Investigative Services

Crime Reporting

The Farmington Hills Police Department discourages using the computer to report crimes.  Computer reporting prevents in-person verification of the identity of the reporting person and inhibits communication between the officer and victim.  Computerized reporting may also hinder potential court proceedings.

Police incidents occurring within the jurisdiction of the Farmington Hills Police Department may be reported at any time.  Questions or inquiries may be directed to the police Command Center at (248) 871-2610.  Tipsters may remain anonymous and/or request that their identities remain confidential. Call (248) 871-2610 for further information.

Crime Tips

The department discourages computerized crime tip reporting.  Computerized tip information is usually incomplete and prevents a police officer from engaging in dialogue and obtaining the necessary information to substantiate an investigation.  Properly reported tips are assigned to an investigator for follow up.  Tipsters may call (248) 871-2610 for further information.

Sexual Assault

If you are in immediate danger, or have suffered a sexual assault, and/or need medical assistance as a result of a sexual assault, call 9-1-1 immediately or ask a neighbor to call if you are unable.  If your situation is not an emergency, but you wish to report the incident, call the Farmington Hills Police Department non-emergency number (248) 871-2600, or come to the Farmington Hills Police Department at 31655 W. Eleven Mile just west of Orchard Lake Road.  All incidents of sexual assault should be reported to law enforcement.  This should be done as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence.  You should also seek medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered.

Guidelines

The legal term for rape or sexual assault in Michigan is Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC).  There are four degrees of CSC, which are summarized below.  The degree of CSC that an offender is charged with depends on a number of circumstances, some of which include the victim’s age, mental capacity, use of weapons or family relationship.

First Degree or Third Degree CSC:

Both of these crimes involve forced or coerced sexual penetration.  This can be vaginal, anal or oral intercourse; putting a finger or object into another person’s anal or vaginal opening.  [MCLA 750.520b & MCLA 750.520d]

Second or Fourth Degree CSC:

Both of these crimes involve forced or coerced sexual contact.  These include touching the groin, genital area, inner thigh, buttocks or breasts or the clothing covering these parts.  [MCLA 750.520c & 750.520e]

Assault with Intent to Commit First Degree CSC:

This crime is an assault where the perpetrator intended to commit First Degree CSC. [MCLA 750.520g]

Assault with Intent to Commit Second Degree CSC:

This crime is an assault where the perpetrator intended to commit Second Degree CSC.  [MCLA 750.520g]

A person who is drugged, incapacitated, or under the age of 16 is deemed by law to be unable to give consent.

Making a Police Report

The criminal process is not an easy road, but most victims find it helpful in their healing journey.  When you report the incident, you can have a friend, relative or advocate present for support.  Have as much information as possible about the incident available for the police.  If you need to, write everything down that you can remember about the assault and the perpetrator.  When you meet with the police, an officer will interview you about the incident.  Some questions that are asked are intimate and embarrassing but are necessary for the criminal process.  The police may request you to go to the hospital for an examination.  During the examination, the physician will obtain physical evidence.

Your case will be assigned to a police investigator.  All the information the investigator gathers will be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office where a criminal complaint (warrant) will be requested.  The decision to prosecute belongs to the prosecutor and is based on the evidence that is available.  Not all cases are prosecuted.  This is usually because there is not enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that the defendant is guilty, not because the prosecutor does not believe you.

Crime Victims Rights

As a victim, you have rights to information, protection and possible compensation under the law, as established by the Crime Victims Rights Act.

For further assistance or information about your rights, contact:

Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Victim/Witness Assistance Unit
(248) 858-0707

Counseling/Support Resources

HAVEN  (24 hours)	(248) 334-1274	Toll Free (877) 922-1274
Common Ground	(248) 456-0909	Toll Free (800) 231-1127

Domestic Violence

Guidelines

Michigan statutes define domestic violence as “an individual who assaults or assaults and batters his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household, or an individual with whom you’ve had an intimate relationship.”

Some examples of domestic violence are:

• Physical assault  (hitting, pushing, biting).
• Sexual assault.
• Intimidation  (threats).
• Stalking.

There are other forms of abuse that are not considered criminal.  These include:

• Emotional abuse  (put downs, name calling, mind games).
• Isolation from family or friends.
• Economic abuse  (withholding money, being prevented from getting a job).

These “non-criminal” acts are still a form of abuse that can lead to physical abuse. If you are a victim of a “non-criminal” for of abuse you need to seek help through an intervention program (see below).

Children growing up in an abusive home also suffer.  Problems such as poor school performance, aggressive relationships with peers and siblings, and a lack of self-esteem can develop.  Children are likely to believe that abuse is a normal part of adult behavior.  Boys commonly become abusers themselves, while girls commonly become victims of an abusive relationship.

