6.360 Crime Scene Investigations Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary responsibility of the patrol officer during preliminary investigations?
A
Evaluate circumstances, take immediate action, render aid, and protect the crime scene.
This is outlined in LVMPD 6.300, Protecting Crime Scenes and Rendering Aid.
2
Q
Who assumes responsibility when a patrol officer arrives on the scene in a supervisory capacity?
A
The supervisory patrol officer will evaluate circumstances and direct the efforts of assigned officers.
3
Q
What should a patrol officer do if a crime requires expertise beyond their capability?
A
Request assistance from a detective.
4
Q
Which section is notified when a crime involves a dignitary or politician?
A
The Criminal Intelligence Section (CIS) lieutenant or designee.
5
Q
What actions should a patrol officer take when detectives are responding to assume investigative responsibility?
A
Begin the preliminary investigation and brief a supervisor.
6
Q
What types of crimes require Patrol Investigations to be notified?
A
Property-related crimes at a felony level, including:
* Auto thefts requiring immediate follow-up
* Residential/commercial burglaries over $50,000
* Grand larceny over $75,000
* Series-related burglaries
* Firearm-related crimes involving prohibited persons.
7
Q
Fill in the blank: The policy of this department is to identify, document, and collect evidence that may prove or disprove that a _______ has been committed.
A
criminal offense.
8
Q
True or False: The patrol officer is always the first to arrive at the scene of a crime.
A
True.
9
Q
What is the role of the patrol supervisor at a crime scene?
A
Respond and either provide the briefing to detectives or designate an officer to provide the briefing.
10
Q
What is the focus of Crime Scene Investigations?
A
Control, documentation, and reporting of crime scenes.
11
Q
What teams are involved in notifications regarding critical incidents?
A
Force Investigation Team (FIT) and Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT).
12
Q
What is the first step a patrol officer should take upon arriving at a crime scene?
A
Evaluate the circumstances.
13
Q
What is a crime related to possession of a stolen firearm?
A
Possession of a stolen firearm or obliterated serial number
14
Q
List some person-related crimes at a felony level.
A
- Assault
- Battery
- Mayhem
- Attempted murder
- Robberies
- Larceny from persons
15
Q
What are domestic-related crimes at a felony level?
A
- Assault
- Battery
- Strangulation
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Violation of protective orders
16
Q
What should happen if suspicious deaths are observed?
A
The Homicide Section lieutenant will be notified
17
Q
What is required for crimes that need investigative follow-up?
A
A search warrant
18
Q
What bureau is notified on all crimes involving commercial robbery where a victim has been shot?
A
The Theft Crimes Bureau (TCB) Robbery Section
19
Q
What type of robbery is characterized by numerous victims or witnesses?
A
Takeover type robbery (e.g., casino or bar)
20
Q
What type of robbery involves armored vehicles?
A
Armored car robberies
21
Q
What must be present for active kidnap events that the Robbery Section investigates?
A
Extortion demand
22
Q
What type of robbery is assigned to the Robbery Section that is part of an ongoing series?
A
Robberies that have been previously identified
23
Q
What situation involving robbery may gain intense media attention?
A
Any situation involving a crime the Robbery Section handles
24
Q
What specific type of robbery is mentioned that involves banks?
A
Bank robberies
25
26
What is the role of the Robbery Section in commercial robberies?
Handles immediate follow-up investigation where necessary
## Footnote
This includes discussions between the supervisor on scene and the on-call Robbery Section representative.
27
What qualifies commercial robberies as part of an identifiable spree?
Three or more events
## Footnote
This triggers notification to the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) and Construction Theft Section.
28
What is the threshold value for theft to be investigated by the ORC and Construction Theft Section?
Over $75,000 in value
## Footnote
This pertains to retail products.
29
What type of theft involves a suspect in custody with verifiable information?
Theft that involves a suspect in custody who has specific, verifiable, and actionable information on a fencing operation
## Footnote
This allows for targeted investigative efforts.
30
What theft involves the manipulation of commercial fuel pumps?
Theft involving commercial fuel with the use of a pulser device or any device used to manipulate fuel pumps
## Footnote
Such devices can illegally alter fuel dispensing.
31
What items are included in theft from an active construction site?
Items including copper
## Footnote
This is often a target for thieves due to its value.
32
What types of thefts related to retail businesses are reported to ORC?
Misdemeanor and felony thefts
## Footnote
Both types are significant for retail loss prevention.
33
Who retains responsibility for commercial burglaries occurring outside of normal business hours?
Area command detectives
## Footnote
They also handle construction thefts occurring away from active sites.
34
What types of deaths require notification to the Homicide Section?
