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The Detective Division handles an average of 5,000 cases per year. The Division coordinates the on-scene investigation of major incidents; investigates crimes which require extended periods of time, expertise, or sensitivity; and conducts follow up to all crimes initiated through patrol reports.

Members of this Division determine if a crime has been committed, gather and preserve evidence, identify and apprehend the offender, recover stolen property, prepare cases which lead to the successful prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator and render assistance to the crime victim.

Units within the Detective Division include:

The Crimes Persons Section, which investigates homicides, robberies, and assaults. These detectives also investigate missing person cases, domestic violence, criminal threats, Officer Involved Shooting incidents and a wide range of additional crimes most commonly involving some type of threat or violence.

The Crimes Property Section, which investigates burglary, larceny, auto theft, and vehicle tampering. This section maintains a full-time crime analyst who investigates crime trends and works with state and local agencies to apprehend and arrest suspects.

The Youth Services Section consists of School Resource Officers (SRO's) and Juvenile Detectives who focus their efforts on all facets of youth related crimes including the abuse and exploitation of children under the age of 18. They also organize and participate in various youth outreach events and educational programs throughout Torrance and in partnership with the Torrance Unified School District. The Youth Services Section also includes the Sex Crimes Detail that investigates all reports of sexual assaults against adults and minors, as well as tracks all sex registrants who reside in the City of Torrance.

The Economic Crimes Section investigates forgery/fraud such as crimes involving falsification of checks and wills. They handle real estate fraud including the forging of deeds, loan documents, and any documents involved in a real estate transaction. Another area included is identity theft and the growing use of scams especially those targeting the elderly. Although investigations are their main task, these detectives attend community meetings and provide education to the community on how to prevent victimization.  

The Digital Forensics Laboratory assists detectives with the recovery and analysis of data from computers, cellular phones, tablets and other electronic devices that may contain digital evidence. They also work in partnership with federal task forces.