Tulsa World: TPD veteran talks about crime-solving

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TPD veteran talks about crime-solving

Tulsa police homicide detective Sgt. Mike Huff is seen in his office at the downtown police headquarters. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World

By Staff Reports
Published: 7/13/2008 2:04 AM
Last Modified: 7/13/2008 4:52 AM

To gain insight into homicide investigations in Tulsa, the Tulsa World spoke with Homicide Unit Sgt. Mike Huff, who has been investigating killings since 1980.

Huff, a lifelong Tulsan, joined the Tulsa Police Department in 1975 and became a homicide detective in 1980. He went to patrol in 1989 when he was promoted but continued investigating two high-profile cases, including the May 1981 mob hit on businessman Roger Wheeler.

Huff returned to the evening shift of the homicide squad in 1991 and now supervises 14 detectives. He is the father of two children.

Tulsa World: What are the main ways homicide investigations have changed during the past decade and during your tenure?

Mike Huff: The technology advances such as DNA, AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and other technologies have created exciting potential for solving cases. The technology requires a greater understanding of forensic sciences for the investigator and the crime scene detective. New methods of evidence collection have evolved. It has all become much more complicated.

Unrealistic expectations of solving cases based on viewing TV programs such as "CSI." We would love it if it was that easy to solve a case in an hour.

The attitude of "no snitching'' has hampered case investigation. People have to get involved for a case to be solved.

The Internet and information-sharing technologies have been a great benefit in sharing information and networking with experts in various

fields to the benefit of an investigation.

TW: What is the hardest part of your job?

MH: Not being able to solve all murders. We solve 80 to 90 percent. The national average is about 60 percent. But in reality no murders should be unsolved. Every victim, every survivor deserves that.

Not being able to help everyone for whatever reason. I know I have failed on occasion, and that is difficult to deal with.

TW: How do you and your detectives balance the demands of homicide investigations with family and your personal lives?

MH: The most successful detectives are grounded in their family life and faith. Families make a sacrifice, also. A homicide callout that starts at 2 a.m. on Christmas morning impacts the entire family. Plans are interrupted, and the job takes priority. My kids have lived that firsthand. They make that sacrifice, too, but they also have a unique understanding of responsibilities, work ethic and the need to help people.

TW: What is your philosophy or unique strategy for investigating a homicide?

MH: Each homicide is unique, but they tend to fall into categories or themes. With experience you develop a strategy for the cases based on what has been successful in the past. Urgency is a top priority. The strategy may employ tactics such as motivating public input through media release, identifying certain motives that may utilize search warrants for suspect development, and other strategies that we really do not want to discuss publicly.

Rest assured, when there is a homicide, we immediately gather information and start working on a plan of action. It is well thought out and based on years of experience.

TW: What is the longest number of hours you have ever worked straight on a case?

MH: We have worked on cases well in excess of 48 hours. We work till we run leads out. If we think we are closing in on a suspect, it is hard to convince a detective to go home. Everyone carries at least one change of clothes with them at all times.

TW: Not everyone is cut out to investigate homicides. In your opinion, what character traits make the best homicide detective?

MH: Maturity is important. Analytical. Methodical. Good listener. Caring. Unselfish. Loyal. Driven. Competitive. Pride in work. Excellent report writing skills. Great memory helps. An eye for detail. Detectives need to be highly motivated self-starters. Homicide detectives need to make a commitment for a long period of time in the squad.

Experience leads towards expertise and success. There is only one chance at successfully solving a homicide and making an arrest(s). There is absolutely no room for failure or justifying a lack of experience. There needs to be continuity.

TW: Describe a case that stands out in your mind during the past 10 years that you think best represents the work of Tulsa homicide detectives.

MH: Elizabeth Wagoner, the 10-year-old victim who was abducted, assaulted and murdered. She was abandoned near the old Casa Bonita restaurant. The Police Department came together that night — patrol, detectives, management, lab personnel and dispatchers. The entire department put all their effort in solving that case. We were also helped by the ME's Office.

We combined our efforts, experience, expertise and coordination into having that suspect in jail and confessing to that horrific crime within 14 hours. It is an awesome responsibility to know that the "buck stops here.'' It makes you so proud to rise to the occasion and lock someone up. It was one of our worst days (because of the tragedy) and one of our best days (because we locked the killer up).