Homicides, fire deaths, suspicious deaths
## Footnote
Notifications occur after crime scene analysts assess the scene.
35
Under which LVMPD policy are sexual assault and abuse investigations notifications made?
LVMPD 6.240
## Footnote
This outlines the procedures for handling such cases.
36
What is the protocol for missing persons notifications?
Made per LVMPD 4.130
## Footnote
This policy addresses missing persons and runaways.
37
Which LVMPD policy governs notifications for abuse and neglect investigations?
LVMPD 6.243
## Footnote
This policy ensures proper handling of abuse and neglect cases.
38
Who responds to all major incidents/scenes and assumes command?
The area sergeant or lieutenant
## Footnote
They take over from the patrol officer at the scene.
39
What is the responsibility of the area sergeant regarding major incidents?
Evaluate circumstances and determine the need for Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
## Footnote
They also provide details to the watch commander.
40
What must personnel in an acting supervisory capacity fulfill?
Duties of the position in which they are acting
## Footnote
This ensures continuity of leadership and responsibility.
41
What happens if additional preliminary investigation is required?
Consultation occurs between area sergeant, lieutenant, or incident commander and investigating detective
## Footnote
This determines the need for further investigation.
42
43
44
Who assumes investigative responsibility for the crime scene?
The investigating detective
## Footnote
The detective takes charge of the investigation at the crime scene.
45
What role do the area sergeant, lieutenant, or incident commander play in maintaining the crime scene?
Assist in coordinating available patrol personnel
## Footnote
They help ensure the integrity of the crime scene until relieved by investigative personnel.
46
When is the patrol officer responsible for the investigation?
If follow-up by an investigative bureau is not needed
## Footnote
The patrol officer retains investigative responsibility in such cases.
47
What is the responsibility of the Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) at a crime scene?
Processing the crime or accident scene
## Footnote
The CSA is assigned to ensure an independent, scientific-based investigation.
48
What document do CSAs complete to record the results of the scene processing?
Crime Scene Investigation Report (LVMPD ISD 6)
## Footnote
This report is essential for documenting crime scene processing.
49
How quickly should a CSA ideally arrive at a crime scene?
Within one hour
## Footnote
Response to rural areas may take up to two hours.
50
What is the purpose of the Major Incident Log?
To document personnel at a crime scene
## Footnote
It must be completed accurately by the patrol officer.
51
Who is responsible for completing all reports associated with the event?
Patrol officers
## Footnote
They maintain responsibility unless relieved by the investigating detective.
52
What should officers do upon arrival at the crime scene?
Coordinate the preliminary and/or follow-up investigation
## Footnote
This includes observing and recording conditions, events, and remarks.
53
What happens if no photographs are taken or physical evidence recovered at a serious crime scene?
An explanation must be included in applicable reports
## Footnote
This ensures that all circumstances are documented.
54
What is the responsibility of CSAs regarding evidence at the crime scene?
Properly book and seal all evidence
## Footnote
They ensure the chain of custody is maintained.
55
Who is responsible for evidence found at secondary locations?
The finding officer, unless otherwise determined by the CSA
## Footnote
CSAs may take over if special handling is needed.
56
What should officers do if they physically handle evidence at the crime scene?
Properly book and seal all evidence
## Footnote
This is crucial to maintain the chain of custody.
57
What can investigating officers do if there is a large amount of evidence?
Assist the CSAs in properly booking and sealing the evidence
## Footnote
This facilitates the evidence handling process.
58
59
What is the responsibility of the investigating officer when requesting a CSA to photograph or process a crime scene?
Properly book and seal any evidence
## Footnote
This ensures the integrity of the evidence collected at the scene.
60
Who can book and seal the evidence if CSI personnel are not requested?
The officer locating the evidence
## Footnote
This procedure is followed to maintain evidence integrity.
61
If several officers locate evidence in proximity, what is the protocol?
One officer can book all of the evidence
## Footnote
This is acceptable to streamline the evidence collection process.
62
What must officers/detectives do after digitally photographing crime scenes?
Upload the photographs to OnBase and Evidence.com before the end of shift
## Footnote
This facilitates proper documentation and evidence management.
63
In what situations are crime scene photographs typically limited to being taken?
Terrorist attacks or mass casualty incidents
## Footnote
This is due to the urgency of identifying additional suspects or accomplices.
64
Who is authorized to take photographs of crime scenes during rapidly evolving incidents?
Sergeant or higher, authorized by a lieutenant or above
## Footnote
This ensures that trained personnel are managing sensitive crime scene documentation.
65
What type of devices should be used to take photographs at crime scenes?
Only department-issued devices
## Footnote
Personal devices are not allowed to maintain evidence integrity.
66
Who can receive disseminated photographs from crime scenes?
