Procedure 701-Crime Scene Duties

Question 1

.03A. The scene of any crime is physical evidence in itself. However, the best physical evidence is normally found;

Answer 1

at or near the site of the most critical action taken by the criminal against the property or victim.

Question 2

.03B. In order for physical evidence to be effectively used by the Investigator and the prosecutor, its presence;

Answer 2

must be recognized by the officers at or near the crime scene.

Question 3

.03C. For physical evidence to be of use in discovering the facts of a crime, it must be;

Answer 3

properly preserved, recorded, and collected.

Question 4

.03D. Automatically assumes the responsibility of securing the crime scene area from unauthorized intrusions to protect any physical evidence.

Answer 4

The first officer to arrive at the scene of a crime.

Question 5

.04A. No set of definite rules can be applied to defining the;

Answer 5

dimensions of the scene of a crime.

Question 6

.04B. While it is entirely possible the dimensions of a crime scene will be large, there are usually priority areas;

Answer 6

readily apparent to the trained officer / UEDI or Crime Scene Unit Investigator which should be given immediate protection.

Question 7

.05A. While the ranking command officer at the scene of any call is in overall charge, he may delegate supervision to the;

Answer 7

assigned sergeant and acts as an overseer. He intervenes only when he observes serious breaches of established procedure.

Question 8

.05A. Make periodic checks of major crime scenes to ensure proper procedures are being followed.

Answer 8

Command Officers

Question 9

.05A. Exceptions are calls which involve an officer of this department in any major incident. Under such
circumstances;

Answer 9

the ranking command officer shall be in charge of the scene.

Question 10

.05B. Patrol Division supervisory officers are in charge of supervising all lower ranking officers at any major crime scene, including follow-up detectives and Crime Scene Unit Investigators in the absence of an;

Answer 10

Investigations Division supervisory officer.

Question 11

.05B. . When present at a crime scene, he supervises the activities of the follow-up detectives, U.E.D.I.s, and Crime Scene Unit Investigators assigned to the case.

Answer 11

Investigations Division supervisory officer

Question 12

.05B. proceed to any major crime scene or any crime scene where supervisory presence is requested and assess the crime scene to determine:

Answer 12

a. If sufficient officers at the scene.
b. crime scene dimensions / best protection method;
c. quadrant established / officers working it properly;
d. proper info on actor broadcast to quadrant;
e. Whether dispatcher notified M.E.’s Office in deaths;
f. If Investigations Division detectives are needed.

Question 13

.05B. Assign officers to specific duties required to correctly protect and process the crime scene.

Answer 13

Patrol Division supervisory officers

Question 14

.05B. Determine when and/or if the news media may be briefed and admitted to the scene.

Answer 14

Patrol Division supervisory officers

Question 15

.05B. Remain at the scene as long as necessary to ensure proper protection of the scene and supervises subordinates in the performance of their assigned functions.

Answer 15

Patrol Division supervisory officers

Question 16

.05B. Prepare supplemental describing actions and the names and duties of officers at the crime scene.

Answer 16

Patrol Division supervisory officers

Question 17

.06A. Note any remarks made by the complainant, witness, or actor upon arrival at the crime scene.

Answer 17

Officers Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 18

.06A. Interview and/or interrogate the actor or suspect, unless the crime will be investigated by a follow-up unit, who will interview or interrogate the actor or suspect.

Answer 18

Officers Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 19

.06A. If an emergency exists, the amount of time lapse involved and whether additional officers are needed to aid the injured and secure the scene;

Answer 19

Officers Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 20

.06A. If an emergency does not exist, advise responding officers to slow down in responding to the scene of the crime.

Answer 20

Officers Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 21

.06A. Locate, identify, and interview the complainant and witnesses:

Answer 21

Officers Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 22

.06A. Officers should utilize SAPD Neighborhood Canvas Form, on any preliminary criminal investigation where witnesses are;

Answer 22

likely to be present, or at the direction of a supervisor or follow-up unit personnel.

Question 23

.06A. All SAPD Forms #2010 are forwarded to the;

Answer 23

appropriate follow-up unit.

