(209) 525-7074

The primary function of Investigations is to provide follow-up investigation to those cases that have been reported to Patrol Services and which warrant further investigation beyond that which is provided by patrol personnel. Investigations is also responsible for the service of search warrants, arrest warrants and the investigation of missing persons who are at-risk.
Investigations consists of four separate units which specialize in investigating specific types of crimes:

Crimes Against Persons (CAP)

Family Crimes (FCU)

General Property Crimes

If you are a victim of a crime and have not had a report made, call 911 or (209) 552-2468 or report online by clicking here.

If you have additional information about a crime that has already been reported to the Sheriffs Department you should contact the appropriate detective unit and be prepared to provide your name, the victim’s name, the original crime report number if you know it, and the additional information you wish to provide.

Investigations Direct Phone Number: (209) 525-7074

If you are not wanting to make a report but wish to give information on a current active case and want to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers @ http://www.stancrimetips.org/

Lieutenant Mick Hardenbrook

Lt. Mick Hardenbrook was born and raised in Stanislaus County and has lived here all of his life.  He began his law enforcement career in 1984 when he was hired by Sheriff Lynn Wood as a Jailer.  While working in the Men’s Jail, Lt. Hardenbrook worked in booking, on the floors and as the tunnel deputy.

In 1987, Lt. Hardenbrook put himself through the police academy at Modesto Junior College.  In November, 1987 he went to work with his father, who was a detective at the time, at the Modesto Police Department.  At MPD, Lt. Hardenbrook worked on patrol, in School Resources and with his dad in Detectives.

In 1995, while working as a School Resource Officer at Modesto High School, Lt. Hardenbrook learned of a Classified Administrative position at the school.  He competed for the position and was hired in August of 1995.  Lt. Hardenbrook stayed with MPD as a Level 1 Reserve Officer while working at the school.  In 1998, the funding for the position was eliminated and so was the position.  As a result, Lt. Hardenbrook was hired to work patrol at the Sheriff’s Office in September, 1998.

Lt. Hardenbrook started on patrol and remained there as an FTO until 2003 when he was promoted to Sergeant.  After about a year as the graveyard sergeant, he was re-assigned to Investigations where he supervised the Juvenile Services Unit.  In June, 2005 Lt. Hardenbrook was again re-assigned, this time to Crimes Against Persons where he supervised the Homicide Team.  His time in CAP was one of the most challenging and rewarding assignments of his career.  Several high profile cases were handled by the team during this time, including the murder of California Highway Patrol Officer, Earl Scott.  Lt. Hardenbrook considered this case an honor and privilege to handle and was very proud of the efforts of not only his team, but of all of the people who worked so hard on this case to bring the responsible to justice.

Lt. Hardenbrook remained in CAP until his promotion to Lieutenant in April, 2007.  After a brief stint as the graveyard watch commander, he was assigned back to Investigations as the Investigations Lieutenant, where he has remained since.  In addition to Investigations, Lt. Hardenbrook has recently been assigned to manage the Administrations Division.

Lt. Hardenbrook served as the K9 Sergeant under then Lt. Adam Christianson in 2004-2005.  After his promotion to Lieutenant, now Sheriff Christianson asked him to manage the K9 Team and is currently doing so.  Lt. Hardenbrook takes great pride in this hard working, highly visible team.  The handlers and dogs are very dedicated to their work and the statistics prove it is a bad decision to run or fight when the K9 Team on the case.

Lt. Hardenbrook is married to Cindy, a police dispatcher in Ripon and has 4 children.  He enjoys coaching and occasionally playing softball for the Stanislaus Softball team who play in a nation-wide circuit with other law enforcement teams.