Preliminary Investigation Checklist

(CALEA 42.2.4)

Notify a supervisor if the immediate presence of a criminal investigator is deemed necessary.

Arrest and Mirandize suspects and record any spontaneous utterances verbatim.

If a suspect or suspects have fled the scene, provide communications with their names, addresses, or locations if known and their descriptions including clothing, vehicle(s) used, and whether they are considered armed.

Create a log to document the time of arrival and departure of emergency and investigative personnel.

Locate, separate, and identify witnesses for possible follow-up contact. Obtain name, alias, date of birth, home address, work address, home and work phone numbers, and a cellular phone number if available. Conduct basic interviews as time and circumstances permit. [CALEA 42.2.2b]

As time permits and priorities allow, check with neighboring businesses and residents as well as friends and relatives of the victim who may be available and who are routine visitors to the location where the crime occurred.

Notify an immediate supervisor when unusual circumstances are present such as a secondary crime scene or when other immediate investigative or related actions need to be taken.

Complete a neighborhood canvass and record, which neighbors are at home and may be so situated as to have information pertinent to the investigation.

Complete all written reports as soon as possible and in serious cases by the end of shift. Initial and supplemental reports of the incident should include but not be limited to the following information:

Date and time of arrival at the scene

Relevant weather or situational conditions and observations upon arrival at the scene [CALEA 42.2.2a]

Circumstances of how the crime was discovered and reported

Identity of other officers or emergency personnel at the scene

Description of injuries sustained by victim(s) and others

Physical evidence present at the scene and the officer(s) responsible for its collection and storage [CALEA 42.2.2c]

Names, addresses, telephone numbers of victims, witnesses, and suspects

Spontaneous statements made by victims, witnesses, or suspects [CALEA 42.2.2a]

Results of interviews with complainants, victims, or witnesses to include the identity or description of suspects [CALEA 42.2.2d]

Diagrams, sketches, photographs, videotape or audio recordings taken, and the identity of the recording officer

Details relating to search warrants

Property damage

Stolen property descriptions, serial numbers or other markings or identifiable characteristics as available

Time the crime scene was released

Recommendations for further investigation or action

APD Form 647

Preliminary Investigation Checklist

MDell

2004-10-12

AJordan

cid