Question 24

.06A. Prepare the proper reports which describe the offense, including vehicles, persons, suspicious activities possibly related;

Answer 24

to the offense which was observed on the way to the scene;

Question 25

.06A. Officers Assigned to Crime Scene prepare reports containing:

Answer 25

a. Suspicious persons, vehicles, activities b. Time of arrival; c. officers' names if supervisory officers not present; d. Initial observations, including any res gestae made by actor or dying declarations by complainant.

Question 26

.06A. When an officer must handle evidence, he takes custody of the evidence, and:

Answer 26

handles in least intrusive manner to avoid destroying the item, fingerprints, or other trace evidence that may be on the item;

Question 27

.06A. When an officer must handle evidence, he marks the exact location where the evidence was found and;

Answer 27

points this out to the UEDI / Crime Scene Unit Investigator;

Question 28

.06A. When an officer must handle evidence, he Protects the item from loss or;

Answer 28

unnecessary handling;

Question 29

.06A. When an officer must handle evidence, he marks the item for;

Answer 29

later identification and turns it over to the UEDI / Crime Scene Unit Investigator, or places it in the Property Room as evidence.

Question 30

.06A. When must an officer handle a firearm as evidence;

Answer 30

when it is obvious the firearm must be removed to protect it from loss, destruction, or contamination.

Question 31

.06A. When an officer must handle a firearm as evidence he handles the firearm in the least intrusive manner to;

Answer 31

avoid destroying the item, fingerprints, or other trace evidence that may be on the firearm, does not rotate the cylinder, does not unload firearm;

Question 32

.06A. When an officer must handle a firearm as evidence, he records the exact location of;

Answer 32

recovery, condition of the firearm, and marks it with his initials;

Question 33

.06A. Places the firearm in the Property Room, or | turns the firearm over to;

Answer 33

U.E.D.I. s / C.S.U. Investigators upon their arrival and relates the location where it was found; and details his possession in a written report.

Question 34

.06A. All officers will prepare the necessary supplemental reports documenting the reason for responding and actions taken in regard to the call, for any call they were assigned to, dispatched to, or assisting at or near any crime scene where;

Answer 34

a felony apprehension has been made.

Question 35

.06B. Upon arrival, immediately surveys the crime scene to determine the type of crime committed; and whether additional equipment or personnel are needed to assist in processing the crime scene and request same from the dispatcher.

Answer 35

UEDI / C.S.U Investigator Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 36

.06B. Establishes the perimeter of the crime using crime scene barrier tape, if necessary, and processes the crime scene for evidence.

Answer 36

UEDI / C.S.U Investigator Assigned to Crime Scene

Question 37

.06B. Assesses the crime scene to determine if their presence in the crime scene area is necessary and when it is necessary to enter, uses caution to avoid contamination of the crime scene area;

Answer 37

Follow-Up Unit Detective

Question 38

.06B. When it becomes necessary to move any objects, the follow-up unit detective records the exact location and condition in the;

Answer 38

detective’s report, properly marks the item, and turns it over to the U.E.D.I./C.S.U. Investigator for processing upon arrival.

Question 39

.06B. Follow-Up Unit Detectives make arrangements for witnesses to give their statements and when transportation is necessary, advises a;

Answer 39

Patrol Division Sergeant .

Question 40

.06B. When it becomes necessary to move any objects, the follow-up unit detective records the exact location and condition in the;

Answer 40

detective’s report, properly marks the item, and turns it over to the U.E.D.I./C.S.U. Investigator for processing upon arrival.

Question 41

.07A. Personnel authorized to enter a homicide or violent crime scene includes:

Answer 41

a. First officer / U.E.D.I. to arrive; b. Emergency medical personnel; c. Assigned Patrol Division Sergeant; d. officers / U.E.D.I.s to secure crime scene; e. Assigned C.S.U. Investigators, C.S.U. supervisor; f. Assigned follow-up personnel; ad g. Investigators Bexar County M.E.

Question 42

.07A. Will assign a Patrol Officer to complete SAPD Form 4130, “Crime Scene Personnel Log,” to document all personnel entering the crime scene.

