The Investigation Section coordinates the on-scene investigations of major incidents; investigates crimes which require extended periods of time, expertise, or sensitivity; and conducts follow up to all crimes initiated through patrol reports.

• Determine if a crime has, in fact, been committed.
• Gather and preserve evidence.
• Identify and apprehend the offender.
• Recover stolen property.
• Prepare cases which lead to the successful prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator. Rendering assistance to the crime victim is of paramount importance during all stages of an investigation.

Persons Crimes Unit
Investigates homicide, rape, robbery, assaults, and child abuse.

Probation
A Deputy Probation Officer is located at the Police Department and works alongside the Police Officers to monitor the high risk juvenile offenders that reside within the jurisdiction of the City of Santa Cruz..

Victim Advocate
A Victim Advocate works with the Persons Crime Unit and Juvenile Detail to assist the victims of child abuse, sex crimes and domestic violence.

Property Crime Unit
Investigates burglary, larceny, auto theft, bicycle theft and graffiti.

Check/Fraud Detail
Investigates check/credit card forgeries, embezzlements, and criminal fraud.

The Professional Standards Unit works with the City Human Resources Department to coordinate medical examinations, psychological evaluations, and background investigations for police employees.

Internal Affairs
To ensure that the integrity of the department is maintained, the Professional Standards Unit conducts extensive, impartial, objective investigations of all allegations of employee misconduct. These investigations are reviewed by the Chief of Police and the designated City Auditor to determine possible employee misconduct or revisions of department procedures.

Records processes all police reports - entering data into a law enforcement automated data system and forwarding reports to proper agencies (District Attorney, Juvenile Probation, etc.). Records personnel are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to assist the public with questions, direct them to appropriate units, provide police reports, and assist in a variety of other services.

Police Reports
Available to the victim, parent of a minor, or legal representative of a victim of a crime, with possible restrictions. Positive identification is required. A fee per copy is charged. Please call to see if the report is available.

Fingerprinting
Please contact the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office at (831) 454-3007 for fingerprinting services.

Clearance Letter
A check of Police Department files is available for passport and immigration purposes. Photo identification is required and a fee is charged.

Vehicle Releases
Vehicles towed by the Police Department are released through Records. Proof of vehicle ownership and a valid driver's license are required to obtain a release. A fee is charged for all impounded vehicles (versus stored or recovered stolen vehicles). Any towing and storage fees are paid directly to the towing company.

Property Releases
Lost/Found Property: All found property is held at least 60 days unless claimed by the owner. To claim property, you must have identification and a SCPD case number. Items held beyond the legal holding period will be discarded.

Owners of lost/found property who can be identified will be notified by mail. Please call Property at (831) 420-5900 for instructions and/or appointment times prior to coming to the Police Department.

Safekeeping
Property legally seized by the Police Department, but not evidence in a case may be claimed Monday through Friday by appointment. Identification and an SCPD case number will be required.

Evidence Property
Property legally seized by the Police Department as evidence in a criminal case can only be released by

• The police officer/detective handling the case
• The District Attorney's Office
• A court order.
  Victims may speak with detectives (831-420-5820) concerning the release of their property. At the request of you or your attorney, the District Attorney can complete the necessary forms to release property in adjudicated cases. Once SCPD has been notified by the court of the property release order, Property personnel will gather the items and notify you when it can be returned. Identification of the person named on the court order is required for release.

It is a violation of California State Law for any police officer or records employee to release information held by the department to anyone but those directly involved. Vehicle license numbers, driver's license information, etc., cannot be obtained or released unless a criminal investigation is ongoing and you have both a need and right to know.

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