Policy Text
Submission of Evidence, Reports, Photographs and Diagrams
This Training Bulletin sets forth procedures for Police Evidence Technicians (both Sworn and Civilian
Employees) in submitting work products.
Work products include, but are not limited to:
• Evidence Tech reports completed in the Field Base Reporting system
• Paperwork and documentation for physical evidence
• Submission of the physical evidence to the Property and Evidence Unit (PEU)
• Submission of digital evidence, such as photographs or Leica scanned data, and
• Other products generated during the course of an Evidence Technician investigation
Investigators have a greater chance of solving crimes when they have as much information as possible at
the beginning of their investigation. As time passes, fresh leads and sources of information become harder
to find. The evidence collected, processed, packaged and preserved by Police Evidence Technicians often
provides an Investigator a starting point independent from witness accounts. Physical evidence may
confirm or refute existing information .
Advanced analysis and further testing of physical evidence by the OPD Criminalistics Lab, FBI, or other
entity may be required. An Investigator cannot make this request until the evidence is turned into the PEU.
Due to investigations being time sensitive, Oakland Police Department Evidence Technicians shall submit
their evidence and other work products in a timely manner.
The following deadlines shall be met by Evidence Technicians:
• Photos shall be uploaded by end of shift.
• Evidence shall be submitted within 72 hours of an incident unless it requires extensive processing
or drying time.
• Ballistic evidence and cell phones shall be submitted within 48 hours of an incident.
• Major incident evidence, latent lift cards, reports and diagrams shall be submitted as soon as
possible. Every effort shall be made to complete the work prior to the end of the scheduled work
week, and no later than seven (7) calendar days from the date of the incident or processing
assignment.
• Non-priority evidence, reports, and other materials shall be submitted in a timely manner. Every
effort shall be made to complete the work prior to end of shift. If it is not possible to complete by
Evaluation Coordinator: CID Commander
Automatic Revision Cycle: 3 Years
“Department Training Bulletins shall be used to advise members of current police techniques and
procedures and shall constitute official policy.” TRAINING
Effective Date:
1 JUL 16 BULLETIN
Index Number: II-H
Alpha Index: Submitting Evidence, Repots, Photographs
and Diagrams in a Timely Manner
Submitting Evidence, Reports, Photographs, and Diagrams in a Timely Manner, Index II-H
end of shift, the report shall be completed prior to the end of the scheduled work week, and no
later than seven (7) calendar days from the date of the incident or processing assignment.
Any delay in meeting these time constraints will be communicated in writing via Departmental e-mail to:
• The involved Investigator(s)
• The Evidence Technician’s chain of command
• The Evidence Technician Coordinator, and
• The Evidence Technician Unit Supervisor
When the completion of evidence processing and paperwork spans multiple shifts, the Evidence Technician
shall advise their supervisor of their workload and provide an estimated time of completion.
If an Evidence Technician is unable to complete work prior to the end of the workweek – particularly for
major incidents – overtime may be necessary. Such overtime may include extending shifts and/or working
on regular days off. All overtime shall be authorized through the Evidence Technician’s Chain of
Command, per policy. Prior authorization (verbal or via email) for the overtime must occur prior to the
overtime being used, and the authorizing Commander must be listed, as required, on the Overtime Time
Worked form (TF-3171).
For most non-priority incidents, overtime will not be granted and shall not be allowed without prior
authorization as described above. The request for overtime on non-priority events shall be submitted via
email to the immediate supervisor with a copy to the Technician Unit Supervisor. The request shall
describe why overtime is necessary for a non-priority assignment.
A major incident includes:
• Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) or other Level 1 Use of Force (UoF)
• Homicide or suspicious death
• Fatal traffic or fire incident involving Fatal Traffic Team or Oakland Fire Department