The Investigative Services Unit was created by this office in 1988, becoming the first such program in any prosecutor's office statewide. It has since become a model for other prosecutors, providing the public with independent investigations of alleged official misconduct, officer involved shootings and complex fraud cases and assisting local area law enforcement with unsolved homicides and other violent crimes.

The Unit also conducts pre-employment background interviews, internal affairs investigations, locates hard to find witnesses, and serves subpoenas and court orders. Over 45,000 subpoenas are served each year. In addressing the staggering volume of subpoenas that need to be served, this Unit has worked with technical staff and law enforcement to establish an electronic subpoena program for commissioned officers, resulting in a significant savings of staff time and tax dollars.

Personnel with unique skills and background have been hired to broaden the investigative expertise of this Unit. A computer expert has been invaluable in gathering evidence critical in charging computer crimes and a professional police artist has been successful in assisting law enforcement in identifying unknown suspects. These experts have also provided primary statistical support and analysis to Prosecutor Horne in his investigation of the factors contributing to the violent crime rate in Pierce County.