| | DETECTIVE DIVISION
Detective Division Commander The Detective Division consists of the Crimes Against Property Section, Family Services Section, and Vice Investigations Section. Personnel assigned to this division are responsible for investigating crimes against persons and property. Detectives use interviews, databases, crime analysis, and computer lab resources to follow leads and locate suspects.
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY SECTION AUTO THEFT DETAIL
The Auto Theft Detail is responsible for vehicle theft investigations. This includes the theft of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats and watercraft and other type of vehicles, considered property, such as construction vehicles. The detail also investigates those thefts from motor vehicles (auto burglary). The detail investigates vehicle theft and auto burglary cases and prepares those reported crimes for criminal filings with the District Attorney’s Office or the City Prosecutor’s Office. A majority of the detail’s workload is generated by uniform patrol division arrests or crimes reported to patrol officers. The detail proactively combats theft suspects by the use of “Bait Cars” or sting operations to apprehend those that engage in this type of criminal activity. A vast majority of those arrested for vehicle theft or auto burglary are repeat offenders. Auto Theft Detectives have specific skills for the identification of vehicles that have been altered by suspects. Theft suspects oftentimes change the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to change the identity of the vehicle and conceal the fact that the vehicle is stolen. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Auto Theft (main) (562) 570-7362 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
Auto Theft (fax) (562) 570-7361 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can I prevent my vehicle from being stolen?
A: The vehicles that are targeted by most thieves are those that have a weak security system. Newer vehicles of recent manufacturer have better ignition locks that will not allow anyone but those that have the proper key or transponder to start and operate the vehicle. However, the older vehicles from the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000 have ignitions that can easily be defeated. If your vehicle falls into this category, it is recommended that you install a “dead’ or ‘kill’ switch. This is an interceptor that blocks the energy flow to the starter or fuel pump when you have placed the switch in the off position. The switch is placed in a hidden and concealed location that only you know its whereabouts. Thus a suspect may have gained entry into your vehicle and hotwired or broke the ignition lock, but the vehicle will not start. The cost is very minimal for materials but the labor involves someone with knowledge of vehicle wiring. More vehicle security information at Google: how to vehicle kill switch. Q: What should I do if my vehicle is stolen?
A: Most vehicle thefts will occur during your absence away from the vehicle. Immediately call the police agency where the crime occurred. You will need the identifying information for your vehicle, such as the vehicle license plate number or the VIN (Manufacturer’s Vehicle Identification Number). File the report and advise of any additional security systems installed in your vehicle, items such as Lo-Jack, On-Star, other GPS tracking systems or any other device. Most insurance companies will have you wait thirty-days before they settle your property claim, if you have vehicle theft coverage. The reasoning, a vast majority of stolen vehicles are recovered within that period of time. Usually, you will be notified within hours, should your vehicle be recovered. Tips to prevent being a crime victim.
Use the security measures that are a part of the original manufactured systems. Rolling up the windows and locking the doors will slow down the amateur car thieves. Your locked vehicle is not a secure location for any valuables. Do not leave any property in your vehicle. If you must leave property in your vehicle, do not leave it in plain view. Items left in view are an invitation for thieves to break the windows and steal the property. Favorite items, left in sight are GPS Navigation devices, IPODs and MP3 type music equipment, cameras, purses and lap top computers. Again if you cannot bear to part with these items, do not leave them in your vehicle. To prevent identity theft, do not place your vehicle registration and vehicle insurance information in the glove compartment. Suspects will look into the vehicle glove compartments to gain your vehicle registration and personal identification information. Thus, do not carry this information in the usual places. TASKFORCE FOR REGIONAL AUTO THEFT PREVENTION
T.R.A.P. is Los Angeles County’s regional, multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency taskforce that investigates, prosecutes and deters vehicle theft and vehicle fraud on a coordinated and cooperative basis. It is authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and is administered through the Countywide Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee with cooperation from the Los Angeles County Chiefs of Police. T.R.A.P. informs the public about common auto theft schemes and recent investigations. T.R.A.P. has been highly successful in combating vehicle theft and vehicle fraud by focusing on organized rings and illegal business operations. BURGLARY DETAIL
