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Administration ] [
Personnel ] [
General Operations ] [
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Criminal Investigations ] |
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Applicable
To: All employees |
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Approval Authority: Chief George N. Turner |
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Signature: Signed by GNT |
Date Signed: 9/7/10 |
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To provide officers and other crime scene personnel with guidelines to document, collect, package, and preserve evidence.
Documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence are crucial steps in criminal investigation and often provide the basis for effective identification, documentation, prosecution, and conviction of perpetrators.
3.1 Division and section commanders shall ensure that all sworn employees and crime scene technicians are familiar with and in compliance with this policy.
3.2 Supervisors shall monitor the collection and preservation of evidence processed by their subordinates in accordance with this directive.
3.3 The responding officer shall protect the crime scene until a criminal investigator responds and takes over the investigation. If an investigator does not take over the investigation, the responding officer shall take all necessary steps to investigate the crime scene.
3.4 Investigating officers shall be responsible for the overall direction of the crime scene and all activities related to the case investigation.
3.5 The Identification Unit commander shall implement this directive within the Identification Unit
3.6 Crime Scene Technicians shall take all care reasonably possible to ensure the integrity of evidence collected at crime scenes by adherence to Departmental procedures and the GBI’s Division of Forensic Science manual.
1. The Identification Unit commander shall ensure that a crime scene technician is available on a 24-hour basis to process a crime scene/traffic collision. A crime scene technician shall respond to a call for service where a crime has been committed that may involve physical evidence requiring prompt processing, collection and/or submission to the Georgia Crime Lab. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.1.1)
2. Investigators are on duty 24 hours a day to investigate crime scenes.
3. Hit-and-Run officers are on call 24 hours a day to investigate serious traffic accidents.
4.1.1 Crime scene technicians shall be responsible for processing crime scenes under the direction of the investigating officer.
4.1.2 Criminal investigators and crime scene technicians shall be requested to process a crime scene for physical evidence in the following circumstances:
1. Homicide, suicide, or other death investigations.
2. Rape or sexual assaults cases.
4.1.3 Criminal investigators and crime scene technicians, at a supervisor’s request, may be requested to process a crime scene for physical evidence in the following circumstances:
1. Robbery;
2. Burglary;
3. Recovered stolen vehicles;
4. Aggravated assaults;
5. Vehicular accidents with serious injuries or fatalities.
4.1.4 When a crime or vehicular accident has occurred that requires the collection and preservation of physical evidence by a crime scene technician, then they shall be notified as soon as possible.
4.2 The First Responding Officer
The first responding officer or senior officer at the crime scene shall ensure that the following tasks are performed as appropriate and in the order deemed necessary:
4.2.1 Make a careful and limited walk-through of the crime scene
first to secure the location from the threat of perpetrators. Thoroughly
assess the crime scene for hazards, to include blood-borne pathogens,
explosives, firearms, gasoline, natural gas, chemicals, and other toxic
substances. Relay information on the nature of any dangerous situations to
Communications. 4.2.2 Take all precautions reasonably possible not to disturb potential sources of evidence, such as footprints or tire marks, or cross contaminate potential sources of DNA evidence. Identify path of entry and retrace that path when exiting.
4.2.3 Be aware of persons and vehicles in the vicinity. Record vehicle license plate numbers in close proximity to the crime scene and, where possible and appropriate, videotape the crime scene. Assess the overall extent and severity of the incident; note the location of evidence in plain view and the location of weapons in particular. Assist the injured, call for medical assistance if required, and request other appropriate police backup such as a supervisor, criminal investigator, or crime scene technician.
4.2.4 Where injured persons are encountered, make a direct approach to the victim, assess their condition, request medical assistance, and provide emergency first aid if feasible. Where dead bodies are encountered, do not move the victim, but do request assistance from the medical examiner and a homicide investigator. Retrace the path of entrance when exiting the crime scene, and document the original position of the victim(s).
1. Attempt to secure a “dying declaration” if there is a chance a victim may die.
2. Create a log to record the identities of any Departmental responders who accessed the scene before or after the first officer’s arrival. All persons irrespective of rank who wish to enter the crime scene are required to secure approval from the lead investigator and log in.