Special Operations Bureau commander, SNCTC commander, or a Deputy Chief or above
## Footnote
This limitation helps ensure that sensitive information is only shared with authorized personnel.
67
What must be documented when exchanging or changing custody of photographs?
A log, memo, or email
## Footnote
This documentation supports the necessity for rapid information movement and exceptions to crime scene preservation.
68
Who verifies the deletion of photographs from department devices?
The bureau commander
## Footnote
This verifies that photographs are deleted to limit further distribution after the initial sharing.
69
What are the responsibilities of the Homicide Section supervisor at a homicide scene?
Responsible for police activities at the crime scene
## Footnote
This includes overseeing the entire investigation process.
70
What are the responsibilities of CSAs at a homicide scene?
Collection, marking, recording, and processing of evidentiary material
## Footnote
This is critical for ensuring that all relevant evidence is properly handled.
71
Before starting a crime scene investigation, what must the HSCB detective and CSAs do?
Confer to determine actions to be taken and authorized personnel to enter the scene
## Footnote
This coordination is essential for effective crime scene management.
72
What is the protocol regarding personnel entering the crime scene perimeter?
Only sufficient personnel essential to the investigation will be allowed
## Footnote
This helps protect the integrity of the crime scene.
73
What should CSI do when human remains believed to belong to a Native American are discovered?
Consult a representative of a tribe located within the county
## Footnote
This is important for respecting cultural sensitivities and legal requirements.
74
75
What must be done when remains are found?
Notify the Office of Historic Preservation of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
## Footnote
Refer to Senate Bill [SB] 364 for more details.
76
What factors may indicate remains belong to a Native American?
Presence of tools or jewelry appearing to be of American Indian origin such as:
* Arrowheads
* Spear points
* Beads
* Ornaments for clothing and headdresses
## Footnote
These items can serve as indicators of Native American heritage.
77
How are reported deaths or bodily injuries treated initially?
As a homicide until an investigation determines otherwise.
78
Who coordinates all investigative follow-up in homicide cases?
A Homicide Section supervisor.
79
What must happen if an apparent suicide may be due to homicide?
Request a CSA to confirm the death is suspicious.
80
What should an officer do if a death is confirmed suspicious?
Immediately notify the Homicide Section lieutenant or designee.
81
What is the role of the CSI director in homicide incidents?
To be notified of incidents involving multiple homicides.
82
What is the first action by the Homicide Section lieutenant and sergeant after being contacted?
Coordinate to determine the number of additional Homicide Section personnel needed.
83
When should Homicide Section detectives be involved in motor vehicle homicide cases?
When it is believed that death will occur.
84
What does FIT stand for?
Force Investigation Team.
85
What does CIRT stand for?
Critical Incident Review Team.
86
What types of incidents does FIT respond to?
Cases with death or critical bodily harm involving police involvement.
87
What is the purpose of a CIRT investigation?
To identify policy and procedure shortcomings.
88
What is the result of the investigations conducted by FIT and CIRT?
To learn from each incident and better prepare members for similar situations.
89
What must FIT do when responding to incidents?
Control crime scenes as outlined in LVMPD 6.300.
90
What are the types of incidents that require FIT notification? List at least three.
* Officer involved shootings (OISs)
* In-custody deaths or critical bodily harm where there is police involvement
* Use of deadly force incidents.
91
True or False: FIT is notified for any incident where a department member is a victim of a violent felony crime.
True.
92
What incidents will CIRT be notified on?
1. OISs
2. In-custody deaths
3. Attempted suicides at Detention Services Division (DSD)
4. Use of deadly force incidents
5. Incidents where the force led to critical injury
6. Incidents where a department member is a victim of violent felony crime
## Footnote
OIS stands for Officer-Involved Shooting.
93
What are 'Gestures' in the context of inmate behavior?
'Gestures' are actions by inmates that may appear to be suicide attempts but are not made with the intent to harm themselves.
## Footnote
These gestures aim to gain the attention of corrections personnel.
94
What should corrections personnel do when an inmate's intent is not to commit suicide?
Assume investigative responsibility and forward the results to the CIRT lieutenant.
## Footnote
Insignificant injuries resulting from the gesture are a factor.
95
Who is responsible for responding to incidents that require CIRT notification?
The on-duty DSD or patrol watch commander, depending on the incident location.
## Footnote
They must ensure the on-call FIT/CIRT lieutenant is notified.
96
Are patrol detectives required to respond to DSD incidents?
No, patrol detectives are not required to respond to DSD incidents for preliminary investigations.
## Footnote
The on-call FIT/CIRT lieutenant will coordinate additional investigative assistance if needed.
