Division of Law Enforcement

The mission of the Division of Law Enforcement is to enhance public safety by conducting criminal investigations, regulatory oversight, and forensic analysis of evidence for criminal proceedings. DLE is dedicated to enhancing the safety and reducing the vulnerability of all citizens, residents and visitors within the state of California. Our Division is organized into the following four bureaus:

Bureau of Firearms serves the people of California through education, regulation, and enforcement actions regarding the manufacture, sale, ownership, safety training, and transfer of firearms. Bureau of Firearms staff are leaders in providing firearms expertise and information to law enforcement, legislators, and the general public in a comprehensive program to promote legitimate and responsible firearms possession and use by California residents.

Bureau of Forensic Services collects, analyzes, and compares physical evidence from suspected crimes. They provide analysis of evidence in toxicology, including: alcohol; controlled substances and clandestine drug labs; biology and DNA; firearms; impression evidence such as shoeprints, tire marks or fingerprints; trace evidence including hair, fibers, and paint; and crime-scene analysis of blood spatter patterns and evidence collection. And, they testify in state and federal court cases about their analyses in criminal trials.

Bureau of Gambling Control protects the integrity of gambling in California by ensuring that gambling is conducted honestly, competitively and free from criminal and corruptive elements. The Bureau of Gambling Control carries out this mission by working cooperatively with the California Gambling Control Commission to develop and implement a means of regulating the gambling industry in California.

Bureau of Investigation is composed of Special Agents who are experts in conducting complex criminal investigations ranging from identity theft to trans-national criminal enterprises. Agents are assigned to regional offices and task force offices throughout the state. The mission of the Bureau of Investigation is to provide statewide expert investigative services combating multi-jurisdictional criminal organizations. Through leadership and innovative programs, the Bureau of Investigation enhances public safety by focusing law enforcement efforts in the areas of organized crime, consumer fraud protection, cyber-crimes, and any crime or civil action of statewide importance to the Attorney General.