338 Crime Scene

Question 1

Functions of the Unit Crime Scene Unit (CSU)

Answer 1

Conducts all preliminary evidence gathering at crime scenes in addition to evidence analysis and photography.

Question 2

The CSU detective receives specialized, in-service, and refresher training in crime scene procedures and evidence processing, to include:

Answer 2

1. The recovery of latent fingerprints and palm prints;
2. The recovery of foot, tool, and tire impressions;
3. The photographing of crime and accident scenes;
4. The collecting, preserving, and transmitting of physical evidence, including biological material; and
5. The recording and sketching of crime or accident scenes.

Question 3

When to call a CSU detective to the scene:

Answer 3

a. All aggravated batteries;
b. Animal Bites
(1) The on-duty Canine Unit supervisor will photograph Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) canine apprehension bites. In the event a Canine supervisor is not available, the sector police supervisor will respond to photograph the incident.
(2) A CSU detective will be called in cases where a criminal investigation will be conducted in reference to an animal bite, or when someone sustains life-threatening injuries resulting from an animal bite.
c. Arson – Only when a death or life-threatening injury is involved, or when a State Fire Marshal requests a response;
d. Auto Theft – When there is evidence that the vehicle was used in the commission of a violent felony crime or when requested by a supervisor based on a known pattern, series, or trend;
e. Battery
(1) All domestic violence when there is visible injury;
(2) In a correctional facility when there is visible injury;
(3) To a law enforcement officer when there is visible injury; or
(4) When a suspect is in custody and there is visible injury to the victim.
Burglary to a residence or a business
Burglary to a vehicle – When evidence to be collected is of a nature which the patrol officer is not equipped or trained to collect, when the loss is $5,000 or more, there are five or more vehicles indicative of a series, or when a suspect is in custody.
h. Hazardous Device – only if requested by a Hazardous Devices Technician;
i. Child Abuse – ALL cases with visible injuries and/or where living conditions are a pertinent factor in the case;
j. Criminal Mischief
(1) When damage is $1,000 or more;
(2) Gang Graffiti (Profane or vulgar words spray painted on the side of a building are not by themselves considered gang graffiti); or
(3) When a suspect is in custody.
k. Death – Natural (only at the request of a supervisor or the Homicide Unit);
l. Hit and Run Crashes
(1) Anytime life threatening injury or death occurs; or
(2) When requested by a supervisor or Traffic Homicide Investigator.
m. All homicides;
n. Police vehicle damage sustained as the result of a criminal act;
o. All robberies to businesses – Unless it is known that the suspect did not touch anything;
p. Robbery (carjacking) – Only if evidence is present, the victim is injured, or the vehicle is recovered;
q. Robbery (individual) – Only if the victim has visible, photographable injuries, or if possible DNA is present;
r. All sexual batteries;
s. Lewd and lascivious assaults with evidence present;
t. All suicides or suicide attempts that require a detective response;
u. All traffic crashes involving JSO vehicles when there is injury sufficient to require emergency medical treatment and transportation by an emergency medical vehicle;
v. All traffic homicides; and
w. In other types of crashes, a CSU detective shall be called:
(1) When life threatening injuries or death is involved; or
(2) When requested by a supervisor or Traffic Homicide Investigator.

Question 4

Securing and Protecting the Crime Scene

1. Once requested, CSU detectives will be notified within

Answer 4

one hour of the request.

Question 5

If CSU detectives cannot respond immediately, they

Answer 5

will instruct the officer on how to proceed until they arrive, if necessary.

Question 6

At major crime scenes, __________ ___________ will be notified immediately.

Answer 6

Major Case CSU detective and the CSU detective supervisor

Question 7

The overall responsibility for the proper handling of major crime scenes rests with

Answer 7

the lead CSU detective and/or detective supervisor.

Question 8

Who is in charge of the investigation and the immediate scene/inside perimeter.

Answer 8

The lead detective

Question 9

Under no circumstances will entry be allowed inside the barricade taped inner perimeter, without first consulting

Answer 9

the lead detective or lead CSU detective.

Question 10

In most cases, the work on the immediate scene/inside perimeter will be done by

Answer 10

the detective and the CSU detective assigned to the case.

Question 11

All other personnel shall ______ themselves until that work is done.

Answer 11

exclude

Question 12

If no detective is present at the scene, the _______ that is present is in charge of the scene.

Answer 12

supervisor

Question 13

In cases where no supervisor or detective is present

Answer 13

the CSU detective will assume responsibility for the scene.

Question 14

If a CSU detective (or other crime scene processor) is called, the scene shall remain ________ _______ until processing is complete.

Answer 14

absolutely undisturbed

Question 15

The only exceptions are for _______________ or if

____________________________________.

Answer 15

personal safety

evidence is deteriorating (such as being rained on)

Question 16

Evidence may be released at the scene to the lawful owner in some instances, at the discretion of the

Answer 16

investigating officer or detective.