Answer 42

Patrol Division Supervisor

Question 43

.07A. SAPD Form 4130 will be forwarded to the | Homicide Unit;

Answer 43

prior to the end of the assigned Patrol Officer’s tour of duty.

Question 44

Upon receiving SAPD Form 4130, Homicide Unit personnel will ensure that it is;

Answer 44

included in the investigative file.

Question 45

.07A. Once the crime scene has been deemed secure Any personnel entering an indoor crime scene;

Answer 45

will wear protective shoe coverings and gloves;

Question 46

.07A. Any personnel entering an outdoor crime scene will wear;

Answer 46

gloves. The use of any additional equipment, | such as shoe covers, will be determined by an Investigations Division Supervisor.

Question 47

.07A. When the victim is obviously dead, the body may not be moved without authorization from the

Answer 47

Bexar County M.E. or a Medical Examiner Investigator, except in; a. emergency circumstances; or b. unreasonable delay failed to contact M.E.'s Office

Question 48

.07A. Before moving the victim’s body, the officers / U.E.D.I.s shall:

Answer 48

a. Make note of original victim position. | b. Request the C.S.U. Investigator photo and take measurements of the crime scene.

Question 49

.07A. Upon discovery of a "mysterious" homicide or one in which no witnesses or suspects are apparent, or where it appears a solution to the crime may rest heavily on the development of physical evidence to identify a criminal actor or actors, the only officers authorized to enter a crime scene;

Answer 49

are those specifically charged with processing the area for physical evidence.

Question 50

.07B. Officers Assigned locate the video recording origin and take custody of the VHS tape and pull;

Answer 50

the tab on the side to prevent recording over the evidence.

Question 51

.06B. Identifies and interviews witnesses outside the immediate crime scene area;

Answer 51

Follow-Up Unit Detectives

Question 52

.06B. Follow-Up Unit Detectives make arrangements for witnesses to give their statements and when transportation is necessary, advises a;

Answer 52

Patrol Division Sergeant .

Question 53

.06B. Identifies and interviews witnesses outside the immediate crime scene area;

Answer 53

Follow-Up Unit Detectives

Question 54

06B. Follow-Up Unit Detectives make arrangements for witnesses to give their statements and when transportation is necessary, advises a;

Answer 54

Patrol Division Sergeant .

Question 55

.07A. In every instance, officers / U.E.D.I.s call for emergency medical assistance at;

Answer 55

Homicide or violent crime scenes.

Question 56

07A. Personnel authorized to enter a homicide or violent crime scene includes:a. First officer / U.E.D.I. to arrive;

Answer 56

b. Emergency medical personnel; c. Assigned Patrol Division Sergeant; d. officers / U.E.D.I.s to secure crime scene; e. Assigned C.S.U. Investigators, C.S.U. supervisor; f. Assigned follow-up personnel; ad g. Investigators Bexar County M.E.

Question 57

.07A. Will assign a Patrol Officer to complete SAPD Form 4130, “Crime Scene Personnel Log,” to document all personnel entering the crime scene. Patrol Division Supervisor.07A. SAPD Form 4130 will be forwarded to the

Answer 57

Homicide Unit;prior to the end of the assigned Patrol Officer’s tour of duty.

Question 58

.07A. In every instance, officers / U.E.D.I.s call for emergency medical assistance.Homicide or violent crime scenes.07A. Personnel authorized to enter a homicide or violent crime scene includes:a. First officer / U.E.D.I. to arrive;

Answer 58

a. Emergency medical personnel; b. Assigned Patrol Division Sergeant; c. officers / U.E.D.I.s to secure crime scene; d. Assigned C.S.U. Investigators, C.S.U. supervisor; e Assigned follow-up personnel; ad f. Investigators Bexar County M.E..07A. Will assign a Patrol Officer to complete SAPD Form 4130, “Crime Scene Personnel Log,” to document all personnel entering the crime scene. Patrol Division Supervisor.

Question 59

07A. SAPD Form 4130 will be forwarded to the | Homicide Unit;prior to;

Answer 59

the end of the assigned Patrol Officer’s tour of duty.

