This is the investigative arm of the Department. The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) consists of criminal investigations, criminal intelligence, and narcotics investigations units. The CID consists of two major sections: Criminal Investigations and Narcotics and Vice. The formation of these two units was developed to maximize the coverage and availability of on-duty investigators on a daily basis. Both sections work and collaborate extensively with surrounding departments as well as state and federal agencies to include:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
Columbia Police Department (CPD) Investigators regularly run joint investigations and have been very successful in prosecuting offenders. This division is commanded by a captain.