Robbery-Homicide Division

Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) is a specialized investigative division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). RHD investigates homicides, bank robberies, and other selected robberies, extortions, sex crimes and kidnappings on a Citywide basis. RHD is also responsible for investigating incidents that result in injury or death to officers as well as threats against officers. Captain Denis J. Cremins is the current Commanding Officer of Robbery-Homicide Division.

Detectives assigned to RHD have a high level of expertise and are selected from detectives working at the Department’s geographic detective divisions. Among the more famous cases that RHD has investigated are: the Charles Manson case, the Robert Kennedy assassination, the Hillside Strangler, the Night Stalker (for crimes occurring within the city), O.J. Simpson, Ennis Cosby, Robert Blake and Notorious B.I.G.

RHD personnel attend quarterly homicide meetings with detectives from all over the City and review suspect information and crime trends. This insures that the investigation of serious crimes can proceed across geographic boundaries. They also act as a liaison between outside agencies and this Department on homicide cases and other major cases of mutual interest.

Organization

RHD’s 110 sworn Detectives and thirteen civilian personnel are assigned to seven sections:

Homicide Special Section I and II handles serial killer, high-profile and other homicide cases requiring extensive time, and assists other detectives and outside agencies in homicide cases of mutual interest.

Robbery Special Section I and II handle robbery investigations that require special expertise, as well as common MO (modus operandi) robberies, such as those involving suspects that target people wearing Rolex watches, or other specific victims such as jewelry stores, fast-food restaurants, and street robberies. The section is also responsible for major kidnapping investigations. The Robbery Special Section also works closely with the FBI and investigates robberies of banks, savings and loans, credit unions, armored cars, and bank employees.

Rape Special Section handles serial and high profile rape investigations. It also investigates rapes requiring extensive investigative time.

Homicide and Rape Cold Case Special Sections investigate older cases that have new potential leads based upon DNA, fingerprint or ballistic evidence that has been newly analyzed or re-analyzed with more modern technology and methods.

The Special Investigation Section (SIS) is responsible for undercover tactical surveilance operations in support of criminal investigations by the LAPD.