Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/16/2007

Question
Hi there Loren, Im writing a story and wondered if you might be able to clarify something --

What is a 'Detective Bureau'? Is it like an area of desks within Police HQ, or a separate bulding for detectives?

Many thanks for your time,
PJ

Answer
PJ,
Hello.
The short answer to your question, is that a Detective Bureau is essentially not about a location. In most medium to large city, county, and even state law enforcement agencies, there is an organization and separation of functions.
So, a Detective Bureau is a subdivision of an agency, directed to engage in the follow up of criminal and regulatory cases.
Uniform patrol usually are charged with "preliminary" investigations, and the "follow up" investigation is done by the Dets.
Typically, a large agency is separated initially by "offices", separating LINE functions, from STAFF functions.
On the LINE side of an organizational chart, will further breakdown to DIVISIONS, where like functions are grouped together, and for span of control and command channels will be headed by a Division Chief.
Uniform Field Services Division would include: Patrol, Traffic, K-9 etc. Each one of those subdivisions would ordinarily be a BUREAU, commanded by a Bureau Commander, usually a Capt. The next subdivision would be shifts, or sections, headed by a LT. then comes Squads, headed by a Sgt.
Another major subdivision under LINE Operations, would be Investigative Services Division. Subdivision of this Division, would include: Vice/Narc Bureau, maybe Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Juvenile Crime Bureau, Detective Bureau.
Subdivisions of a typical Detective Bureau, would be: Auto Theft, Larceny, Burglary, Checks or Forgery, Fraud, Sexual Assault, Homicide etc.
Each one of those would be a SECTION. So on, and so forth.
So, think subdivision of a police ORGANIZATION, and directed FUNCTIONS of primary assignment.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren