Crime Forcing Shift in Eau Claire Police Duties - FOX 25/48 - WLAX/WEUX La Crosse & Eau Claire News

After several high profile crimes, officers and prosecutors in Eau Claire are putting in extra hours to finish their investigations.

Investigations of a mysterious deadly fire, an officer-involved shooting, a pediatrician charged with sexual assault, a murder, along with other open cases like this summer's murder on Vine Street and unsolved robberies are giving police and prosecutors extra work with some staff shifting to different duties.

(The police department will) pull financial crime people over to help out with general investigations, and patrol officers and detectives have been switching off when there's been a need, Eau Claire Police Lt. Jim Southworth said.

He said the department is conscious of overtime, but won't compromise investigations to save money.

"We're going to make sure the job gets done correctly first and foremost."

Both he and Eau Claire County District Attorney Brian Wright said work on smaller cases continues as bigger cases move forward.

"Every attorney in this office is working more hours than we were six weeks ago," Wright said.

"(Those cases are) just getting pushed back a little bit, but they're not being disregarded, they're always going to be looked into," Southworth said.

Under added stress, both Wright and Southworth said they're proud of their efforts so far.

"The people that work here have done an excellent job at doing those things and getting that job done and have worked tirelessly," Southworth said.

"With this stretch that we've had, it's demonstrated to me what a fine office this is," Wright said.

Southworth said the number of patrol officers on the streets has not been cut down and that other agencies have been a big help in the process.