3. Direct emergency service providers into the scene, pointing out potential sources of evidence. Remind medical technicians to preserve items of clothing. Record their activities and the victim’s condition and position when found. Instruct medical personnel not to unnecessarily alter the scene or clean it up.
4. If a victim or suspect is transported to a medical facility, send an officer or investigator for security, to document any comments, and to preserve clothing and related evidence.
4.2.5 Secure and separate suspects and witnesses. Take steps to prevent the movement of family, friends, or bystanders into the crime scene.
4.2.6 Secure a perimeter for the crime scene with identified points
of entry and exit. The perimeter should be expansive enough to reasonably
ensure that evidence of the crime shall be contained and protected. 1. Protect the crime scene using physical barriers (e.g., crime scene tape, rope, cones, vehicles, personnel) or existing boundaries (e.g., doors and gates) as appropriate, and ensure that only persons with a “need” and “right” to enter the scene are permitted inside.
2. Take appropriate steps to protect the crime scene from degradation due to weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or wind, or the intrusion of other devices, such as vehicles.
3. Keep persons other than those directly involved in the investigation and other essential first responders outside the crime scene perimeter. Keep any pets or other animals outside the perimeter as well.
4.2.7 If victims, firearms, or other items at the scene must be touched for safety or related reasons, put on latex or other nonporous gloves. Ensure that persons do not smoke, chew tobacco, use the telephone or bathroom at the scene, eat, drink, move any items, adjust windows, doors, or thermostats, reposition anything, or discard items other than those related to medical service providers.
4.2.8 The scope of crime scene processing is dictated by the seriousness of the crime and complexity of the crime scene. For crimes that do not require the assistance of a crime scene technician or criminal investigator, or where exigent circumstances demand that immediate steps be taken to preserve evidence, first responders shall be prepared to do the following:
1. Locate and preserve items of evidence.
2. Photograph, videotape, and/or sketch the crime scene to include measurements where warranted. Use color photographs were warranted. Diagram should be accurately drawn but not to scale.
3. Collect and preserve evidence in plain view.
4. Transport and submit evidence to property control for storage or for laboratory examination.
4.2.9 Brief arriving supervisors or investigators if summoned to the crime scene, review actions taken thus far by all first responders, evidence located, witnesses identified, victims or perpetrators located or identified, and provide the supervisor with any other pertinent information.
4.2.10 Prepare the initial incident report unless otherwise directed by a supervisor or lead investigator. Record, at a minimum, information on the time of arrival, appearance and conditions upon arrival, any items at the scene that are known to have been moved, modified, or touched; personal information on witnesses, victims, suspects, and any statements or comments made; and actions taken by the officer or others at the scene.
4.3.1 The lead investigating officer or on-scene supervisor in charge shall:
1. Develop an investigative plan, outlining specific responsibilities for processing the crime scene. First responders shall be aware of what to look for when initially assessing (e.g. how to collect DNA samples or evidence) the crime scene before the crime scene investigators are on the scene.
2. Evaluate measures and steps that have been taken to include safety procedures, perimeter security and access control, the adequacy of investigative resources, whether witnesses and suspects have been identified, and the degree to which preliminary documentation of the crime scene has been made.
3. Conduct a crime scene walk-through in cooperation with the first responder and the crime scene technicians to identify any threats to crime scene integrity and conduct an initial identification of evidence.
4. Determine the need for a search warrant prior to collection of evidence.
5. Assess the overall crime scene prior to evidence collection in order to develop a plan for working within the crime scene without unnecessarily destroying or contaminating evidence.
6. Identify evidence collection and documentation team members to include specialists such as an odontologist, bomb technicians, arson investigators, entomologists, fingerprint technicians, or others.
7. Identify protective equipment and clothing that are required to safely process the crime scene.
8. Identify a separate area if necessary for equipment and personnel staging and for gathering and sanitizing tools, equipment, and personal protective gear between evidence collections.
9. Assign one officer primary responsibility for recording and collecting items of evidence. This shall increase efficiency, establish the chain of custody, help prevent loss, and reduce the number of officers who must appear in court.