The Burglary Detail is responsible for the handling of custody cases that require the interviewing of suspects, witnesses and victim of “theft related” crimes. “Theft related” crimes include residential and commercial burglaries, grand theft (value over $400.00), petty theft (value under $400.00), shoplifting with prior theft offenses, defrauding an innkeeper, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and embezzlement of property. The Detail file cases with the District Attorney or City Prosecutor’s offices, along with providing follow-up reports and writing search warrants. The Burglary Detail is also responsible for investigating “theft related” crime reports with suspect information and gathering evidence leading to the arrest of the suspect. The Burglary Detail is also responsible for the tracking of all pawned property in the City of Long Beach or property pawned out of town by Long Beach residents and items pawned by parolees. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Burglary (main) (562) 570-7351 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
Burglary (fax) (562) 570-7175 COMPUTER CRIMES DETAIL
The Computer Crimes Detail investigates cases where a computer is the target of a crime or an instrument used in the commission or furtherance of a crime. The Computer Crimes Detail is frequently called on to assist other investigative units, including Sex Crimes, Vice, Bookmaking, Narcotics, and the Forgery/Fraud Detail. Computer Crimes are also called on to assist federal, and local law enforcement agencies with the seizure and processing of computer-related evidence. Examples of crimes investigated by the Computer Crimes Detail include network intrusion, theft of data, theft of trade secrets, dissemination of malicious code (computer viruses, Trojan horses, and computer worms), software piracy and criminal activity committed via the Internet, including sexual exploitation of children, fraud, identity theft, cyber stalking and terrorist threats.
For more information contact the Detail at (562) 570-7223. FORGERY/FRAUD DETAIL
The Forgery/Fraud Detail is responsible and dedicated to the investigation of white-collar criminal offenses and a multitude of financial and fraud-related crimes including, but not limited to, embezzlement, check and credit card fraud, real estate fraud, counterfeit trademark violations, financial elder abuse, organized criminal enterprises, confidence schemes, false financial statements, and grand theft by false pretenses. Detectives engage in joint investigations with a number of federal and State law enforcement agencies, such as, but not limited to, the Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Service, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Justice, etc. In addition, Investigators work closely with private sector entities, specifically financial institutions that are critical to the overall investigative objective and successful disposition. In recent years, investigators have responded to a wide array of domestic and international fraud schemes that have saturated communities throughout the United States and abroad. As a community service, Forgery/Fraud detectives provide to community-based organizations, businesses and professional associations, guest lectures and presentations relative to crime prevention measures on how not to become a victim of fraud. With the advent of technology and Internet accessibility, suspects have, in part, created sophisticated fraud schemes and have targeted hundreds of Americans to these scams. Forgery/Fraud investigators maintain a unique level of expertise and education and oftentimes receive requests to assist a number of investigative details within the police department, including Burglary, Narcotics, Gang Enforcement, and Auto Theft. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Forgery/Fraud (main) (562) 570-7330 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
Forgery/Fraud (fax) (562) 570-5013 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: If I receive an unsolicited e-mail requesting my personal information, what should I do?
A: Do not respond to the request, simply delete the e-mail communication. Q: If my credit card account number is fraudulently used, should I report the unauthorized transaction?
A: Yes, however you must first report the incident to the credit card issuing financial institution, where the account is held. In addition, if you are a resident of Long Beach, you may report the incident and an officer will take a courtesy report only. Q: I own a business and accepted a personal check from a person. A few days later my bank sent me a notice and copy of the check stamped “non-sufficient funds.” What should I do?
A: The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office manages the “Bad Check Restitution Program. You may file a report with this office at http://da.co.la.ca.us/badcheck.htm. If you own and operate a Long Beach-based business, the Forgery/Fraud Detail will forward to you a victim-business form to complete and return to the Forgery/fraud Office. Q: I received in the mail, several cashiers checks enclosed in an “overnight” envelope. What should I do with the checks?
A: You are likely the recipient of an international counterfeit cashiers check scheme. Presumably, the envelope contained instructions to deposit the items into your own account and wire funds to a foreign country. In addition, the sender instructed you to keep a minimal percentage for yourself. If you are a victim of an on-line Internet fraud scheme, please file a complaint with the following government organizations: Internet Crime Complaint Center
http://www.ic3.gov/ Federal Trade Commission
http://ftc.gov/ Additional Resources-Website Links: United States Secret Service:
