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Local News Article

Montgomery County Chief Detective Retires

Written by Kaitlyn Croll, Correspondent
2011-12-29

Former Deputy Chief Justice Returns to Montco

After 48 years of a stellar law enforcement career, Montgomery County Chief Detective Oscar Vance is retiring. Come Jan. 23, Vance will be succeeded by the former Deputy Chief County Detective Edmund H.C. Justice, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said Dec. 21.

Many stories accompany 30 years as chief detective, and for Vance, most have ended successfully. Vance earned his bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University, master’s degree from West Chester University and graduated from FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Hypnosis Institute in Los Angeles. He was hired as a Montgomery County investigator in 1964, before being promoted to detective in 1966.

With 800 homicides under his belt and innumerable narcotics cases, the chief’s ample resume will provide the foundation for his retirement plans: Vance Investigations and Corporate Solutions, Inc. The private investigating agency is expected to open on Cherry Street in Norristown.

Filling Vance’s shoes, Justice comes to Montco with an established career in law enforcement under his belt. Justice served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. He began his career in 1971 as a patrolman in Horsham, and then moved to the Hatfield Township Police Department. He moved up the ranks in Hatfield, reaching detective sergeant. In 1986, he was hired as a Montgomery County homicide detective, and after 14 years, was promoted to deputy chief. During that time, he investigated many major cases in the Upper Perkiomen Valley region, including several shooting incidents.

Justice retired in 2006 to open his own private investigation agency, Justice Investigations in Harleysville.

According to the DA’s office, Justice is known and respected throughout the region as a skilled polygraph examiner.

His first-hand experience is supplemented by a criminal justice degree from Trenton State College and a master’s of science degree in criminal justice from West Chester University.

Justice will officially take the title of Montgomery County chief detective on Jan. 23, after Vance steps down on Jan. 17.

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