Detective Honored For Recovering $50,000 In Stolen Jewelry

A Jackson Police Department detective, who through diligent police work recovered $50,000 in jewelry that was stolen during a party, is honored for his actions.


Detective James Cornelius was named JPD Officer of the Year during a recent ceremony.

Cornelius focused in on a suspect who had attended the March 5, 2009 party, police said. Although the woman denied any involvement, Cornelius discovered that she had pawned several pieces of jewelry in the past. He visited two different Jackson pawn shops, but didn’t find the stolen items.


Read more here. Find and follow us on Twitter!

Burbank Investigation Wrapping Up

DOWNTOWN — A private investigator hired by the city to probe allegations of misconduct within the Burbank Police Department is expected to submit his final report in the coming week, officials said Tuesday.

City officials said they expect to spend the next several weeks poring over confidential information gathered by investigator James Gardiner, a retired police chief hired by the city as it grappled with a federal investigation into allegations of excessive force by officers and five lawsuits filed by eight current and former officers.

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse will be the first to review the investigation, followed by a group that includes the city manager, city attorney, former U.S. Atty. Debra Wong Yang and Police Assessment Resource Center Director Merrick Bobb, officials said.

Read more here.

PIs Helpful to Cops, Attorneys

They are used to track down dead-beat dads, to find witnesses to crimes and accidents and to dole out subpoenas.

In cultural lore, they come by the names of Sam Spade, Mike Hammer and Thomas Magnum. In reality, private investigators don't skulk around looking for the Maltese Falcon or cruising Hawaii in a Ferrari. But the thousands of private investigators who are licensed in Florida are an invaluable resource for criminal and civil lawyers.

In criminal cases, where prosecutors have law-enforcement officers for their investigation, private investigators serve as the defense's detective.

Read more here.