301544

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: November 21, 2023  Amends - G.O. 10.1.0 ( December 8, 2021 ) Number: 10.1.0 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: June Reviewing Authority: CID/Investigative Services Section Subject: Crime Scene Processing and Responsibilities This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to verify the effectiveness of investigations in order to identify perpetrators and achieve successful prosecutions. 2. Policy A. It is the policy of the agency to thoroughly process crime scenes in an attempt to identify and take into custody the perpetrator of crimina l acts through the location, documentation, preservation, processing and court presentation of evidence. B. In addition to this policy, all Evidentiary Property shall be handled in accordance with GO 10.1.1 . 3. Definitions A. Evidence – any material objects, documentation, and/or verbal statements which may be related to a crime or designated as such by a member of law enforcement that may assist in ascertaining the truth of a matter or furnishes proof of fact. B. Physical Evidence Comparison Standards - a known exemplar collected and submitted with the evidence. 4. Procedures A. Training 1. Basic instruction on crime scene processing, including pract ical exercises, evaluation of crime scenes, organizational procedures, and the roles of the responding deputy, detective, and Crime Scene Investigator, shall be provided during the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP). 2. The Training Section shall devel op, and/or coordinate , annual in-service training for all sworn and other personnel charged with the responsibilities of the preservation and collection of evidence in accordance with GO 18.1.3. 3. Personnel assigned as Crime Scene Investigators shall receive specialized 10.1.0, Page 2 of 13 training in accordance with GO 18.1.3 . This training shall include: a. The collection methods and procedures for recovery of latent and patent fingerprints, palm prints , footprints, footwear impressions, tool marks, tire impressions, and trace evidence. b. Crime scene photography. c. Crime scene sketches. d. Preservation methods for various forms of evidence. e. Requirements fo r the collection of known sources of comparison. f. Collecting, preserving, packaging and transmitting physical evidence. g. Operation of Forensics computer system. 4. Personnel assigned as Crime Scene Investigators shall be provided specialized training and perio dic refresher training to confirm competency and proficiency in new techniques and equipment. B. Equipment 1. Vehicles assigned to Crime Scene Investigators will be equipped with supplies and equipment necessary for processing crime scenes. a. Supplies for recovery of latent and patent prints. b. Photographic supplies and equipment. c. Supplies and equipment necessary for taking measurements and making crime scene sketches. d. Supplies and equipment for the collection, marking and preservation of physical evidence. 2. Crime Scene Investigators will be responsible for verifying their vehicles are stocked with adequate supplies and equipment. 3. A Forensics supervisor shall arrange for transportation of special equipment as needed. Such equipment may include, but is not li mited to, the following: a. Chain saws b. Emergency generators c. Emergency outdoor lighting d. Temporary shelter 4. Each patrol deputy, detective, and Crime Scene Investigator is issued supplies for recovery of latent prints and is responsible for maintaining these supplies. Personnel charged with the responsibility of crime scene processing are issued fingerprint powder and brush, lifting tape, and latent print cards. C. Responsibilities of First Deputy on the Crime Scene 1. Safety and Welfare of Persons - The first employee to arrive at any crime scene has the responsibility to control, secure and preserve the scene after the basic duties of protecting the safety and welfare of all persons are accomplished. Members are required to render aid to prevent potential or further injury or loss of life and to summon medical assistance if needed. 2. If a victim is treated and/or transported for treatment, the employee will 10.1.0, Page 3 of 13 identify the person(s) administering the aid and the nature of the treatment. 3. If the victim is transport ed to a medical facility with a life threatening injury, the deputy with the victim at the hospital shall confirm the victim’s personal clothing and effects are secured for evidence or safekeeping and also confirm that any other evidence (e.g., bullets rem oved during surgery) is properly secured. D. Procedures to Protect the Crime Scene from Contamination 1. The responding deputies must initiate immediate measures to protect the scene from contamination by establishing a clearly defined perimeter. Immediate pro tective measures include, but are not limited to, placing crime scene barrier tape in designated areas, critical exits or openings and posting deputies to control spectators in areas expected to have a high potential for yielding evidence. 2. Unauthorized pe rsons shall not be permitted to enter or to remain at the scene. Rescue personnel or personnel of the medical examiner's office at a death scene are authorized persons. 3. Deputies shall confirm the critical area remains under constant protection until all processing is completed. 4. If the scene involves a crime in which a detective is to respond, the first arriving deputy will initiate a Crime Scene Contamination Form which will list all persons in or thereafter entering