http://www.ustreas.gov/usss/index.shtml California Department of Real Estate
http://www.dre.ca.gov/
213.620.2072 Finra (Non-government regulatory body for securities firms doing business in the U.S.)
http://www.finra.org/index.htm Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services (Adult Protective Services)
http://css.lacounty.gov/
877.477.3646 Department of Consumer Affairs
http://www.dca.ca.gov/
800.952.5210 United States Postal Inspection Service
http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/ IDENTITY THEFT DETAIL
The Identity Theft Detail investigates all crimes involving the unauthorized use of a person’s identity, including identity thieves who obtain or attempt to obtain credit cards, goods, or services. Although conducting investigations is their main task, detectives attend community meetings on identity theft prevention on a regular basis. In addition, detectives also participate in the annual “Shred-A-Thon” event held during “National Night Out.” This is an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of documents containing personal identifying information, free of charge. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Identity Theft (main) (562) 570-7602 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Identity Theft (fax) (562) 570-5013 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I file an identity theft report?
A: If you are a resident of Long Beach, regardless of where the crime occurred, simply contact your local sub-station to file a report. Q: How much will the police report cost?
A: Victims of identity theft can obtain a police report free of charge. Q: If I am a victim, what do I do next?
A: Once you have filed your police report, contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your identity. The credit bureaus will instruct you on how to obtain a free copy of your credit report.
Equifax (800) 525 – 6285 http://www.equifax.com/
Experian (888) 397 – 3742 http://www.experian.com/
Trans Union (800) 680 – 7289 http://www.transunion.com/ NIGHT AUTO THEFT DETAIL
The Night Auto Theft Detail works during the evening hours and is tasked with the responsibility of assisting the patrol divisions with property crime investigations, with a primary emphasis on auto theft. The unit conducts investigations involving identity theft, forgery/fraud, burglary, street level narcotics that are related to property crimes, and auto theft. The Detectives conduct undercover operations including surveillances. The Night Auto Theft Detail works closely with patrol divisional Directed Enforcement Teams and the Gang and Violent Crime Division.
For more information call the Night Auto Theft Detail at (562) 570-7305.
FAMILY SERVICES SECTION CHILD/ELDER ABUSE DETAIL
This detail investigates all physical, sexual, neglect and endangerment of children under the age of 18, where the suspect is a family member, guardian or caregiver. They also investigate all parental abductions that are in violation of court custody orders. There is an on-call detective available to respond to incidents and are assisted by a child advocate and a forensic nurse, if needed. This detail also investigates any physical abuse, mental suffering, neglect, or isolation of any elder (age 65 or older) or that of a dependent adult (age 18-64). Dependent adults are defined as those individuals who have physical or mental limitations restricting his/her ability to carry out normal activities. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Child/Elder Abuse (main) (562) 570-7321 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
Child/Elder Abuse (fax) (562) 570-7111 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who should I call if I witness/hear a child being abused?
A: If you witness a child being physically or sexually abused, or a situation of child endangerment, you should call 911 to report the incident. Q: Who can I call if I do not witness, but suspect a child is possibly being abused?
A: If you suspect a child is being abused, endangered or neglected and would like to make a report you can call either non-emergency police dispatch (562-435-6711) or the Department of Children and Family Services (800-420-4000). For more information on Department of Children and Family Services go to: http://dcfs.co.la.ca.us/contactus/childabuse.html Q: Who should I call if I witness and elder or dependant adult being abused?
A: If you witness an elder or dependant adult being physically or sexually abused you should call 911 to report the incident. Q: Who can I call if I do not witness, but suspect an elder or dependant adult is possibly being abused physically, sexually or financially, or is being neglected or isolated?
A: If you suspect an elder or dependant adult is being abused and would like to make a report you can call either non-emergency police dispatch (562-435-6711) or Adult Protective Service (800-477-3646) For more information on Adult Protective Services go to: http://css.lacounty.gov/Aps/ElderAbuse.html SEX CRIMES DETAIL
The Sex Crimes Detail investigates sexual assault cases where the suspect is not a family member, guardian or caregiver. They also investigate all indecent exposure and child annoyance cases. They monitor all sex registrants who reside in the city and make public notifications of high risk and serious sex offenders when it is determined appropriate. The detail manages the Criminal Registration Unit, which has the task of registering persons who are living within the city of Long Beach and have been convicted of specified crimes related to arson, narcotics, and sexual offenses. The unit registers over 3,000 individuals a year. There is an on-call detective available to respond 24 hours per day when certain criteria are met. The respondents may include a sex crimes detective, a Sexual Assault Crisis Agency advocate, a Deputy District Attorney and a Forensic Nurse Specialist. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Sex Crimes (main) (562) 570-7368 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
Sex Crimes (fax) (562) 570-7111 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the purpose of a Sexual Assault examination?
