The Special Investigations Unit is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police. The Unit is composed of the Criminal Intelligence Detail and the Vice Detail.

Criminal Intelligence Detail

The Criminal Intelligence Detail gathers information from all sources in a manner consistent with the law and then analyzes and disseminates that information to provide intelligence on the existence, identities and capabilities of criminal suspects and enterprises to further crime prevention and enforcement objectives and priorities of the San Jose Police Department. The intent of this process is to pursue criminal prosecution and project crime trends.

The Criminal Intelligence Detail is also responsible for coordinating the protection of political leaders and visiting dignitaries. The Unit also staffs the Mayor’s Protection Detail.

To contact the Criminal Intelligence Detail call 408.277.4041.

Vice Detail

The Vice Unit underwent a significant change of operations in 2014. The Vice Unit has taken over the responsibilities related to massage parlor enforcement, Public Entertainment Permit issuing and monitoring activity at establishments that serve or sell alcohol. The Vice Unit also works hand-in-hand with other departments such as Code Enforcement, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the City Attorney’s office to provide a more global response to nuisance business practices.

Vice Unit personnel work with the Division of Gaming Control and the Criminal Intelligence Detail on special enforcement investigations.

To report issues like prostitution, illegal gambling or narcotics related crimes, please contact the Vice Unit at 408-277-4322 or send us an email by completing this form.

Public Entertainment Permits

When, as a business owner/manager, do I need a Public Entertainment Permit?

If you are a business that:

• Serving Alcohol
• Has public entertainment as defined by San Jose Municipal Code section 6.60.060 also known as Title 6 of the San Jose Municipal Code.

"Public entertainment" means any of the following activities (SJMC 6.60.028):

• Dancing
• Singing
• Audience participation in the entertainment
• Live entertainment
• Has an occupancy of 100 or higher as determined by the San Jose Fire Department

These are the main criteria when a venue is required to apply for and have a Public Entertainment Permit. The permit ensures businesses are regulated as to the number of security personnel and that basic permits are in order (fire/health/etc.)

The process takes a month on average, if the applicant brings in a complete application to include the many permits required. The most common delay in obtaining a Public Entertainment Permit is a failure by the applicant to provide the required documents.

There is no temporary public entertainment permit. The permit regulates security, minors, sound, and controls if a business is authorized to have public entertainment.

Entertainment Business Application and Ownership/Management License Questionnaire

The prices change annually. When you contact the Vice Unit, we will update you on the current price prescribed by the City of San Jose.

Contact

To contact the Vice Unit call 408-277-4322.

To contact the National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline call 866-373-7888 or Text "help" to BeFree (233733)