Policy Text
Procedure
403Garden Grove Police Department
Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/06/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCrime and Disaster Scene Integrity
Procedures - 1Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity Procedures
403.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This procedure will define the assignment of sworn and civilian personnel at a crime scene. The
officer assigned to a crime or accident scene must assume "command of the scene" immediately
upon arrival and must retain command until relieved or until the investigation is completed.
403.2 EMERGENCY ACTION
Employees will render medical assistance to injured persons, as needed.
Fire and paramedic services personnel will be assisted in performing any lifesaving effort if injured
persons are found at the scene and will not be hampered until their task is concluded. At the time
they have completed their duties, the official in command will reestablish restriction of access to
the scene, limited only to those actively involved in the investigation. The names of all emergency
personnel, including ambulance attendants, will be recorded.
403.3 SCENE SECURITY
No persons, except personnel involved in a lifesaving role, will be permitted within a crime scene
unless their presence will directly further the investigation being conducted. All persons will report
to the official in command before entering the scene.
All persons permitted within a crime scene will submit a supplemental report, if appropriate,
providing details of their activity and function at the scene. This will include, but not be limited
to, evidence collected, photographs taken, measurements and diagrams drawn, and interviews
conducted.
Scenes involving establishments or parking lots open to the public will be closed if access to any
portion of the establishment or parking lot interferes with the security of the scene.
403.4 IDENTIFICATION, PRESERVATION AND COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE
No physical object will be moved or evidence collected for any reason, other than for safety
reasons or for the prevention of the destruction of evidence, until directed by the official in
command.
Because each officer receives sufficient training to process a crime or accident scene, the official
in command will document, collect all the physical evidence and process items for latent prints,
or may delegate the duties to another who will work under his direction. Written documentation
may be supplemented by photography and sketching, as needed. Written documentation will also
include all the tasks performed even if the results of the evidence search and processing were
negative. Reporting will be completed on a Crime Scene Investigation Report (GGPD Form 609).
Garden Grove Police Department
Procedures Manual
Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity Procedures
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/06/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCrime and Disaster Scene Integrity
Procedures - 2403.5 DNA EVIDENCE
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) has become an important tool for law enforcement in identifying
unknown offenders and thereby solving crimes that in the past may have gone unsolved.
403.5.1 FIRST RESPONDER RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRECAUTIONS
(a)When collecting the sample, wear clean latex or vinyl gloves at all times and wear a
mask.
(b)Collect as much sample as possible.
(c)Be careful to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination by the use of clean
equipment and careful technique.
(d)When collecting samples from or associated with the suspect, keep it separate from
evidence collected from the victim. Change gloves between the different samples.
(e)Avoid touching the area where you believe DNA may exist.
(f)Avoid sneezing, coughing, or talking over the evidence or the collection swabs.
(g)Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting and packaging DNA
evidence.
(h) Put evidence into “new” paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags. Do not use
staples.
403.5.2 PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND TRANSPORTATION OF DNA
EVIDENCE
Collection Equipment
(a)Personnel should use collection kits containing sterile collection materials. These
sterile kits are available from FSU.
(b)Samples for victim/suspect standards (buccal swabs) should be obtained using the
Orange County collection kits.
Collection
(a)Collect entire item.
(b)Cover stain on non-absorbent surfaces with glassine paper to prevent loss during
transit.
(c)Place one to two droplets of D/I water on the tip of the swab. Only apply droplets when
you are ready to swab for DNA. Swab the necessary area for DNA using only the tip
of the swab. Place the swab directly into the coin envelope. Break off stick to leave
cotton part and some of the wood stick inside the envelope.
(d)Evidence should be packaged separately to avoid cross-contamination. Never lick
a packaging envelope flap to seal. Always use tape. Initial and date envelope and
complete DNA log on new CSI Form. Place all coin envelopes into one medium sized
envelope, which must be sealed and initialed as well.
(e)Enter item into P & E database and print label. All DNA swabs should be under one
item number. Place the medium envelopes into freezer (F1) storage. If an officer/
Garden Grove Police Department
Procedures Manual
Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity Procedures
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/06/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCrime and Disaster Scene Integrity
Procedures - 3CSO wants an item of evidence to be examined for possible DNA evidence, such
as clothing, an Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department Fore