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instrument with value set by law. Examples include currency, coins, postage, food stamps, and bearer
bonds. The investigations into these "white-collar crimes" bring Detectives into close association with
representatives of banks, brokerage firms, hotels, and retail establishments as well as other law
enforcement agencies.
Homicide Detectives investigate criminal homicide cases in which one person is killed by another or
cases in which death appears imminent as the result of aggravated assault. Criminal homicides are those
that involve the death of another person without justification or excuse and include acts such as murder
and voluntary, involuntary, and vehicular manslaughter.
Detectives assigned to a Juvenile Section or Division specialize in investigating cases involving
juveniles (youths under 18 years of age who are subject to the jurisdiction of juvenile court). These
Detectives investigate all cases of juvenile crimes. They maintain surveillance in areas where youths
gather to keep abreast of happenings and to develop case leads and arrest juveniles suspected of violating
the law. Cases involving serious offenses are referred to Juvenile Court, and parents or guardians are
notified to advise them of circumstances in the case. Meetings may also be held with parents or guardians
of juveniles in detainment, but not arrested or charged, to stress the need for increased supervision to
prevent development of delinquent behavior.
Narcotics Detectives conduct specialized investigations to identify and apprehend persons suspected
of illegal use or sale of narcotics and dangerous drugs. Narcotics Detectives examine physicians' and
pharmacists' records to determine the legality of sales and to monitor the distribution of narcotics and the
quantity of drugs in stock. They must often perform undercover work to investigate known or suspected
drug suppliers and handlers who have been identified through surveillance or informants. Detectives
purchase narcotics from suspects for use as evidence and arrest individuals identified as distributors,
suppliers, and pushers. Narcotics Detectives also work on a cooperative basis with other police agencies
involved in narcotics investigations and with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Adminis-
tration (DEA).
Detectives in some police agencies are part of Organized Crime Activities Units and specialize in
investigating such activities. They gather data about members of organized criminal groups through the
use of informers, surveillance, and infiltration by undercover officers. Not only are cases involving
members of organized crime solved by such efforts, numerous criminal acts are prevented from occurring
at all. Often, participation in the Federal Organized Strike Force Programs and work with members of law
enforcement agencies from all levels of government is part of these Detectives' assignments.
Motor vehicle theft and truck hijacking are another type of investigative specialization. Detectives
question salvage and junkyard operators, motor vehicle and motor parts dealers, owners of retail stores,
and pawnbrokers to uncover possible leads. They check inventories and records to make certain that
stocks are legitimate. They maintain surveillance of known thieves and fences who illegally dispose of
stolen property, they use informers, and they take suspects into custody when sufficient evidence has been
gathered. Other duties include identification of stolen property and making arrangements for its return
to owners.
Investigation of establishments and persons suspected of violating morality and antivice laws
pertaining to liquor, gambling, and prostitution is the concern of Vice Squad Detectives. They monitor
places where liquor is sold to check on hours of operation, underage patrons, and general adherence to
the law. Establishing surveillance of suspects and locations to gather evidence of gambling and/or
prostitution activities and working undercover to gain access are also part of the job. When sufficient
evidence is gathered, necessary legal warrants are obtained, raids on suspects' establishments are
conducted, and accused persons are taken into custody. In addition to the situations just mentioned.
Detectives may, in some police agencies, specialize in the investigation of sex offenses, kidnappings,
bank robberies, and missing-person cases.
