Under the supervision of a sergeant, the Detective Division consists of detectives, school resource officers and a DARE deputy. This division supports the patrol function at the station by completing follow up investigations to original crime reports initiated by patrol deputies.

When a citizen reports a crime, the first law enforcement responder is normally a deputy from the Patrol Division. That deputy then conducts the preliminary investigation, conducts interviews and files the crime report. Under normal circumstances, detectives are then assigned to perform follow-up investigations.

Investigators working at the Vista Station are assigned geographic "beats" in the contract city and the surrounding unincorporated areas. Detectives investigate cases involving theft, physical assaults (excluding homicides), sexual assaults, vandalism, burglaries, annoying phone calls and other crimes. Specialized investigative units such as homicide, bomb/arson, financial crimes, domestic violence, child abuse and narcotics handle those specific crimes for the entire Sheriff's jurisdiction, including the Vista command.

School Resource Officers handle all crimes relating to school students at the middle and high school levels in Vista. These crimes include truancy, tobacco, drug and alcohol related offenses as well as crimes that occur on school grounds.