Fighting crime and impunity remains a challenging task worldwide. Criminal investigations, which involve the study of facts, identify and prove the guilt of an accused person has been adopted as a means to stop crime, while giving justice to the people. There are several bodies allocated the tasks of ascertaining the methods, motives and identifying criminals. Some of these are the Crime Investigation Department and the Central Bureau of Investigations. 

What is Criminal Investigation Department (CID)?

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is a task force established in the year 1902. It mainly consists of plain clothed detectives who conduct complex criminal investigations by the use of advanced investigative techniques and forensic equipment. These detectives are tasked with gathering intelligence where crimes have occurred whereby they investigate complex criminal activities. 

The tasks performed by CID are guided by the government and also the high court. Some of the sub-units in CID include; 

• Special crime prevention unit- Collects intelligence on the possible occurrence of crimes based on observations made in crime patterns, hence predicting future occurrences of those crimes. 
• Anti-terrorism police unit- Collects intelligence on possible terror activities, cross-border criminal gangs, and organized crimes. 
• Flying squad- Have a camouflaging image whereby they track down on robbers and criminals on the move. 
• Anti-banking fraud unit- Tasked with false accounting. Fraud and money laundering crimes. 
• Ballistics units- Deals with firearms, ammunition and also identifies and matches ammunition to firearms used. 
• Anti-narcotics unit-Deals with illegal drugs and narcotics. 
• Bomb squad- Deals with detecting, disposing and detonating explosives. 
• Forensic department-Tasked with DNA Examinations, fingerprint examinations, and document authenticity examinations.
• Cyber forensics-Tasked with crimes committed using digital devices. 

What is Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI)?

The Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) is an agency of the central government which was established in 1941. It is mandated to cater to offenses related to the national and international level such as cases of corruption and scandals which are of national interest.  

Some of the divisions under CBI include;

• Anti-corruption division
• Economic Offences Division
• Administration division
• Special crimes division

Similarities between CID and CBI

• Both are special forces mandated to handle different aspects of crime
• Both offer special training to the officers 
• Both may use special instruments in order to solve crime cases

Differences between CID and CBI

1. Role of CID Vs. CBI

CID deals with criminal cases within a country while the CBI deals with economic problems such as corruption and scandals which are of national interest. 

2. Year of Establishment

CID was established in 1902 while CBI was established in 1941.  

3. Divisions in CID and CBI

While CID handles divisions such as forensics, anti-narcotics, anti-banking fraud and anti-human trafficking, CBI deals with divisions such as anti-corruption, economic crimes, and administration divisions. 

4. Area of Operation

The CID operates within a country while the CBI operates both within and outside the country. 

5. Relation to the Government

Cases handled by the CID are handed over to the state government or the high court while cases handled by the CBI are handed over to the central government or the Supreme Court. 

CID vs. CBI: Comparison Table

Summary of CID vs. CBI

With the increase in criminal activities worldwide, the functions of both the CID and CBI cannot be ignored. Crime handling prevention assures the citizens of a safe environment while also promoting economic well-being. 

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