TW: What is the biggest myth about homicide investigations?

MH: TV makes it look simple. It is not. It takes a ton of effort to document minute details. Forensics tests do not get completed within an hour. Expectations of survivors, the DA, the community and others are many times unrealistic.

TW: What are some of the most vivid images from a scene or details from an investigation that have stayed with you over the years?

MH: There are so many. Violence involving children and young people never leaves your mind. I cannot even single out a particular scene. We want survivors to know we care about ALL cases. Sometimes when we mention a particular case to the news media, I may get a half dozen phone calls from other survivors upset over not mentioning their case. We are obligated — and really do — remember them all.

TW: What is the best part of your job?

MH: The best part of my job is arresting a killer. We cannot bring someone back, but when we lock someone up, it is a real sense of accomplishment. And in Tulsa, we solve a higher majority of murders than most major cities. That is a real sense of pride. But you must realize, you are only as good as your NEXT case, not your LAST case. When the next case comes in, it does not matter what you have accomplished in the past. By Staff Reports

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	Report Comment CWG, (7/13/2008 9:10:15 AM) Keep up the good work.
	Report Comment Mar, (7/13/2008 11:21:39 AM) Sgt. Huff sounds like an intelligent, caring, committed man. I hope his detectives learn from him. I do notice that the TPD seems to apprehend the possible criminals quickly in most cases. The TPD deserves more credit than what they receive. I'm hoping over the next year or so they will add more policeman to TPD as there are a lot of criminal minded idiots out there. TPD needs to keeping working hard at ridding our city of those idiots. TPD's theme should be like the Tom Petty song goes: "I won't back down".
	Report Comment Shooter, Tulsa (7/13/2008 2:38:38 PM) Tulsa is lucky to have such a good Detective such as Sgt Huff.
	Report Comment bear132, (7/13/2008 6:34:12 PM) Tulsa Police Officers generally have an excellent reputation. Sgt Huff epitomizes the character, integrity and work ethic of what a police officer should have. Thanks for your great work.
	Report Comment Brittany's mom, Chandler (7/14/2008 10:20:26 AM) Although this story shows the compassion and caring of Mike Huff, I feel nothing can fully show the compassion and dedication that he, Detective Jeff Felton and the Tulsa Police show towards our plight. The same goes with the Tulsa World. I have worked closely with Nicole. She has been a support and a place to vent ever since Brittany's murder. Even as we near the fourth anniversary of what Nicole coined (I think, during the first year) as the most mysterious murder of and since 2004, she, Curtis and the Tulsa World have been there strong as the first few weeks. This is partially what gives me strength to keep on going with the fight to find our murderer and to change laws that I feel impacted Brittany brutal murder. I recently have been talking to Rep Wesselhoft and if elected again he is again gong to push the DNA at arrest of violent crime bill again, possibly this time with Brittany's name (last year they tried under the name of a Nevada murder victim I think). We may have a problem with the fact that Oklahoma does not always see rape as violent (sic!). We cannot forget the Tulsa Police Department. In particular Detective Jeff Felton and Sgt Mike Huff have stood by our side through this iongoing nightmare. I am told many officers, cadets, other police department members volunteer to help on our case. I feel Jeff Felton treats our case as if Brittany was his daughter. I can never repay their kindness. Thank you Tulsa World for the great coverage for all the families of these victims. You have possibly helped the families of these victims to connect even more. Although there is POM I hope to maybe create another local group for the parents, with strong support for those unsolved crimes and issues related to keeping the killers in prison who come up for parole. I hope readers will visit all of the victim's families websites. Thank you Tulsa World for your empathy, kindness, understanding and compassion towards these issues. With Never Ending gratitude Maggie Mother of Brittany Phillips 10/04/85 to 10/04/04
	Report Comment ThunderPigeon, (7/16/2008 1:03:31 AM) 80-90% of homicides are solved. That is outstanding! That truly shows the character of the community as well as the skill of the Detectives. The numbers represent the percent of lethally dangerous people that have been removed from our community. It also represents survivors that have some answers as to what happened. The homicide that hit my family was solved by the detectives, but I know several families that are still looking for those answers.

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