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Date: 12/16/85 Revision: 12/20/21 Reviewed: 04/01/25 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF 'S OFFICE CHAD CHRONISTER , SHERIFF STANDARD OPERATING PROCED URE Number: GEN 506.00 Page: 1 of 2 SUBJECT: CONDUCTING PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS I. PURPOSE : The p urpose of this standard operating procedure is to define the guidelines for conducting preliminary investigations. II. SCOPE : This procedure shall apply to all Sheriff's Office law enforcement deputies. III. DISCUSSION : A properly conducted preliminary investigation may be sufficient to bring a case to a s atisfactory conclusion, thereby eliminating the need for a follow -up investigation. IV. DEFINITION : A. Preliminary Investigation - Activity that begins when uniformed deputies arrive at an incident s cene and continues until such time as postponement of the investigation or transfer of responsibility will not jeopardize the successful completion of the investigation. V. PROCEDURE : A. The first deputy arriving at an incident scene shall: 1. Protect l ife. 2. Render aid . 3. Secure and protect the scene . 4. Secure and protect evidence . B. The deputy conducting the preliminary investigation shall: 1. Observe all conditions, events , and remarks , and record them for the General Offense Report as deem ed necessary in GEN SOP 900.00 . 2. Interview the complainant and ensure witnesses are located and interviewed. * 3. Place a n alert noting a description of the suspect(s) , method and direction of flight , to include vehicle descriptions , and any other relevant in formation concerning the incident. * 4. Continue to e nsure the security of the scene is maintained and arrange for the collection of evidence. 5. Ensure evidence is properly collected and processed. 6. Locate and interrogate the suspect, if possible. * 7. Obtain written statements from victims, witnesses , and, if legally possib le, from the suspect(s) . 8. Arrest the perpetrator of the crime if probable cause can be determined. 9. Complete a General Offense Report as require d, which will include all details of the investigation along with any additional forms th at are necessary. C. Latent Investigations 1. The deputy who handles the initial call will conduct the latent investigation of all misdemeanors . GEN 506.00 12/20/21 Page 2 of 2 2. Felony cases that appear solvable within a reasona ble amount of time will be investigated by the originating deputy to the conclusion of the case . If the felony case is complex or time -consuming, it will be at the discretion of the deputy's supervisor whether to continue the investigation, call out detec tives immediately , or route the case to a detective for latent investigation. Chad Chronister Sheriff Amends or Supersedes : GO 8602.09