The seasoned detectives of the Homicide Section investigate all non-gang cases involving:

• Homicides and felony assaults

• Suspicious deaths

• Officer-involved shootings

• Kidnapping

• Terrorist threats

• Firearms licensing

The members of the Homicide Section work as a team to solve their assigned cases and assure that justice is served in a timely manner.  The success of the section can be directly attributed to a variety of factors, among which are the detectives’ utilization of the most modern technological advances including DNA and ballistics examination in identifying suspect(s).

In support of the department’s problem-oriented policing efforts, the Weapons Interdiction Team (WIT), an integral part of the Homicide Section, oversees the licensing of Santa Ana firearms dealers while coordinating the examination of all confiscated firearms.  In 2004, the WIT submitted 561 firearms for comparison.  The WIT traced the origin of 421 firearms and returned 48 to their rightful owners.  Per Penal Code Section 12028, 271 handguns and rifles were destroyed and can no longer be used in criminal activity or to cause harm to members of our community.