Serious Crimes. Thorough Investigations.
Once a patrol officer takes an initial police report, the case is turned over to the Azusa Police Department’s Detective Bureau for in-depth investigation. Detectives specialize in building solid cases against offenders, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with prosecutors. Each case is handled with care to ensure legal integrity and accountability.
The bureau is structured into several specialized units. Property Crimes detectives focus on offenses such as vandalism, forgery, credit card theft, burglaries, and auto thefts. Person Crimes investigators handle serious offenses like domestic violence, robberies, stabbings, and shootings. The Sex Crimes team addresses incidents including rape, sexual assault, child abuse, and molestation. Gang Crimes detectives investigate criminal activity involving known gang members, while the Special Enforcement Team is tasked with narcotics enforcement and high-profile or complex investigations.
From Initial Report to Courtroom-Ready File
Many crime victims wonder what’s happening with their case. Unlike TV shows where investigations are resolved in under an hour, real police work takes time. The Detective Bureau’s mission is to conduct thorough investigations, which means every fact, piece of evidence, and legal requirement must be documented correctly. Detectives are committed to building strong cases—not just quick ones—so they follow every lead and compile everything needed for prosecution.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file is submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors review the file to decide whether charges will be filed. If more work is needed, detectives revisit the case to meet the necessary thresholds. When ready, the case is sealed for court and those responsible are prosecuted.
In some situations, the Azusa Police Department works with outside agencies to assist with investigations that require specialized resources or broader jurisdiction. Partners may include the FBI, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. These collaborations help ensure that Azusa has access to the best technology, personnel, and investigative support available.
Detectives also offer practical advice for staying safe. Always lock your doors and windows—whether at home, in your car, or at your business. Install surveillance systems when possible, and destroy documents with sensitive personal information. Be cautious with phone calls or emails requesting passwords, money, or personal data. And if you notice anything unusual or suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police. Early reporting helps prevent crime and keep the community safer.
Contact the Detective Bureau
If you need to speak with a detective or check the status of a case, you can reach the Azusa Police Department’s Detective Bureau by calling (626) 812-3200. If you don’t know which detective is assigned to your case, please have your case number ready when calling. Our team is here to support you and ensure your questions are addressed as clearly and promptly as possible.