Services - Detectives

This unit supports the patrol function at the Alpine Sheriff's Station by responding to critical incidents, major crime scenes and by completing follow up investigations to original crime reports initiated by Patrol Deputies.

When a citizen reports a crime, the first law enforcement officer to respond is usually a Deputy Sheriff from patrol. These individuals conduct the preliminary investigation and file the initial crime report. Under normal circumstances, area detectives will be assigned to perform subsequent follow-up investigations.

The Detective Division is also responsible for investigating all general crime cases and arrests made by the Patrol Deputies. If the Detective assigned to the case determines that there is enough evidence to prove a specific person or persons committed a crime, the case will be forwarded to the either the District Attorney's Office or the City Attorney's Office. These offices will review the case and determine if the case is suitable for criminal prosecution.

If there is not enough evidence to prove who was responsible for the crime, the Detective will investigate the case as completely as possible. Upon completion of the investigation the case may be determined to be unfounded or it may be suspended and re-opened when new evidence is discovered.

The Sheriff's Central Investigations Division located in the Sheriff's Headquarters Building in San Diego investigates crime cases involving Homicide, Arson & Explosives, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse or Domestic Violence.