Sources: U.S. Army To Put Civilian In Charge Of Criminal Investigations

CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

May 6, 2021

Responding to criticism that the unit is understaffed, overwhelmed and filled with inexperienced investigators, the U.S. Army plans to put a civilian in charge of the command that conducts criminal investigations.

Officials familiar with the decision told The Associated Press the decision, expected to be announced Thursday, reflects recommendations made by an independent commission in the wake of violent crimes and murders at Fort Hood, Texas, including the death of Vanessa Guillén, whose remains were found about two months after she was killed.

According to officials, the Army Criminal Investigation Command, or CID, will be separated from the Provost Marshall General’s office, and instead of being run by a general officer it will be overseen by a yet-to-be-named civilian director. The move is designed to improve the capabilities of the command and address the findings of the Fort Hood commission.

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