Question 17

However, under normal conditions all items of evidence shall be turned in to the Property & Evidence Facility by the ____ ______ that touches them unless otherwise directed by a supervisor.

Answer 17

first officer

Question 18

Walking into or inspecting the inner perimeter of a scene by officers of any rank or assignment is ____________ without first consulting the detective or CSU detective in charge of that perimeter.

Answer 18

not permitted

Question 19

Entering a crime scene can inadvertently contaminate the scene by

Answer 19

covering tracks or prints and introducing misleading items which appear to be evidence into the scene (e.g., footprints, fingerprints, dust or dirt from shoes, etc.).

Question 20

Therefore, officers or supervisors who enter a crime scene’s inner perimeter once it has been secured and prior to the arrival of the detective(s) and / or CSU detective will have his actions documented on

Answer 20

a Supplemental Report. The narrative of the Supplemental Report shall contain:

(1) The reason(s) for entering the scene; and
(2) Any action taken inside the scene.

Question 21

On any scene which the officer leaves before the arrival of the CSU detective, a Crime Scene Information Card (P-1199), will be completely filled out (including suspect information if available) and left at the scene.

Answer 21

a. The card will be left with the victim, the victim’s representative, or in some conspicuous place.
b. The information on the card must be legible as it is used to complete the Evidence Technician Report (P-0178). Information such as “process scene” is not useful.
c. Be specific about information which is obtained during the investigation or what areas or items are to be processed (e.g., entry was attempted through the bedroom window; however, entry was gained via the front door, process the front door and collect blood from kitchen floor, etc.).

Question 22

Officers encountering computer equipment which may contain data considered to be of evidentiary value will:

Answer 22

a. Not handle the computer, including turning it on or off;
b. Refer to Order 392 (Computer Forensics Investigations) for instructions on preserving and collecting any digital evidence.

Question 23

Photographs of injuries will not be requested or taken by a JSO CSU detective under the following circumstances: [CALEA 83.2.2]

Answer 23

external genitalia (unless court ordered)
child being examined by CPT
adult sexual assault SAFE

Question 24

Photographs of all JSO motor vehicles involved in a crash will be taken by the responding ___________, provided there are no injuries requiring transport to a medical facility

Answer 24

supervisor

Question 25

photographing these crash scenes, particular attention should be paid

Answer 25

skid marks, points of impact, final resting place, physical evidence, and the ID number of the Sheriff’s Office vehicle involved

Question 26

Photographs of other City of Jacksonville (COJ) owned vehicles involved in accidents not involving injury or fatality are ____ _______, unless requested by the COJ adjuster or approved by the on scene supervisor.

Answer 26

not required

Question 27

All photos taken by supervisors shall be turned in for processing using the following procedure:

Answer 27

a. Complete the memory card clasp envelope including a brief description of the photos taken;
b. Place the memory card in the envelope;
c. Prior to the end of their tour of duty, put the envelope into the secured gray mailbox located behind the security desk at the Forsyth Street entrance to the Police Memorial Building (PMB); and
d. Before putting the envelope into the gray mailbox notify the building security personnel at the Forsyth Street entrance so they can issue a replacement memory card, if applicable. The envelopes are located beside the gray mailbox.

Question 28

A CSU detective will be called to process stolen vehicles when there is evidence that the vehicle was used

Answer 28

in the commission of a violent felony crime or when requested by a supervisor based on a known pattern, series, or trend.

Question 29

Other stolen vehicles will be processed by a _____ ______ at the scene of recovery whenever possible.

Answer 29

patrol officers

Question 30

Recovered vehicles require processing when:

Answer 30

Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, or

Question 31

A vehicle shall be processed if it is possibly an unreported stolen vehicle and there are items of usable evidence or suspicious circumstances such as:

Answer 31

(1) A broken steering column;
(2) Stripped items; or
(3) A suspect flees the vehicle, or scene of a crime, and the vehicle is the only key to the suspect’s identity.

Question 32

Owners of vehicles who do not want their vehicles processed or are not inclined to pay for the towing shall

Answer 32

have their vehicles released to them immediately

Question 33

Recoveries from jurisdictions other than Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, or Baker County will not be processed unless requested by another agency or

Answer 33

when deemed necessary by a supervisor

Question 34

Does the processing of vehicles from other jurisdiction include cases where a suspect was apprehended?

Answer 34

Yes

Question 35

If the vehicle is to be processed, and processing can be done at the scene of the recovery, officers will:

Answer 35

a. Process the vehicle for latent finger prints and collect small items of evidence;
b. Complete an electronic Evidence Report;
c. Have National Crime Information Center (NCIC) notify the owner to take possession at the scene;
d. Have the owner sign the release receipt in the report’s vehicle section; and
e. Latent lifts shall be placed in the locked drop box located at the Duty Desk, to be collected by LPU personnel.