10. Determine the evidence search method to be used and the point(s) at which the search shall begin, and establish a working route around the scene to minimize disruption and contamination.
11. Develop, in cooperation with crime scene technician(s) or other trained personnel, a collection plan for identified items of evidence detailing the process and the order of collection.
a. Focus initially on easily accessible areas in open view and work outward.
b. Select a systematic search pattern.
c. Select the best progression of processing and collection so as not to compromise subsequent processing and collection efforts.
d. Maintain the chain of evidence.
4.4 Identification Unit Notification
4.4.1 When a crime scene dictates the need for the immediate services of a crime scene technician, the Identification Unit shall be notified immediately through the Communications Section by the supervisor, responding officer, or investigator.
4.4.2 The crime scene technician shall respond, identifying themselves by respective radio number. The crime scene technician shall determine code or signal, the exact location of the crime and proceed to the crime scene location. Upon arrival at the crime scene location, the crime scene technician shall inform Communications Section of arrival.
4.4.3 The first officer on the scene is responsible for the security of that scene and shall assist the assigned crime scene technician or investigator.
4.4.4 The crime scene technician shall begin processing the scene upon arrival.
1. The crime scene technician shall consult with the responding officer and investigator as to the nature and circumstance of the crime scene in order to properly process it.
a. If the crime scene has not been cordoned off with the crime scene police tape, the crime scene technician shall do so immediately.
b. A complete walk-through of the crime scene shall be made with the first officer and investigator on the scene. This shall allow the first officer on the scene, investigator and crime scene technician to discuss the possible evidence that may be present and what actions are necessary to complete a thorough investigation of the scene.
c. Photographs of the overall crime scene area may be made prior to the initial walk-through but shall be made prior to the actual collection of the evidence. No dusting for latent prints shall be done until all necessary photographs or videos have been made.
4.4.5 Crime scene technicians shall take custody of all evidence not collected by investigator or medical examiner, and be responsible for its proper collection, processing and preservation. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.4d)
4.4.6 The investigating officer shall consult with the crime scene technician prior to requesting services deemed necessary to aid in the investigation, to include what shall be collected and future testing and analysis of the evidence.
1. The crime scene technician shall advise the investigator, as necessary, regarding the testing procedures and requirements and what possible benefits to the investigation can be obtained.
2. The investigator and the crime scene technician shall decide what evidence shall be forwarded to the Georgia Crime Lab and what type of analysis is to be requested.
4.4.7 The crime scene technician shall review crime scene activities with the investigating officer prior to the release of the crime scene. Information and activities regarding the crime scene shall not be released by anyone except the lead investigator or the unit supervisor.
(CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.1)
The location and condition of all items of evidence shall be documented in an evidence log (Form APD-006) and by means of photographs, sketches, and, where deemed necessary and appropriate, videotape.
(CALEA 5th ed. standards 83.2.3, 83.2.4a)
1. Fingerprints may be recovered from a variety of surfaces including smooth surfaces, glass, paper, metal, plastic, desk and counter tops.
2. Where the possibility of latent prints exists, the officer, investigator or crime scene technician shall properly dust for the prints.
3. When a print becomes visible after dusting, the investigator or crime scene technician shall first photograph the print on the original object. After photographing, the print(s) may be lifted by using latent print lifting tape or by employing "super" glue techniques.
4. The lifted print shall be put on an index card and the investigator or crime scene technician shall note on the back of the card the date, time, location of incident and print location, incident/case number and the employee’s name.
5. When requesting a comparison of latent prints with fingerprints of a known suspect, the requesting officer shall include inked finger and palm prints and/or the fingerprint classification number of the suspect.
1. Hair samples shall be placed in a zip-locked bag. 2. When obtaining scalp, facial, or pubic samples from an individual, a minimum of 25 randomly pulled hairs is necessary. Medical personnel shall obtain such samples.
3. A brush or a comb can be used to obtain some of the hairs a basis for comparison.
(CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.5)
1. Before handling or moving any equipment, officers shall photograph or videotape the equipment in its original position, including any information displayed on any monitors or output devices.
