The Investigations Division provides leadership, expertise and appropriate resources that support patrol operations in order to improve the quality of life in our community. Investigations works together with citizens as well as the Patrol Bureau to reduce crime and the fear of crime throughout Summit County. Lieutenant Justin Hemingway commands the Special Operations and Criminal Investigations divisions. The combined divisions consists of 8 Detectives and a Crime Scene Specialist.
How to Prevent Identity Theft
Free Credit Report
How it Happens
Some thieves steal your identity the old-fashioned way — by pilfering your wallet or purse. Others dumpster dive, fishing credit card bills or other documents from trash.Some search the workplace for Social Security numbers. Thieves also use the Internet, where with the simple click of a mouse, your most intimate information is available without your permission. Hackers can easily access personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number and other personal data.
Stopping Identity Theft
Minimize the amount of information a thief can steal. Do not carry credit cards or a Social Security card. Only carry what you need.
Remove your name from mailing lists. This will reduce the likelihood that you will receive unsolicited, pre-approved credit card offers, which thieves can steal from your mailbox.
Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
Never give out personal information. Unless you have a trusted relationship with the company and you initiate the contact.
Shred financial documents before you throw them out.
Give out little personal information on-line to minimize your exposure to hackers and cyber-thieves. Consult a Web site’s privacy policy to determine the vendor’s security precautions before providing any information.
Order your credit reports at least once a year. If you are a victim of fraud, you may catch it early to minimize the damage. Sources:
Equifax – Box 105069, Atlanta GA 30348, 800-290-8749
Experian – Box 9595, Allen, TX 75013, 888-397-3742
Trans Union – Box 2000, Chester, PA, 19022, 800-888-4213
Contact the fraud units of the three major credit reporting bureaus. Ask that your accounts be flagged with a fraud alert. Add a victim’s statement to your credit reports. This will be kept in your records at the bureaus. Example: My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at 555-123-4567 to verify all credit applications.
Report the crime. Call the police immediately — and get a copy of the police report. Credit grantors and insurance companies may require you to show the report in order to verify the crime. If your credit card or bank account number was stolen, phone the institution immediately. And quickly follow up with a letter.
Report which accounts are fraudulent to the credit issuers. Ask that they be removed from your credit reports.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline to report your case and receive helpful advice. 877-438-4338 If you feel you have been victimized, call the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at 615-3500.