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The Vice and Narcotics Unit is comprised of a sergeant, four investigators, and a records clerk. Members of this unit often conceal their identity in order to mingle with and infiltrate the criminal element. Their appearance and demeanor are more similar to the people they investigate than to police officers. Though they are the least conspicuous, these investigators contribute a great deal to the quality of life in our City. The Vice and Narcotics Unit targets large and small quantity dealers of illicit narcotics. This unit has the ability to catch the local small-time dealer, but also has the knowledge and ability to put together complex cases to bring down major drug distributors. The Vice and Narcotics Unit has developed an excellent working relationship with their counterparts in neighboring cities and counties, as well as with State and Federal Narcotic Agencies. One investigator from this unit is assigned, full-time, to the Orange County Clandestine Lab Task Force, which works out of a centralized location in Orange County. In conjunction with this taskforce, the Vice and Narcotics Unit works hard to combat the growing problem of clandestine drug labs, which pose a significant threat to the safety of everyone living nearby. Additional responsibilities of the Vice and Narcotics Unit include monitoring the City’s massage businesses, enforcing gambling and liquor laws, and participating in virtually any undercover assignment to help the Police Department better serve the community. The Vice and Narcotics Unit was responsible for approximately 200 arrests each year for the manufacture, possession, and/or sales of illegal drugs, as well as for violations of various lewd conduct statutes, such as prostitution. |
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