WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem detectives are cracking down on crime in a big way.
Detective Boles shared the very first homicide case he solved with the Winston-Salem Police Department three years ago.
"This was my very first one. This guy pled last week to 23-29 years," Boles said. "Someone was shot on the front porch of the residence."
Detective Bloes has a track record of solving cases since joining the department's homicide unit.
Last year he solved 100% of his cases, surpassing the national average of 60%.
"The expertise I gained to help me solve homicides is working in various units.," Boles said. "You work with different parts of the community and interact with different citizens you build community relationships which has helped me tremendously."
His partner Detective Rakes is right behind him with a 90% solve rate, they're somewhat of a dream team.
"We've always had good success. If I'm not talking he knows when to come in and start talking and visa versa," Rakes said. "I think that's been our biggest area of success of being in the interview room. "
"With each investigation, it varies," Boles shared. "Some can take hours some can take months. It depends on what pieces of the puzzle are there when you first get the case."
Since joining Winston Salem PD in 2011 and working his way up the ranks Boles said being a detective has been his most rewarding position thus far.
"Getting the closure in an investigation and you get to call that family member and you hear them crying and screaming on the other line with joy is the most rewarding part," Bowles said.
Boles wants to continue to give families peace during their most trying times but he said its going to take a community effort.
"The biggest thing that hinders homicide investigations is not having community support. We need more citizens to engage with homicide detectives," Boles said. "Nothing is more difficult than knowing you have an eye witness but they won't come forward and talk to you."
Detective Boles is working on his first homicide of the year and plans to continue to crack codes and solve cases.
One day he hopes to become a sergeant.