenile offender case management
- Child abuse and neglect investigations
- Coordination with social services agencies
Digital Forensics
As technology plays an increasingly important role in criminal activity, our digital forensics capabilities allow investigators to recover and analyze digital evidence from computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices to support criminal investigations.
- Computer and mobile device forensics
- Social media and internet investigations
- Digital evidence recovery and analysis
- Cybercrime investigation support
Fugitive Apprehension
Investigations works to locate and apprehend individuals who have outstanding warrants or have fled from justice. Our investigators coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to track down fugitives and bring them to justice.
- Warrant service and execution
- Fugitive tracking and apprehension
- Coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service
- Inter-agency fugitive task forces
How to Report a Crime
If you have information about a crime or need to file a report, there are several ways to contact us.
Emergency
If you are in immediate danger or witnessing a crime in progress, call 911 immediately.
911
Non-Emergency
To report a crime that is not in progress or to speak with an investigator, call our non-emergency line.
(337) 898-4403
Crime Stoppers
To report information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers. You may be eligible for a cash reward.
(337) 740-TIPS
Tips for Reporting a Crime
When reporting a crime, providing as much detail as possible helps our investigators. Here is some information that is helpful to have ready: