The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is a state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes and providing forensic services to local law enforcement agencies in the state of Georgia. The GBI was established in 1937 and is headquartered in Decatur, Georgia. The agency is led by a director, who is appointed by the Governor of Georgia, and is divided into several divisions, including the Investigative Division, the Forensic Sciences Division, and the Georgia Crime Information Center.
History of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The GBI was created in response to a growing need for a state-level law enforcement agency that could investigate crimes and provide support to local law enforcement agencies. In the early 20th century, Georgia was experiencing a surge in violent crime, including murder, robbery, and kidnapping. The state’s local law enforcement agencies were often ill-equipped to handle these complex cases, and the need for a state-level agency became clear. The GBI was established by an act of the Georgia General Assembly in 1937, and it began operations on March 9, 1937.
Structure and Organization
The GBI is divided into several divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. The Investigative Division is responsible for investigating crimes, including homicide, robbery, and public corruption. The Forensic Sciences Division provides forensic services, including DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and firearms analysis. The Georgia Crime Information Center is responsible for maintaining and analyzing crime data, including fingerprints, DNA profiles, and other identifying information.
The GBI also has several regional offices located throughout the state, which provide investigative and forensic services to local law enforcement agencies. These regional offices are staffed by special agents, forensic scientists, and other support personnel. The GBI also has a number of specialized units, including a SWAT team, a bomb squad, and a cyber crime unit.
| Division | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Investigative Division | Investigating crimes, including homicide, robbery, and public corruption |
| Forensic Sciences Division | Providing forensic services, including DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and firearms analysis |
| Georgia Crime Information Center | Maintaining and analyzing crime data, including fingerprints, DNA profiles, and other identifying information |
Investigations and Cases
The GBI has been involved in a number of high-profile investigations and cases over the years, including the Atlanta Child Murders, the bombing of the Olympic Park in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the murder of a Fulton County judge. The agency has also investigated a number of public corruption cases, including the prosecution of several high-ranking state officials.
Notable Cases
One of the most notable cases investigated by the GBI was the Atlanta Child Murders, which occurred between 1979 and 1981. During this period, 29 African American children and young adults were murdered, and the case drew national attention. The GBI worked with local law enforcement agencies and the FBI to investigate the case, and in 1981, a suspect named Wayne Williams was arrested and later convicted of two of the murders.
Another notable case investigated by the GBI was the bombing of the Olympic Park in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The bombing occurred on July 27, 1996, and killed two people and injured over 100 others. The GBI worked with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the case, and in 2005, a suspect named Eric Rudolph was arrested and later convicted of the bombing.
- Atlanta Child Murders (1979-1981)
- Bombing of the Olympic Park in Atlanta (1996)
- Murder of a Fulton County judge (2005)
Forensic Services
The GBI’s Forensic Sciences Division provides a range of forensic services to local law enforcement agencies, including DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and firearms analysis. The division is staffed by highly trained forensic scientists who use the latest technology and techniques to analyze evidence and identify suspects.
Forensic Services Offered
The GBI’s Forensic Sciences Division offers a range of forensic services, including:
- DNA analysis
- Fingerprint comparison
- Firearms analysis
- Drug analysis
- Toxicology analysis
The division also has a number of specialized units, including a DNA database unit, which maintains a database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders and unknown samples from crime scenes. The division also has a firearms unit, which analyzes firearms and ammunition to determine if they have been used in crimes.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| DNA analysis | Analyzing DNA evidence to identify suspects and solve crimes |
| Fingerprint comparison | Comparing fingerprints found at crime scenes to known individuals |
| Firearms analysis | Analyzing firearms and ammunition to determine if they have been used in crimes |
What is the mission of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation?
+The mission of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is to provide high-quality, comprehensive law enforcement services to the citizens of Georgia, including investigative support, forensic services, and crime data analysis.
What types of cases does the GBI investigate?
+The GBI investigates a wide range of cases, including homicide, robbery, public corruption, and cyber crime. The agency also provides forensic services, including DNA analysis, fingerprint comparison, and firearms analysis.
How does the GBI support local law enforcement agencies?
+The GBI provides a range of services to support local law enforcement agencies, including investigative support, forensic services, and crime data analysis. The agency also provides training and resources to help local law enforcement agencies build their capacity and improve their effectiveness.
