The Criminal Investigations Unit within the Los Alamos Police Department is staffed by four detectives, one being the detective sergeant.
All detectives investigate various types of crimes but focus mainly on those crimes that require special knowledge, skill and equipment, or that can require a large amount of time not available to patrol officers.
Because the fastest growing crimes in America are identity theft and fraud, the investigators have extensive training in that field.
One of the detectives specializes in child abuse investigations. This investigator works closely with a multi-disciplinary team to improve the overall investigation and prosecution of crimes of child abuse. These other agencies include the District Attorney's office, other local law enforcement agencies, State Police, Santa Fe Rape Crisis and Trauma Center, Brave Voices and StrongHeart Safehouse (both available for forensic interviews of children), and St. Vincent's Hospital; all coming together at monthly meetings to better serve the needs of the child and family and to ensure expedient prosecution of offenders.
The child abuse investigator also gives presentations to the public, schools and daycare providers on New Mexico Child Abuse Statutes and the mandatory duty to report requirement.
Every citizen in the state of New Mexico is required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Calls can be made anonymously 24/7 to the Statewide Central Intake number 1-800-797-3260.
One detective is assigned to investigate narcotics cases and thwart narcotic manufacture and trafficking, including prescription drug cases. Because narcotic trafficking usually runs through multiple jurisdictions, this investigator works closely with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions, including federal law enforcement agencies. Illegal street drugs and prescription cases frequently involve property crimes and those become a part of the investigators duties as well.
The detectives generally work a 40-hour schedule, Monday thru Friday. They must remain flexible enough to work whenever needed to conduct good investigations. Detectives rotate an on call schedule so they are available to assist the patrol shifts 24/7.
