Investigations

The South San Francisco Police Department Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) is a unique unit that was created to build and maintain effective communication between the Police Department and members of the community. The overriding objective of the CIU is to improve the safety of our neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Community outreach and a "zero tolerance" policy toward gang activity are the cornerstones of the CIU mission. Officers assigned to the CIU strive to create positive relationships with members of the community by conducting foot patrols in the residential areas, contacting business owners and employees, facilitating community meetings, and initiating positive interactions with the children in our neighborhoods. The CIU officers also strive to increase safety in our community through diligent gang suppression and proactive law enforcement activities.

CIU Goals & Objectives

Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship between the community and the Police Department based on mutual trust and respect.
Maintain the safety and security of our neighborhoods through proactive law enforcement activities.
Zero tolerance for gang activity is of paramount importance.
Improve citizen access to information and resources that support the community.
Educate community members about ways to build and maintain healthy neighborhoods.
Empower residents and business owners to effect positive change in their community.
Build positive relationships with children to help them make better life choices and avoid violence and substance abuse.

The CIU is made up of two Officers, one Corporal, and one Sergeant. The operation of the unit is overseen by a Lieutenant who responds directly to the Chief of Police. The CIU endeavors to saturate neighborhoods with a balance of community outreach and enforcement activities. CIU officers are responsible for working closely with members of the community to address current concerns and to prevent future problems before they develop. Officers also work closely with other City departments and the School District in a cooperative effort to improve our neighborhoods.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the CIU to report neighborhood problems or concerns, coordinate and facilitate community meetings, establish Neighborhood Watch programs, or to develop other ways to create and maintain a healthy community. The Police Department is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all those who live, work, and visit the City of South San Francisco, and the Criminal Interdiction Unit is committed to that goal.

To Contact the Criminal Interdiction:
Telephone: (650) 877-8937

The Criminal Investigations Bureau is responsible for the investigative follow up of all incident reports generated by Patrol, to ensure every report written receives the proper case closure. The Detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division work diligently to solve crimes reported to Patrol.

The Criminal Investigations Bureau is allotted for one Detective Sergeant and eight Detectives. Five of the Detectives are generalist investigators, who may investigate both Crimes against Property and Crimes against Persons.

Detectives assigned to Crimes against Property investigate such acts as burglary, auto theft, financial transaction fraud, and identity theft.

Detectives assigned to the Crimes against Persons unit investigate armed robberies, murder, aggravated assault, rape, family violence and other crimes against the person.

The remaining three Detectives are assigned to the following Task Forces: San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force, San Mateo County Vehicle Theft Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force.

All Detectives hold the parallel rank of Corporal when assigned to Patrol.

The South San Francisco Police Department Property/Evidence unit is part of the Investigations Division. The office is generally staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm.

Property/Evidence personnel are responsible for the logging in, custody, safekeeping, release and destruction of all property and evidence collected, as well as maintaining the records of each item.

Property, when eligible to be released, is released by appointment only from Monday through Thursday. To schedule an appointment to pick up property, call (650) 877-8924.

Property/Evidence FAQs

The police arrested the person who stole my property and are holding it. When can I get my property back?

 Your recovered property is evidence of the crime and will assist in the prosecution of the suspect. When the court case is concluded, the District Attorney's Office will notify us and we will notify you by letter when your property can be returned.

During a domestic disturbance with my spouse, police officers came to our house. They took my two rifles when they left. When can I get my guns back?

Your guns were most likely taken for Safekeeping. If you are the legal owner of the guns, they may be returned to you after you receive clearance from the Department of Justice. Your Rights with regard to this are defined on the "Property Receipt/Notice of Rights" that was given to you at the time the officer took your guns.

When I tried to get my guns back, I was told they could not be released to me. Why?

Assuming that the firearms are legal to possess, there are various reasons why your guns cannot be returned. By law, there are persons who are forbidden from owning or possessing firearms, including persons identified as the "restrained person" in a Restraining Order", those convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies, as well as victims of certain mental illnesses or disorders Additionally, if the firearm was used in the commission or attempted commission of a felony by the owner, the weapon will be disposed of. If your weapon was seized the Superior Court may issue an order to destroy the weapon. If the owner is forbidden from owning or possessing the firearm, but it is not ordered destroyed, arrangements can be made for the owner to sell the firearm to another person through a licensed gun dealer.

During what hours can I come to the Police Department to reclaim my property?

Appointments are required in order to pick up your property. Phone the Property/ Evidence unit at (650) 877-8924 between 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday to set an appointment.

The South San Francisco Police Department is committed to supporting victims and survivors of human trafficking while holding offenders accountable.  The Human Exploitation Apprehension Team (HEAT) is a dedicated unit of officers and detectives with specialized training who proactively identify, investigate, and dismantle human trafficking and exploitation operations while prioritizing a victim-centered approach.

HEAT works in close collaboration with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Unit, partner law enforcement agencies throughout San Mateo County, and the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center to coordinate investigations.  The department also partners with advocacy organizations, including Rape Trauma Services of San Mateo County, to ensure survivors have access to support, resources, and care.  

Since its inception in October 2025, HEAT has contacted 19 survivors to include a minor,  arrested/detained 10 traffickers, and has taken multiple unlawfully possessed firearms off the streets.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking in South San Francisco is encouraged to contact the police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en    

For more information regarding HEAT or human trafficking, please contact Captain Anthony Pinell or Lieutenant Amy Sariotti.