Southern Division Special Services is comprised of multiple specialized units, which assist the surrounding Area offices within the Division in meeting the Department’s mission of providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. Major Crimes investigators investigate or assist Area offices with the investigation of a wide variety of complex crimes occurring on state properties and fre
eways which fall within CHP jurisdiction. Auto Theft investigators investigate auto theft rings and chop shops, while recovering stolen vehicles/equipment. Officers assigned to one of the many task forces work with a variety of allied agencies in the apprehension of fugitives, criminals involved in human trafficking, drug transportation, gangs, organized retail theft, cargo theft, and a variety of other crimes. The Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) conducts in-depth investigations of major traffic collisions. Canine officers utilize specially trained canines to perform a variety of functions, including the apprehension of criminals attempting to avoid arrest and the detection of human scent, contraband and explosives. Background investigators conduct objective, thorough, comprehensive, fact-finding administrative investigations on uniformed and non-uniformed applicants to the Department. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit is comprised of Motor Carrier Specialists who inspect commercial vehicles, busses, and terminals. Their mission is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of commercial/regulated vehicles and busses as they operate within Los Angeles County. The Commercial Unit is made up of Mobile Road Enforcement (MRE) officers and Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialists (CVIS). Our CVIS’ work with MRE officers at our Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility located on I-405, in the city of Carson, to inspect commercial vehicles and identify size, weight, loading, hours-of-service and other commercial related violations. The Air Operations Unit consists of uniformed pilots and flight officers flying fixed wing aircraft and helicopters which are used to complete rescue operations, provide air support for complex law enforcement events, and assist with patrolling the Division’s freeways.
