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1. Why does it take so long for a detective to call me back after I've reported a crime?

After a patrol officer conducts an initial investigation and writes an offense report, the report is approved by a patrol supervisor and forwarded to the detective supervisor for assignment. This may take a day or two in itself, longer if a holiday weekend is involved. Moreover, detectives maintain a caseload assignment that averages 35-40 cases a month. If a new case has little or no investigative "leads", it will not usually take precedence over a case with more workable information. Add to this the other duties competing for a detective's time (court appearances, training days, vacation, assisting in other major cases) and it is readily apparent that an immediate contact by a detective is not always possible.

2. How can I check on the status of my case?

Any complainant or victim can check on the status of their case by calling the detective who is assigned the follow up investigation at 281-930-2142. Having the case number ready when calling is always helpful. Also, the Police Department uses O.S.S.I. software, where you are able to check the status of your case, directly, on-line, via Police-to-Citizen website.

It should be noted that detailed information on an ongoing investigation is not always available, even to a victim or complainant and is not available to the general public.

3. How do I get my stolen property back after the police have recovered it?

A complainant may contact the detectives assigned the case to arrange to pick up their property. They can also contact the Deer Park Police Property Custodian at 281-930-2122 during normal business hours to arrange pick up. However, it should be noted that property that is considered evidence is often necessary for trial and it might not be released to the owner until the trial is completed. This status is usually determined by the District Attorney's Office

4. My friends told me who stole my stuff and I told the police, but they won't arrest him. Why is that?

Information given to the police on a criminal case is not always admissible to obtain a search or arrest warrant. Any information from a person who is not an eye witness (i.e.: he said-she said) must be corroborated by other evidence in order for a search/seizure or arrest warrant to be obtained from a court. Often times, rumors and stories abound "on the street" and these are taken as fact, when in fact, they are not true. However, useful information obtained from a third party may help a detective in his investigation and should always be forwarded to him.