The Major Crime Unit is primarily responsible with investigating the most serious crimes, specifically homicides and missing persons that are suspicious in nature. The MCU investigates officer-involved shootings and other complex investigations as needed. MCU is supervised by two detective lieutenants and is made up of six detective sergeants, along with the victim services director. The victim services director works closely with family members of victims throughout an investigation. Members of this unit are assigned out of state police headquarters but work throughout Vermont.
The Major Crime Unit also is responsible for investigating unsolved homicides and assists with investigations into suspicious missing-persons cases.
The Crime Scene Search Team is led by a detective sergeant assigned to the Major Crime Unit, and this team works closely with MCU on major case investigations.
Major Crime Unit detectives work closely with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Special Investigations, other law-enforcement agencies, prosecutorial staff and the Chief Medical Examiner's Office to successfully investigate and prepare cases for appropriate legal action and resolution. The unit also oversees narcotic & drug diversion investigations, the Technology Investigation Unit, as well as the Executive Protection Unit.
The Major Crime Unit is commanded by Capt. Jeremy Hill, who oversees two regional teams, each commanded by a detective lieutenant. They are Lt. Eric Albright, based in northern Vermont, and Lt. John-Paul Schmidt, based in southern Vermont. The unit also includes six detective sergeants, the Victim Services Unit and unsolved-case analysts.
