Detective Division
The Detective Division is responsible for the investigation of all serious felony crimes within the City of Meriden. There are four units within the Detective Division: Major Crimes Unit, Special Crimes Unit, Crime Suppression Unit and Evidence/ID Unit. Detective Lieutenant Shane Phillips is a 11-year veteran of the department, beginning his career in the Patrol Division and has held lateral assignments such as a D.A.R.E. officer, S.W.A.T. team operator, Field Training Officer, and is also Crisis Intervention Trained. Shane has worked as a Detective or Detective Sergeant in all four of the units within the Detective Division. As a native of Meriden, it is critically important for Shane to provide exemplary service and make connections with the community that he and his staff serve. On July 22, 2021, Shane was promoted to Detective Lieutenant and assumed command of the Detective Division. Detective Lieutenant Phillips can be reached by email or phone 203-630-6281.
If you have information regarding any current or cold case for the Detective Division, please call 203-630-6281. Email tips or crime information by clicking here.
Major Crimes Unit
Unit Supervisor: Detective Sergeant John Wagner Email
All major felony offenses including homicide, robbery, burglary, and grand larceny are investigated by members of the Major Crime Unit. Detectives assigned to Major Crimes have all served the Department for at least four years as Patrol Officers. They receive extensive training in the investigation of complex cases, interview and interrogation, crime scene processing, and many other aspects of their duties. Patrol Officers complete initial investigations for all major offenses and refer them to Major Crimes Detectives for further action. Major Crimes Unit Detectives are on call to respond to serious offenses at all times.
Special Crimes Unit
Unit Supervisor: Detective Sergeant Erik Simonson Email
The Special Crimes Unit is responsible for the investigation and follow-up of all sex offenses and juvenile cases. Members of this unit receive specialized training in the investigation of complex cases, interview and interrogation, crime scene processing, victim services, and juvenile services. Detectives assigned to Special Crimes have all served the Department for at least four years as Patrol Officers. The Special Crimes Unit works closely with other Victim Services organizations, Sexual Assault Crisis Service, the Meriden Department of Human Services, and the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families to ensure the successful conclusion of cases and that appropriate services are provided to all crime victims. Special Crimes Unit Detectives also monitor compliance with the State of Connecticut Sex Offender Registry and maintain required files on persons required to register.
Crime Suppression Unit
Unit Supervisor: Detective Sergeant Michael Fonda Email
The Crime Suppression Unit is responsible for all street robberies, narcotics, prostitution and vice-related crimes. Members of this unit receive specialized training in the use of confidential informants, interview and interrogation, evidence collection, and surveillance. This is a hybrid unit where veteran Detectives and younger Patrol Officers work together to combat narcotics trafficking in the City of Meriden. Since its' inception in 2005, the Crime Suppression Unit has made several hundred narcotics and prostitution arrests and seized several hundred thousand dollars in cash and property from the sale of illegal drugs.
The Meriden Police Department has an anonymous Drug Tipline. If you have information regarding illegal drug sales please call 203-630-6273 and leave a message for the Crime Suppression Unit. Email information about drug dealing and prostitution by clicking here.
Evidence/Criminal Identification Unit
Unit Supervisor: Detective Sergeant David Visconti Email
The Evidence/Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence related to criminal investigations. Members of the Evidence/ID receive extensive training in crime scene processing, fingerprint and DNA collection, and photography. Evidence/ID Unit Detectives are on-call for major crimes and respond to handle all crime scenes. Their focus is on the proper collection and processing of evidence to support the investigations conducted by members of the Department. Evidence/ID Unit Detectives work closely with members of the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad, the State's Attorney's Office, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the State Crime Lab.