97
When will the Safe Neighborhoods Bureau (SNB) Gangs Section be notified?
When crimes are determined to be gang-involved.
## Footnote
This includes crimes like homicide and attempted murder.
98
What types of incidents prompt the Gangs Section to respond as the primary investigative unit?
1. Firing a gun into an occupied structure
2. Firing a gun from a moving vehicle
3. Violent felony crimes
4. Homicide, robbery, kidnapping, or sexual assault if gang involvement is suspected
## Footnote
Violent felony crimes include BWDW, AWDW, or BWSBH.
99
Fill in the blank: The Gangs Section will assist with intelligence gathering for incidents like _______.
Homicide
## Footnote
This includes any incident where actionable intelligence can be gained.
100
True or False: The Gangs Section is only involved in homicide cases.
False
## Footnote
They are involved in various gang-related incidents, not just homicides.
101
102
What is the role of the Gangs Section in crime scene investigations?
Provide intelligence support and gather intelligence to disrupt gang activities
## Footnote
This includes preventing retaliatory actions, intimidation of witnesses, and further violent crimes.
103
Who is responsible for police activities at the crime scene during a FIT investigation?
The FIT detective
## Footnote
The FIT detective oversees all police activities that occur at the crime scene.
104
What is the role of the Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) at a crime scene?
Collection, marking, recording, and processing of evidentiary material
## Footnote
The CSA is tasked with handling the physical evidence at the crime scene.
105
Before commencing the crime scene investigation, what must the FIT detective and CSAs do?
Confer to determine actions to be taken and authorized personnel for the scene
## Footnote
This includes decisions on which officers, detectives, or CSAs can enter the crime scene perimeter.
106
What is the policy regarding personnel entering the crime scene perimeter?
Only sufficient personnel essential to the investigation are allowed to enter
## Footnote
Involved officers and witness officers will be removed from the inner perimeter.
107
What happens if a suspect commits suicide during an active pursuit?
FIT will be notified and may respond to conduct a suicide investigation
## Footnote
This includes counting firearms of involved officers present at the termination point.
108
Who is responsible for notifying the Coroner's Office for suicides, overdoses, natural, or accidental deaths?
The patrol officer in charge at the scene
## Footnote
This notification is done via the Communications supervisor.
109
Who notifies the Coroner's Office for all homicides and questionable deaths?
The Homicide Section detective in charge at the scene
## Footnote
This ensures proper protocol is followed for such cases.
110
Who is responsible for notifying the Coroner's Office in FIT investigations involving a death?
The FIT detective in charge at the scene
## Footnote
This is part of the protocol for handling death investigations.
111
Fill in the blank: The _______ detective is responsible for all police activities at the crime scene during a FIT investigation.
[FIT] detective
112
True or False: Only personnel deemed essential to the investigation can enter the crime scene perimeter.
True
113
114
What is the role of the Gangs Section in crime scene investigations?
To provide intelligence support and disrupt gang activities
## Footnote
This includes preventing retaliatory actions and intimidation of witnesses.
115
Who is responsible for all police activities at the crime scene during a FIT investigation?
The FIT detective
## Footnote
FIT stands for Field Investigation Team.
116
What are the responsibilities of the Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) at a crime scene?
Collection, marking, recording, and processing of evidentiary material
## Footnote
CSAs play a critical role in preserving evidence.
117
Before commencing a crime scene investigation, what must the FIT detective and CSAs do?
Confer to determine actions to be taken at the scene
## Footnote
This includes deciding which personnel can enter the crime scene perimeter.
118
Who is allowed to enter the interior of the crime scene perimeter?
Only sufficient personnel essential to the investigation
## Footnote
Involved officers and witness officers will be removed from the inner perimeter.
119
What happens if a suspect commits suicide after being pursued by officers?
FIT will be notified and may respond to conduct a suicide investigation
## Footnote
If a firearm was involved, a countdown of all involved officers' firearms may be conducted.
120
How is the Coroner's Office notified in the case of a suicide?
By the patrol officer in charge at the scene
## Footnote
This is part of the protocol for notifying the Coroner's Office.
121
Who notifies the Coroner's Office for all homicides and questionable deaths?
The Homicide Section detective in charge at the scene
## Footnote
This ensures that proper procedures are followed for serious investigations.
122
What is the notification procedure for FIT investigations involving a death?
Notified by the FIT detective in charge at the scene
## Footnote
FIT detectives handle specific investigations related to fatalities.
123
Fill in the blank: The Gangs Section works to disrupt gang activities related to _______.
[retaliation, intimidation, and violent crimes]
124
True or False: Only officers directly involved in a case are permitted to enter the crime scene perimeter.
True
## Footnote
This is to maintain the integrity of the crime scene.
