Which law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating serious crimes in Modesto?

The Modesto Police Department is responsible for investigating serious crimes within the city of Modesto. As a municipal police agency, it has jurisdiction over law enforcement in the city and is tasked with addressing various crimes, including felonies and other serious offenses. The department has specialized units that focus on different types of crimes, ensuring that investigations are thorough and tailored to the specific nature of each case.

The California Highway Patrol primarily focuses on law enforcement on highways and major state routes, making it less involved in city-specific crime investigations. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, while it provides law enforcement for the county and can investigate crimes, typically handles law enforcement duties in areas outside city limits or in unincorporated areas of the county. The FBI has jurisdiction over federal offenses and national security matters, which means they might assist with or take on serious cases that cross state lines or involve federal laws, but they don't usually take the lead on crimes occurring solely within Modesto's city limits unless specific conditions apply. Thus, the designated agency for serious crimes in Modesto is unequivocally the Modesto Police Department.