The Investigative Division, under the direction of the Deputy Director for Investigations, is the largest division of the GBI with employees, working in Regional Offices, Regional Drug Enforcement Offices and other work units. Special agents from the Investigative Division respond to requests for assistance from local law enforcement officials to investigate major crimes such as: homicide, rape, child abuse, armed robbery, fraud and other felonies. Drug investigations, identity theft investigations and crimes against children investigations can be initiated without request.

Powers and Duties

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents are authorized under the laws of the State of Georgia to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, execute search warrants, seize property which is contraband, carry firearms, and detect or apprehend persons (in Georgia) violating the criminal laws of this state, any other state, or the United States.

Additionally, agents are empowered and authorized to:

Arrest any person or persons violating the criminal laws of this state on property owned by the state, its departments, bureaus, commissions, or authorities;

Serve and execute warrants on property owned by the state or its departments, bureaus, commissions or authorities;

Enforce in general the criminal laws of this state on property owned by the state or its departments, bureaus, commissions, or authorities;

Investigate and make arrests of persons violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act anywhere in the state;

Apprehend and arrest any person who is a fugitive from justice;

Enforce state statutes pertaining to bingo games, including licensing and inspection;

Enforce the Georgia Anti-Terrorism Act of 1984. A terroristic act is defined as an action that constitutes a crime against the person or residence of an individual which is committed with the specific intent to restrain that person or persons from exercising their rights under the Constitution and laws of this state and the United States on the basis of their race, national origin, religious persuasion, political beliefs or political affiliation.

Request for Assistance

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents may exercise the power to arrest any person or persons for violation of any laws of this or another state of the United States upon a request for assistance from:

Governing officials of a municipality

District Attorneys

Sheriffs

Superior Court Judges

Chief Law enforcement officers of any municipality

Chiefs of county police departments (in counties with population in excess of 100,000)

Chiefs of regular or volunteer fire departments (in suspected arson cases)

Governor of Georgia (by directive)