Investigative Services Statewide Units

The OSBI Cold Case Unit (CCU) is a dedicated unit established in 2018 that specializes in thoroughly reviewing, analyzing, and solving cold cases.  Since its inception, the unit has solved numerous cases and given victims their identity back utilizing techniques like Forensic Genetic Genealogy. The CCU is made up of agents and an analyst, all with multiple years of service and extensive experience in major crimes and crime scene investigations. The CCU is a unique team as it works closely with the OSBI Forensic Science Center to ensure cases are reviewed with all investigative and laboratory techniques available. 

The Cold Case Unit regularly works to collaborate with law enforcement, medical examiner offices, and prosecution teams across the state, to seek justice for the victims of Oklahoma. The goal of the unit is to work with law enforcement partners across the state to review cold cases, offer assistance in investigative and laboratory techniques, provide resources, and bring justice to victims.  Access the cold case files here.   

The OSBI Crimes Information Unit (CIU) supports the investigative mission of the OSBI, other law enforcement agencies, District Attorney's Offices, the Governor's Office, and the Oklahoma Information Fusion Center. The criminal intelligence analysts of the CIU utilize specialized software and numerous in-house, open-source, and commercial resources to identify, locate, and determine the criminal history of individuals for both criminal and official background investigations. The CIU analysts work alongside agents, detectives, and DA's by providing in-depth analysis of cellular communications, major case support, timelines, case/associate visualizations, and court exhibits.

The OSBI specializes in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) statewide with agents strategically located throughout the state. Special Agents assigned to CSI have additional specialized training in crime scene investigations. Agents respond to some of the most complex, violent crimes in the state and conduct objective and thorough crime scene investigations in sometimes very challenging environments. CSI Agents are trained in scene documentation, evidence collection, and in providing expert analysis in the areas of shooting reconstruction, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene reconstruction.

CSI Agents are trained and equipped with specialized equipment to utilize at scenes, such as Total Stations, Ground-Penetrating Radar, and 3D Laser Scanners. Agents use these unique tools to document expansive scenes, locate buried evidence or clandestine graves, and collect millions of data points. CSI Agents spend a considerable amount of time post-scene investigation preparing extensive reports, using CAD software to complete 2D or 3D sketches, and testifying in court.

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A forensic artist, also commonly referred to as a sketch artist, is a graphic artist that renders free-hand or computerized drawings, enhancements, and reconstructions.

Forensic art is defined as an artistic technique used for identification, apprehension, or conviction purposes. Forensic art encompasses several disciplines including composite art, image modification, age progression, and facial reconstruction.

Composite art is traditionally the most commonly known disciple of forensic art and has been used by police agencies throughout history. Forensic artists work closely with law enforcement to identify criminal suspects and victims through facial composite sketches. Composite art is an unusual marriage of two unlikely disciplines: police investigative work and art. Though artistic skills are important parts of composite art, the real challenge is in the ability to interview and relate to a victim or witness. The purpose is to successfully gather, interpret, and illustrate the information obtained from the victim's memory.

The OSBI Forensic Multimedia Lab provides scientific examination, comparison, and/or evaluation of multimedia evidence to local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies using state of the art software and practices. Services provided by a Certified Forensic Video Analyst include image and sound clarification, correction of video/audio problems, and the preparation of court presentations of surveillance video, audio recordings, and images. The preliminary work is performed while the official is present with the results delivered at that time. To schedule an appointment, contact the Forensic Multimedia Lab at 405-848-6724.  

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The OSBI Polygraph Unit provides support for criminal, administrative, and background investigators within the OSBI as well as criminal polygraphs for all requesting agencies with law enforcement authority. The is accomplished through polygraph examinations conducted by trained agents using nationally established techniques. Polygraph can assist an investigator by giving direction on an investigation and aid in corroborating evidence and statements that may otherwise be difficult to measure. Polygraph is not intended to, nor can it replace, basic investigative techniques or evidence interpretation.

OSBI examiners review charts of physiological data obtained through the polygraph instrument and provide an opinion regarding the examinee's deception or lack thereof. Charts are reviewed by other examiners for quality control purposes to authenticate results, standardize reports, and to increase the validity of the polygraph.

The OSBI has 10 examiners assigned all over the state. These examiners have over 80 years of combined experience and are licensed by the Oklahoma State Polygraph Board after extensive training at nationally accredited schools followed by a mandatory internship. The examiners attend annual training and continuing education classes that keep them on the cutting edge of the polygraph field. Most of the examiners conduct polygraphs in addition to their primary assignments as criminal investigators or supervisors.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Sexual Assault Unit is a dedicated Sex Crimes Unit within the OSBI Investigative Division, focused solely on investigating, assisting with the prosecution, and testing of sexual assault kits for cases identified through the established Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) inventory. In addition, this unit participates in a collaborative effort with the medical, law enforcement, and prosecutorial communities to ensure a state-wide, victim-centered approach to sexual assault case investigations and victim notification of the SAKI Project and the resources available.

The OSBI Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducts auto theft, oil field theft, undercover operations, countermeasures, and other investigations as needed. The agents assigned to this unit have advanced training beyond general assignment agents and focus on multi-jurisdictional criminal enterprise investigations. SIU agents routinely work side-by-side with officials from other law enforcement agencies as a member of a task force or other long-term investigations. The specialized agents operate statewide whenever a need arises.