2. Do not remove any disks from any drives. All software, disks and manuals in the area of the equipment being recovered shall also be collected.
3. If the equipment is on, leave it on. Contact a Cyber Crimes Unit investigator for further instructions if necessary. Once the power is disconnected, all wires and connections shall be labeled so that they can be reconnected later exactly as they were found.
4. All items connected to the computer being recovered, such as mice, printers, monitors, scanners, etc. should be recovered as well.
5. Computers shall only be processed for evidence by a qualified Cyber Crime Unit investigator. Other officers shall not attempt to recover data themselves.
6. Computers and related items shall be placed into evidence in accordance with all other procedures established in this SOP.
7. A Cyber Crimes investigator can be notified for assistance with equipment or collecting evidence. See APD.SOP.5050 “Cyber Crimes Unit”.
1. A crime scene sketch may be completed pursuant to the collection and preservation of evidence, as deemed necessary by the crime scene technician or the investigating officer. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.4c)
2. Sketches shall include the following information:
a. General layout;
b. Incident report number;
c. Title or description of area;
d. Location of the scene by address, floor, and/or room number;
e. The relationship of the crime scene to other buildings or permanent objects;
f. Date and time of sketch;
g. Sketcher’s name;
h. Scale of measurement (to scale or not to scale);
i. Location of items or other significant features;
j. Compass direction;
k. Names of streets or landmarks or both;
l. Person who prepared the final diagram;
m. Person(s) who took the measurements; and
n. Legends describing items too small or too difficult to duplicate in their exact shape or scale.
3. It is recommended that the crime scene technician or investigating officer make a rough draft sketch at the scene including such items as measurements and other information so that the final drawing can be made accurately.
4. Sketches shall be drawn to accurately depict the location and placement of evidence. Sketches shall be made in addition to any photographs or videotapes made of the crime scenes as directed by the lead investigator.
1. Photographs and/or videotape of the overall crime scene shall be taken. Where indicated, individual photographs and/or video shall be taken of items in the position found prior to collection. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.2b)
2. It is imperative that all photographs be made first without a scale followed by another photograph with the desired scale. This shall assure the court admissibility of the photographs.
a. Both photographs (without/with scale) shall be taken utilizing the same camera, position, lighting, and camera setting.
b. Alternatively, the dimensions of a fixed object in the scene may be taken to provide a scale of reference. All items of evidence shall be photographed and/or videotaped prior to being collected, labeled and packaged for storage and/or processing.
3. Minor accident scenes or crime scenes may be photographed and processed by the investigating officer. The crime scene technician shall photograph and process all major crime scenes; such as homicides, rapes, traffic fatalities, and when requested to do so by a supervisor.
4. The crime scene technician shall be responsible for the number and type of photographs taken. Generally, all aspects of the scene should be photographed.
5. The crime scene technicians have camcorders available as part of their vehicle equipment for recording crime scenes. Although the use of the camcorder is not mandatory, its use is highly recommended, in addition to a standard 35mm still photography.
6. Photographs shall also be taken of tool marks, footprints, tire marks, blood spatter, serial numbers, latent fingerprints prior to being lifted, and any other related items of potential evidentiary value where possible.
The collection of firearms and related evidence shall be conducted in a manner that shall ensure the safety of all personnel involved and the integrity of evidentiary items.
1. If a firearm must be moved to protect it as evidence or because it cannot be safeguarded, its location and position shall be accurately marked and photographed where found if possible. The condition of the weapon, the number of cartridges contained, and the position of the safety shall be recorded.
2. If moving the weapon, lift it by grasping gently on the serrated surface of the handle. Never insert a pencil or other object into the barrel to lift or move it, as it may destroy evidence inside the barrel. The weapon shall be placed in an appropriate container.
3. Generally, firearms shall be unloaded before being transported for evidence. If it must be transported loaded (because the weapon is damaged, for instance), it shall be conspicuously tagged to indicate this fact and sealed in a rigid container similarly marked. When unloading a revolver, the position of the cylinder shall be recorded, as should the markings on cartridges and conditions of primers.
