Special Investigations is responsible for the homeland security, counterterrorism, cyber, counterdrug, crime gun, intelligence, and fire and explosion investigative missions within the state of Vermont, partnering with local, state, and federal partners.
The Vermont Intelligence Center’s (VIC) mission is to collect, analyze and disseminate intelligence information in an effort to identify, investigate and prevent criminal activity, and to protect the people and critical infrastructures vital to our society. The VIC is part of the National Network of Fusion Centers and works closely with all other intelligence centers across the country. The VIC has a significant and often primary role in the state’s counterterrorism, cyber, critical infrastructure protection, criminal intelligence, opioid overdose, and criminal gun violence missions.
SI also is home to the Narcotics Investigation Unit (NIU) and the Drug Diversion Unit (DDU). These units are responsible for identifying, disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations involved in transporting, selling, and diverting narcotics. These units consist of undercover officers working narcotic investigations, but their specialized skills and equipment also are utilized frequently in a number of other serious criminal investigations, such as homicides and human trafficking. NIU, the state’s primary drug enforcement investigative unit, also oversees the Vermont Drug Task Force and supports drug related violent crime and drug trafficking investigations throughout the state.
The Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) responds, upon request, to investigate fires and explosions involving residential and commercial properties, motor vehicles, and boats in which the origin and cause cannot be readily determined by local fire chiefs or their designees. The unit also responds to fires or explosions involving serious bodily injury or death.
