CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

A Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is a unit within a law enforcement agency that investigates criminal activity. CIDs are responsible for investigating a variety of crimes, including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and family violence. The Criminal Investigative Division (CID) is the FBI's largest operational division, with 4,800 field special agents, 300 intelligence analysts, and 520 Headquarters employees addressing an array of sophisticated and increasingly globalized criminal threats. The objectives of criminal investigations are:

locate, document, and preserve evidence in crimes.

 Arrest suspects in crimes.

Recover stolen property.

Prepare sound criminal cases for prosecution.

A force's CID is distinct from its Special Branch (though officers of both are entitled to the rank prefix "Detective"). The name derives from the CID of the Metropolitan Police, formed on 8 April 1878 by C. E. Howard Vincent as a re-formation of its Detective Branch.



GANG INTELLIGENCE UNIT

A gang intelligence unit (GIU) is a law enforcement unit that investigates, suppresses, and fights gangs in a specific area. GIUs are also known as anti-gang units, gang task forces, or gang suppression units. 

GIUs work to:

Provide safety

GIUs work to keep communities safe by reducing gang violence and crime. 

Share information

GIUs share information about gang activity with other law enforcement agencies to reduce redundancy. 

Identify gang members

GIUs identify and document gang members and associates to help with investigations. 

Prevent gang activity

GIUs work with schools, social services, and community organizations to prevent gang activity. 

Some guidelines for establishing and operating a GIU include: 

Analytical component: The GIU should have a strong analytical component.

Partnership with prosecutors: The GIU should partner with prosecutorial authorities.

Long-term plan: The GIU should have a plan to sustain its efforts over the long term.

Educate stakeholders: The GIU should educate community leaders, businesses, and political leaders about the gang problem and how law enforcement can help.

SPECIAL WEAPONS & TACTICS

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams respond to high-risk situations that are beyond the capabilities of local police. Their responsibilities include:

 High-risk operations: SWAT teams respond to high-risk search and arrest warrants, hostage rescues, active shooters, and other high-risk situations.

Critical incidents: SWAT teams respond to critical incidents involving barricaded suspects, crowds, riots, and other situations that require extraordinary measures.

Undercover operations: SWAT teams participate in undercover operations and counterterrorism efforts.

Hazardous material situations: SWAT teams respond to hazardous material situations.

Suicide intervention: SWAT teams may intervene in suicide situations.

SWAT officers are expert marksmen with close combat training. They have specialized roles within the team, such as negotiator, medic, or expert in handling assault vehicles or weapons. When not responding to crises, SWAT officers perform more routine duties, such as patrol and traffic enforcement. SWAT teams are equipped with armored vehicles to safely deploy and retrieve team members into and from potentially hostile environments.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

A traffic enforcement division is a group of police officers or agencies that enforce traffic laws and manage traffic. Their goal is to reduce the number and severity of traffic accidents, and to make roads safer for everyone. 

Responsibilities:

Enforcing traffic laws

Traffic enforcement officers patrol highways, direct traffic, and address traffic infractions. 

Investigating accidents

Traffic enforcement officers investigate the cause of traffic accidents and report the details. 

Educating the public

Traffic enforcement officers educate the public about traffic safety. 

Partnering with other agencies

Traffic enforcement officers work with other agencies, such as the highway patrol, to solve traffic safety problems. 

Benefits Traffic enforcement makes communities safer and Traffic enforcement makes officers safer. 

Other names Traffic police, Traffic officers, Traffic enforcement units, Traffic cops, and Traffic monitors. 

FIELD TRAINING DIVISION

FTD is responsible for training the newly promoted cadets and lateral transferred police officers. Field Training Officers are expected to be well seasoned and experience officers who can then pass their knowledge onto the future of the department, the division provides training in basic skills, procedures, and physical fitness to prepare recruits for the challenges of policing.

Physical training

Recruits learn defensive tactics, physical fitness, and other physical skills

Legal procedures

 Recruits learn about law and legal procedures, criminal investigation, and human relations

Behavioral science

Recruits learn about applied behavioral science and values-based decision-making

Driver education

 Recruits learn how to operate police vehicles, including driver certification and specialized licenses

Traffic enforcement

 Recruits learn how to reduce pedestrian injuries and keep traffic moving

FIREARMS LICENSE DIVISION

The Firearms Licensing Division of the Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) is responsible for overseeing all civilian firearms-related permits and ensuring public safety through proper vetting and regulation. This division operates under the Professional Standards Bureau and works in close coordination with other law enforcement branches.

