|
Investigations is staffed by ten detectives (three sergeants and seven officers), and is managed by the Special Operations Division Commander. Five case detectives investigate general crimes,
while the other five detectives make up the Special Investigations Unit, which proactively investigates street crimes. All detectives receive advanced training in their respective areas of
specialty. They work closely with other detectives in nearby jurisdictions. Detectives are committed to the thorough and complete investigation of crimes and to the identification,
apprehension, and prosecution of those persons responsible for committing crimes.
Detectives are assigned a variety of cases for follow up investigation, and prioritize their investigations
based upon numerous factors, including the seriousness of the crime. Crimes Against Persons cases usually take priority over Property Crimes.
Case detectives have various specialties and primarily investigate crimes in their areas of specialty, as follows:
The Felony Person Crimes detective (a Sergeant) investigates homicides, felony assaults, robberies, sexual assaults, domestic violence incidents, physical and sexual child abuse, elder
abuse, and hate crimes.
The High Technology Crimes detective (a Sergeant) provides dedicated and responsive investigation of any crimes committed against our community's high technology businesses. These crimes
include robberies, burglaries, computer component thefts, computer intrusions, Internet crimes, and the theft of intellectual property. This detective also assists in the investigation
of Felony Person Crimes.
The Fraud Crimes detective works closely with banks and other financial institutions to identify offenders and obtain evidence. These crimes include the altering and forging of checks,
credit card fraud, identity theft, and other fraud schemes.
Property Crimes are investigated by two detectives, one each assigned to the north and south portions of Milpitas. These crimes include residential, commercial and auto burglaries, thefts,
and vandalism. Property Crimes detectives also investigate other crimes including assaults, missing persons, annoying or threatening phone calls, and other misdemeanors and felonies. One
of these detectives also assists in the investigation of High Technology Crimes.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is a pro-active street crimes team of detectives responsible for suppressing and investigating specific types of crimes and incidents. SIU is a subset
of Investigations and is comprised of a Sergeant and four Officers. This unit investigates gang activities, narcotics, and vice related crimes and occurrences (prostitution, gambling and
the licensing of Massage Establishments and Technicians). SIU Detectives also conduct covert operations as necessary. Additionally, SIU tracks the city's registered sex, arson and
narcotics offenders, as well as conducting investigations relative to the forfeiture of assets obtained through specific criminal enterprises.
Of particular interest to the public in recent years are issues related to California's Megan's Law. The State of California enacted Megan's Law in September of 1996. This law authorizes law
enforcement agencies to give notice to members of the public who are at risk of becoming victims of certain convicted sex offenders. The Milpitas Police Department has made available for
public viewing a computer database of registered sex offenders via the City's website and a CD-ROM at the Milpitas Police Department. The public viewing hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The following are requirements for eligibility to view the database:
- The applicant shall provide a California driver's license or California identification card showing that the applicant is at least 18 years of age.
- The applicant shall also sign the Request to Review Sexual Offender Identification Information form (provided in Lobby), stating a purpose in order to have
access, and attesting that (s)he understands the purpose of the release of information is to allow members of the public to protect themselves and their children
from sex offenders, and that he or she understands it is unlawful to use information obtained from the CD-ROM or other electronic medium to commit a crime against
any registrant or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of any registrant.
The SIU supervisor coordinates the Milpitas Police Department's responsibilities with respect to Megan's Law. Any concerns or questions regarding Megan's
Law or other SIU related matters can be directed to him at (408) 586-2504.
If you have already filed a police report and need further assistance or have additional information regarding a case, please call the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400 and ask to
speak to the detective handling your case.
If you have not filed a police report and need to do so, or if you need general information, you may also call 408-586-2400, and your request will be handled appropriately.
|
