Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
5.2 Criminal Investigations: Operations
5.2.2 Conducting Preliminary Investigations (Revised: 1/31/11)
The UCSF Police Department will record and report all incidents brought to the Police
Department’s attention requiring action, even if the complainant does not wish to be identified,
or pursue charges.
A. The FSD will generally be responsible for conducting initial, preliminary investigations.
B. The officer initially assigned will be responsible to conduct the prelimina ry investigation
through conclusion or until other duties or circumstances direct otherwise at the
discretion of the Watch Commander.
C. The nature of certain incidents may require the immediate notification and assignment to
Investigation Unit. Such cases include:
1. Deaths of a violent or suspicious nature
2. Felony sex crimes of a violent nature
3. Felony assaults involving serious inju ry
4. Shootings involving a police officer
5. Armed robbery of a financial institution
6. Any crime requiring the expertise of a detective
7. Any report where there is a potential threat to the safety of the Campus
community, either immediate or in the fut ure (Threat Management Team review).
D. If a Detective responds to an incident, the original officer will retain responsibility for the
initial investigation unless otherwise specified.
E. Officers conducting preliminary investigations will follow these steps when appropriate:
1. Observe all conditions, events and remarks
2. Canvass, locate and identify witnesses
3. Maintain the crime scene and protect evidence
4. Interview the complainant and witness(es)
5. Interview or interrogate suspects as appropria te
6. Arrange for the collection of evidence
7. Arrest the suspect in accordance with state statutes
8. Document the entire incident completely and accurately.