160 FORGERY

POLICY 160.0FRAUD/FORGERY REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES: Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson 4/2019 A.FORGED CHECKS 1.Regardless of amount, forgery of a check is a felony. The charge of Theft can also be used. a.If witness was presented an already-signed check, the charge is Uttering a Forged Instrument. b.Determine jurisdiction, i.e., where check was actually passed. c.Have victim contact bank to sign affidavit of forged check. B.FORGED CHECK ARRESTS 1.Return victim or witness to crime scene for identification. Instruct company representative to sign a sworn affidavit. 2.Verify suspect's story or alibi. Should suspect claim he/she obtained check legitimately, i.e., for work performed, have him/her show where and for whom they worked. Keep in mind that flight or conflicting statement(s) on suspect's part are necessary to establish knowledge and criminal intent. 3.Contact victim to verify and/or discredit suspect's statements. Confirm victim's willingness to prosecute. 4.Evidence handling. Protect forged check by placing same in envelope (clear plastic when available) for latent processing. 5.Notifications. Notify the Chief of Police or his/her designee of all felony arrests so that proper follow-up can be initiated as soon as possible. 6.Affidavits or statements. Notify victims and witnesses of the need for affidavits or statements in felony arrest cases. Special efforts shall be made to inform out- of-town victims and witnesses to contact the Officer prior to the 21-day case filing deadline. Page 1 of 1