Police Investigative Division

The Investigative Division is a multi-faceted unit often called the Detective Bureau.  It is the non-uniformed operational part of the police department.  Although detectives are generally dressed in civilian clothes (jacket and tie), like all SBPD Officers, they must be prepared to change into their uniform if called upon for some special event or disaster.

While officers of the Operations Division and the Administrative Services Division most often are the first officers on the scene of any police event, the Investigative Division handles the following-up investigations to those cases.  It is the Detective's job to trace down leads, clues and suggestions in an effort to arrest and prosecute the guilty persons.

Investigative Division Structure

The Investigative Division is commanded by a Captain and a Lieutenant.  There are four Sergeants who are responsible for specific functions of criminal investigations.  The authorized strength of police officers (detectives) is eighteen and there may be two or more trainees attached to the Division at any one time.  All of these sworn officers produce a substantial amount of work which must be typed, logged, separated, duplicated, carried and otherwise handled by an administrative support staff. 

The administrative support staff for this division is comprised of two Senior Clerks, one Police Technician, and one Cadet.  They handle all the work the Detectives produce, plus a variety of other tasks.  The Police Technician performs a variety of technical, non-sworn law enforcement duties.  Provides technical support in the Investigative Division serves as liaison between the Police Department and the District Attorney, Courts and Juvenile Hall.  Files criminal cases at the D.A.'s office and transfer of cash bail monies.  Processes applications for City business licenses and permits, recommends approval or denial bases on investigations.  Composes reports to the Chief of Police and Fire and Police Commission, and presents written reports orally at Commission meetings.  Maintains permits and files and enters information into computer.  The Technician is also crossed trained to work in the department Forensic Science Unit, which is normally operated by two civilian Lab Technicians.

Specialized Detective units are:

·          Auto Theft

·          Burglary

·          Cold Case

·          Forensic Science Unit

·          Narcotics/Vice

·          Crimes Against Persons

·          Polygraph

·          Special Investigations

·          Warrants

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