Core Responsibilities:

Firearms License Application Processing

Reviews and processes applications for civilian firearms licenses, including standard, concealed carry, and special-use permits.

Conducts background checks, interviews, and psychological evaluations when necessary.

License Renewals and Revocations

Handles renewal procedures for expiring licenses and ensures license holders remain compliant with updated laws and regulations.

Investigates violations and revokes licenses from individuals who are no longer deemed fit to carry a weapon legally.

Education and Safety Training

Oversees mandatory firearms safety and legal training courses for new applicants.

Promotes responsible gun ownership through community outreach and safety awareness programs.

Compliance and Audits

Conducts spot checks and audits to ensure legal firearm holders are storing and using firearms safely and in accordance with state and city laws.

Incident Review & Coordination

Works with Internal Affairs and other LSPD units to investigate any firearm-related incidents involving licensed holders.

In short, the LSPD Firearms Licensing Division plays a critical role in balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety through strict oversight, education, and enforcement.

AIR SUPPORT DIVISION

A police air support division is a unit of a police department that operates aircraft to support law enforcement operations. Air support divisions can use helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. 

What do police air support divisions do?

Search for missing people: Police air support can help locate missing people 

Pursue criminals: Police air support can help track down criminals 

Control traffic: Police air support can help control traffic and respond to traffic stops 

Respond to emergencies: Police air support can respond to emergencies and disasters 

Provide tactical support: Police air support can provide officers with a tactical view of the situation 

Assist with public order: Police air support can help maintain public order 

Assist with counter-terrorism: Police air support can help with counter-terrorism operations 

Assist with firearms incidents: Police air support can help with firearms incidents 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Public affairs is a broad field that involves helping organizations communicate and build relationships with the public and government. For police departments, public affairs can include: 

Generating positive publicity

Police departments can use public relations to generate positive publicity, such as by sharing a story about an officer who saved someone's life.

Hiring a media professional

Police departments can hire a media professional to help with public relations.

Designating a public information officer

Police departments can designate a police officer with good communication skills to be the public information officer.

Using newspapers and local television

Police departments can use newspapers and local television stations to share positive messages.

Public affairs can also involve: 

Developing strategic communication plans

Advocating for public policies

Working with local communities on economic development or growth initiatives

Providing statistical and factual information

Lobbying on issues that could impact an organization's ability to operate

Monitoring and responding to public opinion and media coverage

ADVANCED TRAINING DIVISION

The Advanced Training Division (ATD) of the Los Santos Police Department is a specialized unit dedicated to refining the skills of officers beyond basic academy instruction. It focuses on high-stakes, real-world applications to ensure personnel are prepared for the complex and dynamic challenges faced in the field. The division operates under strict protocols and emphasizes professional conduct, precision, and safety. .

Core Training Areas:

1. Scene Management
Officers are trained in securing and preserving crime scenes, establishing perimeters, managing civilian interference, coordinating with forensics, and maintaining the integrity of evidence. Emphasis is placed on chain of custody and inter-department communication during critical incidents.

2. Pursuit Etiquette and Termination
This segment instills disciplined decision-making during high-speed pursuits. Training covers:

• Safe following distances
• Proper radio callouts and coordination
• Risk assessment protocols
• Legal guidelines for PIT maneuvers and roadblocks
• De-escalation and pursuit termination strategies
  Scenario-based simulations are routinely run to test reactions under pressure.

3. Mugshot and Booking Protocols
Advanced instruction is given on handling suspects post-arrest. Officers learn to:

• Efficiently escort individuals into booking and mugshot facilities
• Use third-eye systems or digital tools to document individuals
• Conduct unmasking and prepare suspects for proper photo positioning
• File data into evidence management systems correctly and securely

4. Tactical Decision-Making & Debriefing
Training emphasizes post-incident reviews, officer accountability, and situational breakdowns. Officers are taught to deconstruct scenes and actions for improvement and reporting.

Philosophy & Mission

The Advanced Training Division embodies the LSPD’s commitment to professionalism, restraint, and precision. Officers graduating from the ATD are expected to lead by example, mentor junior officers, and serve as tactical assets in critical situations.