Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 03/01/201 9
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SP104 – Investigation Checklist 1 SP104 INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST
SP104 .1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this procedure is to insure that a checklist is available as an aid in complicated
investigations. This checklist is subject to modification by investigative personnel to accommodate
any specific need or type of investigation. It is intended as a guideline to ensure tha t critical tasks
are not overlooked.
SP104 .1.2 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 42.2.1 ; 42.2.3
This procedure pertains to the following General Orders: §600, §406
SP104 .2 INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST APPLICATION
Although certain methods, techniques, and procedures should be followed in any investigation,
every investigation is unique. TPD investigators therefore must exercise sound judgment in
deciding how to proceed in each investi gation. Consequentl y, the investigation checklist should
be referred to periodically to ensure thoroughness.
SP104 .2.2 SUGGESTIONS FOR REVISIONS
Suggestions for revisions and additions are encouraged as needed and should be circulated
among investigative personnel . The modification of the investigation checklist to accommodate a
specific crime or investigation type is at the discretion of the investigator in charge.
SP104.3 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST (ATTACHMENT
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CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 03/01/201 9
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SP104 – Investigation Checklist 2 TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST
A. ARRIVAL AT SCENE:
1) Ensure MAVS/body camera is activated while responding to the scene.
2) Note your arrival time: (This can be done by advising dispatch you are 10 -97. They will
make a notation in the CAD system).
3) Ensure the scene i s safe to enter; be aware of hazards such as electrical, chemical
hazards, etc.
4) Enter scene by route least likely to disturb evidence, noting route of travel.
5) Clear scene to ensure no suspect is present.
6) Inform other responding personnel of the route to use.
7) Check victim for signs of life (breathing, neck area for pulse).
8) Assign responding personnel to create a perimeter in order to secure the crime scene
(REMINDER: it is always better to have a crime sce ne too big rather than too small and if
possible create one entry/exit point to the crime scene. )
9) Start crime scene log.
B. LIVING VICTIM:
1. Perform medical aid as you summon medical assistance.
2. Obtain a dying declaration (if applicable) . Record statements .
a) Conscious Victim - If victim is conscious, attempt to obtain the following information:
1) Who did this to you?
a. If the suspect is not known to victim, obtain a detailed description: (ie: male,
female, race, height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothing description, etc.)
2) What happened? (Who, What, When, Where, Why & How)
b) Unconscious Victim
3. MAKE SURE THAT A POLICE OFFICER REMAINS WITH VICTIM AT ALL TIMES,
INCLUDING TRIP TO HOSPITAL SO THAT ANY DYING DECLARATIONS MADE
DURING CONSCIOUS PERIODS CAN BE NOTED.
4. Upon arrival at the hospital, alert medical personnel to the possibility of a dying declaration.
Request them to note any statements made.
5. Request to be notified when the victim is out of any surgeries and re -gains consciousness
so that you ma y be present for any statements;
6. Record all victim statements (digital recorder or body camera ).
C. Removal of Victim from Scene - Before removal (if suspected homicide, secure scene
and wait for search warrant )
1. If possible, photograph the victim’s position at the scene.
a. If time and circumstance do not permit photos before victim is removed, carefully
note the positi on of the victim in your report or with body camera ;
b. Document time of victim’s removal from the scene;
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 03/01/201 9
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SP104 – Investigation Checklist 3 c. Obtain identifying information for person(s) rem oving victim from the scene.
2. Obtain any physical evidence from the victim (coordinate with OCSD Coroner ).
3. The Officer accompanying the victim to hospital should collect the victim’s clothing and
personal effects as they become available.
a. The Officer recei ving the items should note the time they received them and the
identity from the individual who provided the items.
D. Persons at Scene (if there is a suspected homicide, hold scene unless directed
otherwise by detectives or supervisor )
1. Tape or block off entire scene (Bigger is better).
2. Assign one person to guard the entry/exit position of the crime scene and to establish a
Crime Scene Log.
3. Clear unauthorized persons from the scene.
4. Prevent anyone from touching the body/evidence or disturbing anything pending the
arrival of the medical examiner, identification personnel, investigative personnel, CSI, etc.
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