The Major Crimes Unit consists of eight detectives and one sergeant, and is tasked primarily with the investigation of homicides and suspicious deaths. Major Crimes detectives also investigate sensitive cases, such as officer involved shootings. Two of the eight detectives work within the Cold Case Detail and investigate older unsolved homicides. The Major Crimes sergeant also oversees the Crime Scene Investigation Detail, which consists of three civilian evidence technicians.
The investigators assigned to the Major Crimes Unit are dedicated to utilizing and maximizing all available resources, technological advances, and traditional investigative methods to solve crimes, track down and apprehend suspects, accomplices and fugitives. The working philosophy of the Major Crimes Investigators is to respond to crime scenes and work every existing lead until exhaustion. As a result, it is not unusual for homicide detectives to work at a feverish pace for days or weeks on end.