How to Report Domestic Violence to Police

If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or ask a neighbor to call if you are unable.  If you are not in immediate danger but wish to report the incident, call the Farmington Hills Police Department non-emergency number (248) 871-2600, or come to the Farmington Hills Police Department.  This should be done as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence.  You should also seek medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered.

All reports of domestic violence are investigated and directed to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

For more information about domestic violence, visit the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence website.

You can also obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against the abuser.  The PPO will order the abuser to refrain from committing the following acts:

• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Assault, beating, molesting, wounding or stalking.
• Entering your home.
• Interfering with you at your work place.
• Purchasing a firearm.
• Removing the minor children from you unless the removal is part of a court-ordered visitation.

A PPO can be obtained from the Oakland County Courthouse located at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac.  The PPO form is available at the Juvenile Intake Division on the ground floor of the Courthouse.  You can get assistance in completing the form at the Women’s Survival Center, also located on the ground floor of the Courthouse.

For more information about how to obtain a PPO, you can call the Women’s Survival Center PPO Assistance Office at (248) 975-9511 or visit the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence website. 

If you require additional information not contained in this website, please call the Command Desk of the Farmington Hills Police Department, 24 hours a day, at (248) 871-2610.  You can also contact the Investigative Division, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at (248) 871-2770 and speak to an investigator.

Counseling and Support Resources

24 Hour Crisis Intervention

H.A.V.E.N. Common Ground Sanctuary

(248) 334-1274 (248) 456-0909 or (800) 231-1127

Counseling and Crisis:

Catholic Social Services Common Ground H.A.V.E.N. Jewish Family Services Department of Human Services (DHS)

(248) 548-4044 (248) 456-0909 (248) 334-1274 (248) 592-2300 (866) 975-5010

Legal Information:

Oakland County Bar Association (Lawyer Referral)

(248) 334-3400

Shelters:

H.A.V.E.N.  (24 Hours) Jewish Family Services

(248) 334-1274 (248) 592-2300

Bad Check Information

The Farmington Hills Police Department is a participant in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Bad Check Restitution Program.  This program allows for certain non-sufficient funds (NSF) checks and account-closed checks to be processed with the goal of full restitution and a mandatory eight-hour intervention class for the offender.  The program has had a high degree of success.  If unsuccessful, the victim will be referred to the Police Department to file a formal complaint.  Once a police report is taken, it will be assigned to a detective for investigation.  This web page is intended to educate readers and provide victims with recovery options.

BAD CHECK RESTITUTION PACKETS:  Bad Check Restitution Packets are available, free of charge, 24-hours a day, at the Farmington Hills Police Department, 31655 West Eleven Mile.

How to avoid being a victim:

• Know you are not required by law to accept a check.
• Create written policies and procedures for accepting checks.
• Insist on two pieces of identification, one of which should be a driver’s license with a photo.
• Write the license number or identification number under the signature.
• Compare the photo with the check passer.
• Compare the signature on the check with the signature on the identification.
• Never take a check dated in advance.
• If a signature in not legible, request the passer to print his or her name below the signature.
• Follow established procedures and safeguards when accepting small checks as well as the large ones.
• Verify the numerical amount agrees with the written amount on the check.
• The initials of the person accepting the check should be written on the check.
• Use extra caution if a person’s name and address are not pre-printed on a check or if the sequence of numbers is low.
• Record a telephone number of the check passer on the check.
• If a criminal warrant is obtained, do not accept restitution without receiving permission from the prosecutor.
• The individual accepting the check should witness the check passer fill out and sign the check.
• Do not accept a pre-completed check from a second party.

Not all bad checks are prosecutable in criminal court and may be civil in nature.

Criminal Cases

The following criteria must be met to successfully prosecute a criminal case.

• The check must be issued for present consideration, meaning you must give them something because you are relying on the check to be good.
• The bank must process the check.  Once you have accepted the check, do not call the bank to determine if it is good before you deposit it.  It must be deposited and returned NSF, Account Closed, No Account, Stolen or Counterfeit.
• Identification must be recorded by the person accepting the check.  You must have two pieces of identification.  One piece should be a photo driver’s license or state identification card. (Record the number on the check.)  The other can be a credit card in the check passer’s name.  You are not required to record the credit card numbers on the check.  However, you should note the type of credit card reviewed.
• The person who accepts the check must be known and available to testify.

