Diversion & Environmental Crimes Unit (DECU)
The Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit is located in Greensboro and is under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge James Bowman. There are special agents from this unit assigned throughout the state.
The unit was established to enforce the original jurisdiction given to the SBI
in the areas of drug investigations and environmental crimes. In addition, the
unit assists local law enforcement, federal agencies and agencies from other
states.
Environmental investigations involve violations of both state and federal environmental statutes and regulations which includes the Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances, Medical Waste, and the Clean Air Act. Environmental crimes are crimes of profit that are generally committed by someone or a business in an attempt to gain an economical advantage. Examples include dumping of hazardous waste, illegal discharge to streams, fraud and falsification of documents or tests.
Diversion investigations are directed at the legally manufactured pharmaceutical
drugs and the members of the healthcare profession, i.e., physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, etc.
The investigations often involve the dilution, substitution and/or theft of controlled substances in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
The unit is also responsible for investigations of patient deaths in facilities involving healthcare personnel.