Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
301 Delano PD Policy Manual
PRELIMINARY AND FOLLOW-UP
INVESTIGATIONS
301.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish responsibilities and procedures for the preliminary
investigation of cases and any subsequent follow-up investigation activities.
301.1.1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of this department to conduct thorough preliminary and follow-up
investigations of all offenses reported. Patrol officers, who take preliminary reports and conduct
the preliminary investigation, must obtain as much information as possible to aid in the eventual
apprehension of any suspects.
301.1.2 DEFINITIONS
A. Crime Scene. The location where the crime occurred or where the indication of the crime exists.
B. Follow-up Investigation. An extension of the preliminary investigation. The purpose is to provide
additional investigation in order to close a case, arrest an offender, and/or recover stolen property.
The investigation may include the following activities:
C. Habitual Offender. For this policy, a habitual offender is a person who has been arrested three
or more times for the same offense, or who has been convicted of three or more felony convictions.
D. Physical Evidence. Any substance or material found or recovered in connection with a criminal
investigation.
E. Preliminary Investigation. Generally, the activity that begins when officers arrive at the scene
of an incident. The activity should continue until such time as a postponement of the investigation
or transfer of responsibility will not jeopardize the successful completion of the investigation. The
investigation usually includes the following tasks:
1. providing aid to the injured;
2. protecting the crime scene to ensure that evidence is not lost or contaminated;
3. determining is an offense has actually been committed and, if so, the exact nature of the offense;
4. determining the identity of the suspect or suspects and affecting an arrest if it can be
accomplished either at the scene or immediate pursuit;
5. furnishing other field units, through the communications system, descriptions, method and
direction of flight, and other relevant information concerning wanted persons or vehicles;
6. obtain complete information on all witnesses;
7. determining what information is known by the victim and witnesses;
8. arranging for the collection of evidence;
PRELIMINARY AND FOLLOW-UP
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Published with permission by Delano Police Department INVESTIGATIONS - 1