4. Fired bullets and cartridge cases shall be protected and photographed, and their relative positions from each other and from fixed locations sketched and photographed before being bagged.
5. Bullets shall not be pried from objects or surfaces. Portions of the objects in which they are embedded shall be removed with the bullet intact.
4.5.7 All personnel handling evidence of any kind shall wear latex or other nonporous gloves. Individual items of evidence shall be examined carefully for trace evidence prior to being moved or packaged.
1. Change gloves between collections of samples in different areas.
2. Use disposable instruments or clean them thoroughly with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after handling each sample.
4.5.8 Some items of evidence may require special handling and packaging and should be examined for trace evidence prior to packaging. When in doubt concerning appropriate collection or packaging procedures, officers shall request assistance from a crime scene technician, criminal investigator, or supervisor.
4.5.9 Evidence containers shall be marked when collected. The crime
scene technician or collecting officer shall fully describe each item, package
each item of evidence separately and place his or her initials, date of
discovery, and incident or exhibit number on the sealed container including
the tape used for closure. Staples should never be used for sealing evidence
containers. Large items shall be packaged with butcher paper or other suitable
packaging. Such items shall be marked by engraving tool or other instrument
but with care not to damage the item’s evidentiary value as advised by the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Division of Forensic Sciences.
1. Evidence suitable for DNA analysis can be found at many crime scenes and is a powerful investigative tool for linking suspects to crimes, eliminating suspects, and identifying victims. All officers shall be aware of common sources of DNA evidence, ways to protect against contamination of samples, and basic collection and packaging guidelines.
2. Wear a mask to avoid contamination through talking, sneezing, and coughing over evidence.
3. Avoid touching the area where DNA may exist.
4. Blood and semen are the two most common sources of DNA evidence. However, other body tissues and fluids can be used for analysis even in microscopic quantities.
5. DNA is particularly sensitive and subject to contamination. Therefore, first responders in particular must be familiar with situations that shall degrade, destroy, or contaminate DNA evidence.
1. Evidence should be thoroughly air-dried before packaging. If it cannot be air-dried, refrigerate and submit to the laboratory in not more than 7 days.
2. Put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags.
3. Sterile swabs shall be used to collect liquid blood. Vials containing blood samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible but for no longer than seven days.
4. Bloodstains shall be photographed first, packaged or wrapped carefully
in paper so that the bloodstain is not dislodged or disturbed. Smaller objects
can be placed in envelopes or cardboard boxes. 5. Wet bloodstained material must be dried prior to submission to a laboratory. Officers shall not use heaters, freestanding room fans, or intense light to facilitate drying as this may destroy the evidentiary value of the samples. Low-humidity cold environments that are well ventilated are suitable for this purpose.
6. If exigent circumstances dictate immediate action to prevent destruction of evidence, wet bloodstained materials may be rolled or folded in paper or placed in a brown paper bag or box, sealed, and labeled. Folding garments through stains shall be avoided.
7. Bloodstained articles and blood samples shall be transported as soon as possible and should never be stored in patrol vehicles or otherwise exposed to heat.
8. Use a cotton swab lightly moistened with saline solution to collect dried bloodstains on fixed objects too large to transport or on porous surfaces. If saline is not available tap water may be used so long as a control standard of the water is collected for comparison.
9. Blood samples, clothing and bedding that may retain semen evidence shall be air-dried if wet, packaged separately in paper containers, and labeled.
4.5.12 Microscopic and Trace Evidence
(CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.1) Microscopic and trace evidence almost always require standards of comparison in order to be of value. It is the lead investigator’s responsibility to collect known source standards from the victim and/or crime scene for comparison to evidence obtained from the potential suspect. Examples include the following:
1. Pulled pubic hair from a suspect to compare with hair evidence combed from a victim.
2. Paint chipped from a vehicle near the area of a car from which it is suspected the paint was transferred to another vehicle.
3. Vegetation (such as weeds) near the scene of a homicide to compare with the seedpods found in the cuffs of a suspect’s pants.
4.5.13 The location from which samples from a known source are taken is critical where fractures have occurred, such as in the case of glass, wood, paint, and metal. Other known sources are fibers, fabrics, soil, and tool marks.