If you are a victim of an NSF or Account Closed check:

• Pick up a Bad Check Packet from the police station and follow directions.
• Send the 5-day notice via certified mail.
• If no response and the check is under $1,000, submit the claim to the Prosecutor’s Bad Check Restitution Program.

If you are a victim of a counterfeit or stolen check:

• If you learn that it is counterfeit or stolen before you deposit it in the bank, it is not necessary to deposit the check.
• Protect the check for fingerprint evidence by handling it by the edges and placing it into an envelope.
• Make a police report.

Once a police report is made:

• You will be given a complaint number.
• The case will be assigned on the next business day to a detective.
• Do not accept partial restitution.  No further criminal investigation can legally be initiated if you do.  You will have to proceed in civil court.
• The detective will contact you and discuss the case to determine your intentions.
• If you receive full restitution, contact the detective immediately.

Civil Case Options

• Formal lawsuit – Retain an attorney.
• Small Claims Court
  • Small claims court is an informal action that is limited to the recovery of up to $3,000.  You may appear without an attorney.
  • Most claims in this area are handled by the 47th District Court, which is located at 31605 West Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, phone number is (248) 871-2900.
  • Filing fees vary but are generally limited to approximately $35, plus the fee for service, which varies according to the location of the person to be served.

Examples of checks that require civil court remedies:

• Checks that are issued to repay a loan.
• Rent checks (except for the first check on which the landlord relied for the person to move in).
• Payment of services rendered or goods that were delivered and then billed for.
• Payroll checks that are NSF.
• Checks received in the mail.
• Post dated checks.

Status of Investigations

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of criminal investigations, information and the status of open investigations will not be provided over the internet.  If you are the victim of a crime and request updated information regarding the status of your case, please contact the Investigative Bureau.  You may telephone the Investigative Bureau during normal business hours at (248) 871-2770, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Please be prepared to provide the complaint number of your case, if known.  If the detective in charge is unavailable to promptly respond, please request to speak with a supervisor.

Farmington Hills Police Department’s Unsolved Incidents

MACHEK MURDER – The Farmington Hills Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of an international fugitive, Edgardo Luis Perez, who is wanted for murder, international flight, and the unauthorized use of the murder victim’s credit card.  The victim, Gordon Machek, was discovered murdered in his Farmington Hills home on October 20, 2001.

Edgardo Perez is a former resident of Beverly Hills, Michigan.  He may be hiding in Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, or the United States.

Investigators are still looking for the victim’s remains and the missing black-colored steamer trunk believed to contain the body.  The trunk looks like a pirate’s chest.  It is 2’x4’x3’ with metal straps, handles, and a pull-out wooden tray.

WANTED KILLER

Edgardo Perez, Hispanic male, age 19 at date of murder, 5’6”, 140 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, no scars.

Please contact Detective Sergeant Scott Cronin with any information at (248) 871-2775 or (248) 871-2770.  For immediate assistance with information, please contact the Command Desk at (248) 871-2610 24 hours a day.

Counseling References

If you need help from other Public Service Agencies, you may seek help from some of following listed organizations.

Domestic and Sexual Assault:

The Haven, located in Pontiac	24-hour line (248) 334-1274
LaCasa, located in Howell	24-hour line (866) 522-2725

Suicide Prevention:

Common Ground	24-hour line  (248) 456-0909 or Toll Free (800) 231-1127
Suicide Prevention Center	24-hour line  (248) 456-0909

Poison Control:

Children’s Center	24-hour line  (248) 745-5711
Poison Control	24-hour line  (800) 222-1222

Family Service and Counseling:

Oakland County Family Services

(248) 858-7766

Substance Abuse

Alcoholics Anonymous	(248) 332-3521
Alateen Alanon	(248) 706-1020
Common Groun	24-hour line  (248) 456-0909 or Toll Free (800) 231-1127

Registered Sex Offender Address Verification or Change of Address Notification

Mandated registered sex offender address verification or change of address notification can be accomplished at the Police Department during specified dates of the fifteen day registration periods in January, April, July and October.  An annual schedule of these dates will be provided to affected individuals and is also available by contacting the Investigative Division at (248) 871-2770.  Registrants must provide and display a valid, up-to-date, Michigan driver license or identification card at the time of verification and must check in at the Command Desk in the main lobby of the police station.

School Liaison Officers

The department, in cooperation with the Farmington Public Schools, assigns School Liaison Officers to provide coverage to all Farmington Hills schools. The School Liaison Program has been in effect since 1989. School Liaison Officers maintain offices at North Farmington and Harrison High Schools, as well as Power Middle School. These officers investigate incidents that occur on school property, serve as resources for school administration, staff and students, and provide a link between the students and the Police Department.