EudoraNews.com

He's listed by the Eudora City Police Department as an investigative officer, but Cpl. Tom Willis calls himself a detective.

He handles fingerprinting kits, sets of chemicals or whatever he needs to find trace evidence left at a crime.

Cpl. Tom Willis prepares to leave for an interview in his patrol car Monday. Willis started Feb. 19 as the city's first investigative officer.

"Evidence collecting is a dirty job," Willis said.

He worked with the department for five years as a police officer before becoming the city's first investigative officer Feb. 19.

He maintains a set schedule during the week and remains on call to tackle any high-profile crimes that might occur. He's also called in if a case requires intensive evidence collection, he said.

"That is basically what I'm doing ---- detective work," he said.

The Eudora City Council earmarked money for his position last year at the request of Eudora Police Chief Greg Dahlem.

"He's given me a lot of freedom," Willis said.

After two weeks on the job, Willis is currently investigating four different cases. He's also writing policies and handling administrative issues, he said.

"I'm going to wear a lot of different hats in this position," Willis said.

The reality of his new position didn't sink in until the first time he searched for fingerprints, he said.

"For lack of a better word, I was excited to do my job," Willis said.

The promotion marked the culmination of a lifelong dream, he said.

Willis graduated from Eudora High School in 1995. After serving as a firefighter in the Air Force, Willis trained at the police academy in Lawrence. He served as a police officer in Lawrence before coming to Eudora.

The fact he's pioneering a new position in his hometown isn't lost on him, he said.

"The biggest thing in this for me is that this is the first time Eudora has had a detective," he said. "It's a great opportunity."

It's an opportunity he had prepared for. He's taken multiple courses to become an investigator. He's trained to investigate homicide scenes, reports of sexual abuse and how to conduct interviews.

"You have to pay attention to detail more than anything," Willis said.

The department converted Willis' office into an interview room. He uses it for questioning and evidence storage, he said.

"We're sort of in a transition right now and really trying to get everything where it needs to go," he said.

Willis described his ability to talk to people as his best strength as an investigator.

"I really enjoy the interview process and getting confessions more than anything else," Willis said.

The best information a detective can get comes from people, Willis said.

He keeps a list of Bible verses taped to his desk in his office to remind him to keep calm or to be patient during the interviews, he said.

Willis has kept in contact with detectives in Lawrence to further hone his skills as he moves forward in his new position with the department.

"I'm just going to have to play it by ear and see what's best for the department," Willis said.