Investigations & Operational Support Bureau

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Captain Loriann LaBarca

The Investigations & Operational Support Bureau, led by Captain Loriann LaBarca, oversees specialized units including Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, Traffic Management, K-9, Special Enforcement, and the Emergency Communications Center. These units handle complex investigations, school safety, traffic enforcement, targeted crime operations, and 24/7 emergency communications and dispatch.

Criminal Investigations Division & School Resource Division

Lieutenant Chris Mongelluzzo

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Leesburg Police Department is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into serious crimes, including homicides, assaults, burglaries, fraud, and other complex cases. CID detectives use advanced investigative techniques, forensic analysis, and intelligence gathering to identify offenders and bring them to justice.

Throughout the year, CID has investigated a wide range of cases including assaults, burglaries, financial crimes, organized retail thefts, and internet-based offenses.

Detectives within the division remain committed to solving complex cases through diligent investigative work, victim advocacy, and the strategic use of technology and intelligence.

This division also includes the School Resource Officers (SROs) assigned to Leesburg’s public schools serve as a vital link between the police department, school administrators, students, and families. Beyond providing security and responding to incidents on campus, our SROs actively participate in student engagement, educational outreach, and mentoring programs. Throughout the year, the SROs facilitated safety drills, provided classroom presentations on topics such as internet safety and conflict resolution, and worked closely with school counselors to identify and assist students in need.

The presence of SROs continues to foster trust and build meaningful relationships between young people and law enforcement—an investment in the future of our community.

Special Operations Division

Lieutenant John Mocello

The Special Operations Division of the Leesburg Police Department is a key component of the department’s mission to ensure public safety through specialized units focused on addressing specific operational needs. The division is also responsible for planning and coordinating police presence at large events, parades, festivals, and other community gatherings.

The K-9 Unit is one of the most recognizable within Special Operations. Trained dogs and handlers work together to assist in drug detection, search and rescue operations.

The Special Enforcement Team focuses on addressing particular crime trends such as organized retail theft and high-priority public safety issues. This specialized team conducts targeted operations to disrupt criminal activity, making proactive interventions to ensure the safety of the community.

Additionally, the Traffic Management Unit plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of Leesburg's roadways by enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, and conducting DUI checkpoints, with a focus on reducing crashes and preventing dangerous driving behavior.

Lastly, the Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU), Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the Emergency Response Negotiations Team within the Leesburg Police Department are specialized units that are not full-time but are called upon when needed. These teams are composed of officers and civilian staff who maintain their regular duties but are specially trained to respond to high-risk, critical situations.

Emergency Communications Center

Blake Costello, Manager

The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) of the Leesburg Police Department is a critical component of the department's operations, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ECC serves as the central hub for receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls, ensuring timely and efficient communication between the public and first responders. Trained dispatchers in the center manage a variety of calls, coordinate responses, and deploy the necessary resources. By being staffed around the clock, the ECC ensures that every call for help is addressed promptly, supporting the department’s mission to provide immediate assistance and maintain public safety in Leesburg.