The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for investigating criminal activity throughout Franklin County. Investigators accomplish this by interviewing victims and witnesses, interrogating suspects, collecting and analyzing physical evidence and reviewing prior crime reports. Their efforts are documented in a case file, which is submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution of the defendant.
Chief Deputy Rick Minerd Jr. began his career with the Sheriff's Office in May, 1991. He has gone on to serve in the Corrections Division, Communications Center, Patrol Bureau, Detective Bureau, and Special Investigations Unit. In addition, he served as a member of the FCSO Dive Team and Honor Guard. Chief Deputy Minerd has spent several years serving as an operator, team leader, and eventually Commander of the SWAT Team. Chief Deputy Minerd is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Public Safety Management, and a Master's of Science degree in Business Administration, both from Franklin University. His experiences include initiating the Sheriff's Office first Emergency Operations Center during the I-270 Highway Shooter investigation, establishing the Sheriff's Office's first Crime Prevention Analyst, and playing a significant role in the successful prosecution of a number of high profile homicide investigations, drug cases, and other crimes in Central Ohio. Chief Deputy Minerd understands the necessity for collaboration and strong partnerships throughout the community. He has served as a panelist for the Ohio Criminal Justice Services - Drug Trends Conference, where he spoke extensively about synthetic drugs. He has also served as a liaison to the Mid-Ohio Amber Alert Board, Columbus City Child Fatality Review Board, Parents of Murdered Children, and other groups, such as the Franklin County Police Chief's Association and Homeland Security Advisory Council. Because of his vast experience and leadership, Chief Deputy Minerd is the recipient of numerous awards of Commendation and Merit from the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association.