Question 60

.07A. Homicide and/or violent crime scenes. In every instance, officers/UEDIs call for;

Answer 60

emergency medical assistance.

Question 61

.07A. Personnel authorized to enter a homicide or violent crime scene includes:

Answer 61

a. First officer/UEDI to arrive; b. Emergency medical personnel; c. Assigned Patrol Division Sergeant; d. More officers/UEDIs necessary to secure; e. C.S.U. Investigators, and supervisor; f. Assigned follow-up personnel; and g. M.E. Investigators

Question 62

.07. A Patrol Division Supervisor will assign a Patrol Officer to complete SAPD Form 4130, “Crime Scene Personnel Log,” and it will be forwarded to the Homicide Unit prior to the end of the;

Answer 62

assigned Patrol Officer’s tour of duty.

Question 63

.07A . Once the crime scene has been deemed secure any personnel entering an indoor crime scene will wear;

Answer 63

protective shoe coverings and gloves;

Question 64

.07A . Any personnel entering an outdoor crime scene will;

Answer 64

wear gloves. The use of any additional equipment, | such as shoe covers, will be determined by an Investigations Division Supervisor.

Question 65

.07A . The Follow-Up Unit Supervisor or his designee, will be responsible for the;

Answer 65

direction and coordination of the investigation

Question 66

.07A . When the victim is obviously dead, the body may not be moved without authorization from the M.E. or a M.E. Investigator, except:

Answer 66

a. In emergency circumstances; or | b. In cases of unreasonable delay after repeated attempts to contact M.E.'s Office have failed.

Question 67

.07B. Crime Scenes Where Video Recordings Are Made:Officers assigned: Locate the video recording origin and take custody of the VHS tape and;

Answer 67

pull the tab on the side of the VHS tape so the tape cannot be recorded over.

Question 68

.07B . Viewing of the master video recording by officers is only allowed when it is needed for;

Answer 68

immediate information on the crime and can be done in a manner which does not risk the master video, with approval from the follow-up unit.

Question 69

.07B . Maintains custody and control of the master video recording, unless the master video recording is released to a Crime Scene Unit Investigator or Technical Investigations Detail detective at a life threatening incident or is requested by a member of the follow-up unit.

Answer 69

Officer assigned

Question 70

.07B. Upon completion of his crime scene duties, the officer delivers the master video recording and a copy of his report to the;

Answer 70

video tape receptacle located in the Headquarters Building Central Mail Room.

Question 71

.07B. If the master video recording was released to a Crime Scene Investigator or a member of the follow-up unit, the officer shall attach a;

Answer 71

copy of his report to the master video recording before releasing the master video recording.

Question 72

.07B. Returns the master video recording along with a copy of his report and the officer’s;

Answer 72

report to the video tape receptacle located in the Headquarters Building Central Mail Room.

Question 73

.07B. Crime Scene Unit Investigator Assigned | Takes custody of the master video recording if the crime is a;

Answer 73

life-threatening incident;

Question 74

.07B. If the digital video copy cannot be made, the Crime Scene Unit Investigator shall take custody of all digital video equipment including;

Answer 74

the monitor when requested by a supervisor and place it in the Property Room.

Question 75

.07B. They shall also route a copy of their report to the follow-up unit and;

Answer 75

Technical Investigations Detail supervisors.

Question 76

.07B. Follow-Up Unit Detective(s) Assigned | (1) Views or takes custody of a master video recording of a crime involving a;

Answer 76

life threatening incident.

Question 77

.07B. The follow-up unit detective should view the master video recording to verify;

Answer 77

the incident was properly recorded.

Question 78

.07B. If the master video recording is made from a digital recording device the video should be viewed on;

Answer 78

another computer if available to verify the incident was properly recorded and downloaded.

Question 79

.07B. If the follow-up unit detective takes custody of a master video recording, he delivers the master video recording, with copies of reports from the assigned officer/UEDI and C.S.U. Investigator, along with a copy of his report, to the;

Answer 79

video tape receptacle located in the Headquarters Building Central Mail Room.

