0820 Department of Justice
Program Descriptions

50 - LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Division of Law Enforcement is organized into six elements: (1) Bureau of Firearms, (2) Bureau of Forensic Services, (3) Bureau of Gambling Control, (4) Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence, (5) Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and (6) the Office of the Director.

The Bureau of Firearms provides oversight, enforcement, education and regulation of California's firearms/dangerous weapon laws by conducting firearms eligibility background checks and administering over thirty different state-mandated firearms-related programs. The Bureau conducts firearms dealer and manufacturer inspections and provides training as needed. Special Agents conduct investigations on armed and prohibited persons and other investigations resulting in the seizure of weapons. Agents also conduct firearms investigations to prevent illegal gun trafficking at in-state and out-of-state gun shows in accordance with state and federal law.

The Bureau of Forensic Services provides evaluation and analysis of physical evidence including expert court testimony to state and local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and courts, by operating 11 specialized laboratories that serve 47 counties as well as a forensic training facility and a DNA laboratory that is compiling and maintaining a database of sex and violent offenders.

The Bureau of Gambling Control regulates legal gambling activities in California to ensure gambling is conducted honestly and is free from criminal and corruptive elements by investigating the qualifications of individuals who apply for state gambling licenses and monitoring the conduct of these licensees to ensure compliance with the Gambling Control Act. Further, it conducts criminal investigations in, on or about tribal casinos and cardrooms. Its role also includes regulating tribal gaming by ensuring that each tribe is in compliance with all aspects of the gaming compact entered into between the tribe and the state.

The Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence provides expert investigative and intelligence services to the Office of the Attorney General and allied California law enforcement agencies. Innovative programs, investigative expertise, and best practices in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal intelligence are essential services provided by the Bureau's regional offices, field offices, intelligence centers and task forces.

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement combats the state's narcotic and violent crime problem by providing leadership, coordination, and support to law enforcement through 9 regional offices and multi-agency drug and gang task forces, special operations units, drug diversion teams and clandestine laboratory teams.

The Office of the Director (OD) enhances public safety through training, technical, intelligence and administrative support to the investigative, regulatory and forensic components of the DLE and other criminal justice agencies. OD serves as the policy-making and oversight body for its five operational bureaus.