The Detective Bureau is the investigative arm of the Police Department. Detectives assigned to the Bureau are responsible for the follow-up investigation of felony and misdemeanor offenses reported to the Department. These investigations consist of interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses; analyzing information for validity, reliability, and accuracy; and compiling a comprehensive and factual case file to be presented in court. Successful follow-up investigations are then forwarded to the Florida State's Attorney's offices for prosecution.
Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) are specially trained personnel who are dispatched to a crime scene to analyze and document evidence. This evidence might include trace material (fibers, hairs, plant and mineral matter), blood spatter, ballistics (firearms and gunshot evidence) and fingerprints. CSIs are often called upon to testify on the state of the crime scene in court.