A: Sexual Assault exams are performed when specified criteria are met. The exam is conducted to recover any possible evidence for criminal prosecution. Q: How do I report a crime?
A: A victim of a sex crime may call police dispatch to have a uniformed police officer respond to their location or victims may walk into any police station to report the incident. Q: Who can provide counseling/support services to a victim of a sex crime?
A: For victims who are 14 years of age and older you may call the Sexual Assault Crisis Agency (SACA) at (562) 597-2002. For victims who are 13 years of age and younger, you may call for the Child at (562) 427-7671.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DETAIL
The Domestic Violence Detail investigates cases involving physical and sexual assaults that occur within dating, romantic, marital or living together relationships, including same sex relationships. The detail also investigates violations of restraining and protective court orders and stalking as related to the aforementioned relationships. A shelter advocate works in conjunction with the detail, to assist victims with temporary emergency shelter and other resources that pertain to victims of domestic violence and their children. There is an on-call detective and a victim advocate available to respond 24-hours a day, when certain criteria are met. Contact Numbers and Hours: Domestic Violence (main) (562) 570-7277 (8 am to 4:30 pm) Domestic Violence (fax) (562) 570-7111 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can victims of domestic violence obtain a restraining order? A: Obtain a free application and instruction packet from the Long Beach Courthouse (415 W. Ocean Blvd.), Room 205. Complete the required forms and process. Q: Who can provide counseling/support services to victims of domestic violence? A: There are various organizations in the greater Long Beach area that are available to assist victims of domestic violence. The following is a list of organizations: 1736 Family Crisis Center (310) 379-3620 Temporary housing for teens, battered women and their children Family Service (562) 436-9893 or (562) 493-1496 Individual, marriage and family counseling. Parent classes. Support groups. Domestic Violence Prevention Program. Interval House (562) 594-4555 or (714) 891-8121 Shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence. Counseling programs. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles/Domestic Violence Project (562) 435-3501 Free legal assistance in domestic violence matters. Long Beach City Prosecutor Victim’s Advocate (562) 570-5632 National Council Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, Inc. (NCADD) (562) 426-8262 Women to Women program. Domestic violence programs. Rainbow Services (310) 547-9343 Shelter, counseling and other services for battered women and their children. Su Casa Hotline (562) 402-4888 Bilingual 24-hour hotline for battered women. WomenShelter of Long Beach Hotline (800) 843-5200 or (562) 570-7253 or (562) HER-HOME / 437-4663 Shelter, counseling and other resources for victims of domestic violence and their children MANAGEMENT OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS (MCI) DETAIL
The detectives of the MCI Detail are responsible for presenting cases to the District Attorney’s Office and the City Prosecutor’s Office for the issuance of criminal complaints. The detail files what are commonly referred to as “stand alone cases.” These cases do not require significant follow-up investigation. The detail handles cases in which the suspect has been taken into custody or issued a misdemeanor citation. The MCI detectives file primarily felony and misdemeanor drug cases in which the suspect has been arrested.
For more information call the MCI detail at (562) 570-7307.
VICE INVESTIGATIONS SECTION ADMINISTRATIVE VICE DETAIL
The Administrative Vice Detail is responsible for the processing and regulation of Entertainment Permits, licensing and regulation of alcohol establishments, and taxi and tow operator/driver permits, as well as masseuse permits and a variety of other special permits. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DETAIL
Detectives assigned to the Field Investigations Detail are responsible for the enforcement of prostitution and lewd conduct laws and regulation of entertainment and alcohol establishments. WARRANT DETAIL
The Warrant Detail responsibilities cover a variety of areas. Detectives assigned to this detail are responsible for the apprehension of fugitives (arresting approximately 1000 individuals annually) and monitoring of sexual registrants (290 PC) in accordance with the law. Additionally, they serve as the Department’s representatives/liaison between management and labor related to labor disputes throughout the City of Long Beach. Additionally, they conduct investigations related to illegal gambling operations. Contact Numbers and Hours:
Vice Investigations (main) (562) 570-7219 (8 am-5 pm)
Vice Investigations (fax) (562) 570-4612 | |
