Detective Carl Olavesen is a first generation American of Norwegian immigrants. Carl enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons and is an avid outdoorsman.

On November 6, 2016, After 6 years in the patrol division and following assignments with the VICE Unit, the US DEA Task Force, and Underwater Recovery Team, Detective Olavesen was assigned to the Sheriff’s Combined Auto Theft Task Force. As an active member of National Association of Technical Investigators (NATIA), Carl was quick to assist with the technical challenges faced by the Task Force. He was instrumental in the installation of two video tracking systems in our bait vehicles. Carl is also a Certified Instructor and has trained numerous auto theft investigators and patrol deputies in the operation and technology involved in the deployment of the bait vehicles and associated bait property. Carl has written the curriculum for a search warrant class that will become part of the TAVTI curriculum. Over the past year, he also served as a Director for the Central Texas region of TAVTI. Detective Olavesen has also been very active with the State of Texas Legislature by meeting with State Senators and Representatives at the State Capital as a resource and an advocate for the prevention of auto theft and burglary in Texas. 

Since being assigned to Auto Theft, Detective Olavesen has personally been responsible for clearing 539 Motor Vehicle Theft Cases, 176 have been recoveries with a total recovery value of $2,340,016. Additionally, Detective Olavesen has recovered parts and property valued at $321,600. As a direct result of his outstanding work, dedication and commitment he has arrested over 42 suspects for Auto Theft or Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, 27 of which were prolific auto theft offenders. Detective Olavesen has participated in 229 bait operations, conducted 13 salvage yard inspections and conducted over 480 vehicle inspections. 

Beginning in August of 2018 he conducted an investigation into a ring of auto theft suspects and discovered the individuals involved were stealing vehicles and utilizing them to commit human trafficking violations at the Texas border with Mexico. Investigative information led Detective Olavesen to believe there were other suspects involved in a larger conspiracy case. After applying for investigative funds from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Task Force, he was able to initiate “Operation DeJaVu”. This investigation is still ongoing, but through investigative leads Detective Olavesen has been able to arrange for the purchase of or recovery of 22 stolen vehicles and parts valued in excess of $750.000.00. Once this investigation is complete we anticipate multiple arrests and additional recoveries. As part of Carl’s past collaborative efforts with the Drug Enforcement Administration there is a strong possibility this case will be adopted federally.

Carl Olavesen has quickly grasped the intricacies of auto theft Investigations. His past experience in narcotics has proven to be an invaluable asset in the arena of auto theft. Carl prides himself on sharing his knowledge and investigative techniques with others. He continually provides guidance, advice and assistance to his peers. Carl works well with his supervisor and has the unique ability to get along with everyone he meets. Carl is truly a dependable person and demonstrates his willingness to go above and beyond throughout the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and outside the department by collaborating with all agencies.

Editor’s note: Congratulations to Detective Carl Olavesen on this well-deserved honor. Unfortunately, Det. Olavesen was unable to be in Glasgow to receive this award.

The above article was submitted by ( Sergeant Richard A. Hale.  Richard A. Hale is a Sergeant with the Sheriff’s Combined Auto Theft Task Force, Travis County Sheriff’s Office.