Policy Text
Page 1 of 6 General Order 7 -3 (04/12/23 )
CRIME SCENE PROTECTION
RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: CRIME SCENE PROTECTION
Chapter
7 Number
3 Pages
6
References:
CALEA Standards: 42.2.1a -d, 83.2.1, 83.2.6
Related Orders:
07-01, 07 -09, and
07-24 Effective Date: 04/12/2023
Revised by: Review
Prv. Rev. Date: 04/01/2019
Chief of Police:
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines for protecting crime scenes.
II. SUMMARY OF CHANGE
This policy is due for triannual review , and language that pertains to the videography of
crime scenes has been omitted .
III. POLICY
It is the policy of the Richmond Police Department to establish proper procedures for crime
scene protection to ensure efficient and effective criminal investigations . This directive does not
list the Department’s dir ect investigative functions in each specific category , such as homicide,
rape, robbery, et c., but identifies those elements common to most investigation s.
The success or failure of a criminal investigation depends significantly upon the thoroughness
and immediacy of the preliminary investigation. What the officer does or fails to do in the
earliest phase of the investigation may determine whether the perpetrator is identified and
apprehended or goes undetected. Positive and effective police action in this vital stage is also
essential in de ciding the case’s outcome i n court .
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines outlined in this
general order. Failure to comply will result in appropriate cor rective action. Responsibility
rests with the Division Commander to ensure that any policy violations are investigated , and
proper training, counseling and/or disciplinary action is initiated.
This directive is for internal use only, and does not enlarge a n employee’s civil liability . It
should not be construed as creati ng a higher standard of safety or case in an evidentiary sense
concerning third -party claims. Violation of this directive, if proven, can only form the basis
of a complaint by this Departm ent and then only in a non -judicial administrative setting.
Page 2 of 6 General Order 7 -3 (04/12/23 )
CRIME SCENE PROTECTION V. PROCEDU RE
A. The First Officer on the Scene shall:
1. Arrive at the scene of a crime as soon as possible and observe , record and/or
document all pertinent conditions, events , and remarks; [CALEA 42.2.1a, 83.2.1 ]
2. Locate and assist victim (s):
a) Determine the condition of any victim (s) and summon medical personnel if
necessary. When applicable, give first aid until assistance arrives ; and,
b) Obtain dying d eclarations, if appropriate - dying declarations may be used as
evidence if adequately obtained from the victim. For d ying declarations to be
admissible, the victim must be cognizant that they are dying and has no hope
of recovery at the time of their statement . Officers must ask the follo wing
questions:
(1) “What is the name of the person who did this to you?”
(2) “How did you get your injuries?”
(3) “Describe the person who did this to you.”
(4) “Do you believe that you are dying?”
3. Determine the na ture of the offense and notify an immediate supervisor or ha ve the
Department of Emergency Communications (DEC ) inform the supervisor , as
appropriate ;
4. Furnish DEC with descriptions, the direction of flight , and other relevant
information concerning the wanted person (s) or vehicles;
[CALEA 42.2.1 a]
5. Avoid touching, handling , or stepping on evidence left by the perpetrator .
Remember that nothing is too small or insignificant to have value. Any officer who
enters the crime scene may be required to release any personal property that may be
of value to the investigation , i.e., shoes for shoe print comparison;
[CALEA 83.2.1 ]
NOTE: Officers shall avoid using marking devices and not add or remove any
item from the crime scene .
6. Prepare the Crime Scene Integrity Roster (PD -94), and turn same over to the
assigned detective before leaving the scene; [CALEA 83.2.1 ]
7. Prevent the obliteration or deterioration of tangible clues. Preserve the area to
permit the investigative team freedom of movement and afford p rotection against the
destruction or contamination of evidence by both author ized and unauthorized
personnel; [CALEA 83.2.1 ]
8. Protect the crime scene : [CALEA 42.2.1c, 83.2.1 ]
Page 3 of 6 General Order 7-3 (04/12/23)
CRIME SCENE PROTECTION a) First, determine the exact focal point or area of the crime scene;
b) Secure the primary focal point of the incident and extend the protection area to
include all evidentiary areas. When the crime scene is located outdoors, use
crime scene tape to secure the area, including barricading the street if
necessary;
c) Maintain the crime scene in the same physical