Question 80

.07B. When requested, he determines whether forced entry into the video recording origin is necessary to recover a master video recording.

Answer 80

the supervisor

Question 81

.07B. When custody of the video evidence is refused, the supervisor will notify the follow-up unit to let them determine if they want to do an;

Answer 81

immediate search warrant or wait to obtain the video evidence at a later date.

Question 82

.07B. When advised a master video recording cannot be made the supervisor determines if the offense is severe enough to notify the;

Answer 82

Technical Investigations Detail Detectives, after business hours, to respond to the scene and make a digital video.

Question 83

.07B. Police involved shooting or Capital Murder investigation where video holds a key role in the investigation, the offense is severe enough to notify the

Answer 83

Technical Investigations Detail Detectives, after business hours, to respond to the scene and make a digital video.

Question 84

.07B. So that the Technical Investigations Detail Detectives can respond and attempt to make a digital video copy of the incident, the;

Answer 84

supervisor will have the Communication Unit call the Detectives

Question 85

.07C. In the event the owner or representative is not available to give consent, the UEDI/Crime Scene Unit Investigator should conduct a latent print investigation following these guidelines:

Answer 85

(1) Point of entry; and | (2) Point of exit.

Question 86

.07C. When the owner or authorized representative cannot be located, and when the need exists, a;

Answer 86

supervisory officer may authorize the processing of the burglary scene.

Question 87

.07C. A UEDI/Crime Scene Unit Investigator is canceled when the investigating officer at the scene determines;

Answer 87

the offense of burglary has not been committed

Question 88

.07C. A UEDI/Crime Scene Unit Investigator is canceled when a supervisor at the scene determines;

Answer 88

it is impossible to lift prints or obtain other evidence;

Question 89

.07D. When a safe has been entered, the officer secures;

Answer 89

* the immediate area surrounding the safe, * the entry point, * the exit point.

Question 90

.07E. Burglary of Vehicle Crime Scenes: Burglarized vehicles are processed for latent fingerprints when:

Answer 90

a. An arrest has been made; b. There is a suspect and a possible prints inside; c. theft involves loss of great monetary value; d. complainant requests vehicle printed.

Question 91

.07E. The owner or authorized representative should be present to give effective consent and may;

Answer 91

refuse to allow the vehicle to be fingerprinted.

Question 92

.07E. When the owner or authorized representative cannot be located, who may authorize the processing of the vehicle when the need exists?

Answer 92

a supervisory officer

Question 93

.07F. The UEDI /C.S.U. Investigator makes every effort to conduct the processing of the vehicle at the scene of recovery, unless the following prohibitive circumstances exist:

Answer 93

a. Inclement weather; b. Inadequate lighting; or c. Offense seriousness requires the C.S.U. move the vehicle to the evidence stall

Question 94

.07H. When a firearm comes into the custody and control of an officer and the possibility exists the weapon has been used in any type of violent offense or criminal activity, the officer immediately notifies;

Answer 94

his supervisor of the circumstances of the recovery.

Question 95

.07H. If the supervisor determines the firearm is to be processed as evidence, a U.E.D.I. /Crime Scene Unit Investigator is to respond to the scene to;

Answer 95

take immediate charge of the evidence.

Question 96

.07H. Whenever a firearm is reported stolen, an officer, in addition to completing the required report, shall immediately report the stolen firearm to the appropriate;

Answer 96

service area Service Agent by telephone for entry | into NCIC/TCIC.

Question 97

The stolen firearm report is submitted at the;

Answer 97

end of the tour of duty with the words “CALLED-IN” written at the top of the report.

Question 98

.07I. Detective should be present during the execution of search warrants where digital storage devices are anticipated with prior;

Answer 98

approval from the Technical Investigations Detail Supervisor.

Question 99

.07I. Officers encountering digital storage devices should use caution so as not to damage or destroy the digital evidence. Officers should not manipulate switches, buttons, keyboards or any other input devices on digital storage devices unless;

Answer 99

instructed to do so by a computer forensic detective.

Question 100

.07I. Who will will determine if a Detective should respond to the scene.

Answer 100

The Technical Investigations Detail Supervisor