Welcome, I am Lt. Leo Lugo. I am the commander of the Detective Bureau. I’ve been with the Westfield Police Department since 2001 and in the Detective Bureau since 2013. I started my Law enforcement career with the City of Paterson Police Department then transferred here to Westfield. The Detective Bureau’s function is to support the patrol division. Along with myself there is Detective Sergeant, four Detectives and two plainclothes officers. Additionally, the School Resource Officer reports to me. Every police report that comes into the department to determine which require further investigation and assign them accordingly. Along with patrol, Detectives are here to serve the residents and address concerns of the community as a whole. From here, Detectives conduct investigations related to crime and serious incidents. Our goal is to develop cases that lead to the arrest and conviction of offenders. Prepare subpoenas and search warrants. Detectives will testify in court as needed.
Once a case is prepared it is reviewed with a prosecutor from the UCPO for complaint approval and prosecution of the case. We also often will initiate or follow up investigations that I consider to be quality of life issues for our residents. I challenge myself and the Detectives to be unparalleled Law Enforcement professionals, they are constantly and consistently attending the most current training available. Det DaSilva who handle our JV cases is a court recognized fingerprint expert. Interpol / NYC All Detectives are trained in crime scene management and processing. In Westfield we deal with a various of types of investigations. Some examples: Burglaries Motor Vehicle Thefts Elder Abuse Sexual Assaults
Narcotics Related Financial Crimes / Identity thefts Various types of Juvenile Investigation Here we take sworn statements from victims and here we take video statements from suspects. Whenever necessary for investigations we will partner with other local agencies along with county, state or federal bureaus. In 2017 the Bureau was involved with nearly 700 investigations. Additional responsibilities: The bureau conducts background checks of all resident who apply for firearm permits. We are additionally responsible for background checks on all Municipal employees, this includes DPW, Library employees, Recreation department, along with Police & Fire. We manage and handle the Megan's Law offenders, doing registration from 90 days to to annually.
We oversee and enforce the ABC licensing laws, liquor license transfer investigations. Along with the precious metals licences ordinance. We administer the medicine drop program and oversee the destruction. The bureau also provides fingerprint services to residents, generally this is for professional licenses. Two Detectives are the custodians for all property and evidence that is maintained by the police department. This is done with a computer tracking and barcode system. Myself and the Detectives take great pride in the work of the Bureau, I’ll put any one of my Detectives up against any Detective from another agency. My personal mission is to maintain the highest standards in service to the residents of the community. Here's my business card, mission statement, please feel free to call me at any time. Questions?