4.5.14 Maintain evidence at the scene securely and in a manner that shall prevent degradation and preserve the chain of custody.
4.5.15 Processing Recovered Stolen Vehicles
1 When a stolen vehicle is recovered, the recovering officer shall notify the Central Records Unit, which shall attempt to notify the owner.
2 The recovering officer shall process the recovered vehicle for any evidentiary value, including fingerprints, photographs, found property not belonging to the vehicle owner, etc. A crime scene technician shall respond if requested in cases that involve other accompanying crimes.
a. The recovering officer shall process all stolen vehicles.
b. When a field identification kit is not available, a crime scene technician shall process the vehicle. If a crime scene technician is not immediately available to process the recovered vehicle, the officer shall place the vehicle on “HOLD” until the vehicle can be processed, unless otherwise requested by the vehicle owner.
c. If the vehicle is involved in other criminal activity, the owner may not interfere in the processing of the vehicle for physical evidence.
d. The wrecker service shall transport recovered stolen vehicles to the Atlanta Police Department to be processed prior to transporting them to the wrecker yard.
3. The recovering officer is responsible for reporting his or her action relating to a recovered stolen vehicle on the Incident Report. The crime scene technician shall report his or her actions on the Crime Scene Report.
4. The release of the recovered stolen vehicle is the authority of the Property Control Unit.
4.6.1 Photographs and/or Videotape Information
1. When photographs are taken of a crime scene, a log shall be completed, which shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Date and time.
b. Location.
c. Incident number.
d. Any other information deemed proper by the photographer.
2. When a crime scene is videotaped, the crime scene technician shall provide the same information listed above (section 4.6.1, paragraph 1) in the narrative of the Crime scene report.
3. Video tapes shall be submitted to the photo lab along with a copy of the crime scene report for transfer from VHS-C to a standard VHS tape. The investigating officer or investigator shall obtain the VHS tape from the photo lab by signing a receipt. The VHS-C tape shall be erased and returned to the crime scene technician supervisor.
4.6.2 Storing and Reproducing Digital and Conventionally Filmed Photographic Images
1. Storing Digital Photographic Images
a. Images shall be downloaded directly from the camera, or by using a card reader.
b. Images should not be edited using the Cannon software, as this shall modify the image file and the image file shall not be admissible in court proceedings.
c. After downloading images, burn each case/ incident to a separate CD and mark each CD with the incident number, date, crime scene number, and your name.
d. Turn in the CD with the report to the Photo Lab.
e. The Compact Flash card can be used again after deleting images. The technician must be certain that the CD has a good photographed image before the images are deleted.
f. Separate the photo folder for each technician.
2. Reproducing Digital and Conventional Film/Negative Photographic Images
a. Setup printer by adjusting the paper size, lens, color balance, and film type.
b. Insert conventional film/ negative or CD.
c. Pull conventional film/ negative or CD up onto the monitor.
d. Make color and density selection.
e. Print photograph
f. After printing photographs, place a printed label with the photo number, victim(s) name, date, and the incident location (address where the crime scene took place), on the back of the photograph.
g. The photographs should be placed/stored into the photo lab photo files in numerical order by the file number.
4.6.3 Sealing, Marking, Labeling Evidence
1. All evidence shall be properly and timely sealed, marked, and labeled to insure the proper identification at a later date, according the GBI, Division of Forensic Sciences manual.
2. In order for physical evidence to be accepted by the trial court, the chain of custody must be maintained. The initial step in this process shall be marking and /or labeling the item at the time collected, seized, or received.
a. The marking (on the item itself) shall be a unique identifier for the officer or crime scene technician recovering the item, and should be placed on the item where it shall not detract from or interfere with the analysis of the item as evidence or from its usefulness to the proper owner.
b. The following information is placed on the Crime Scene Report (Form APD-645)
(1) the markings used;
(2) location (on item) of markings;
(3) where item was found or recovered;
(4) by whom item was found;
(5) where item is stored;
(6) related confiscation number(s);
(7) incident number; and
(8) Identification Unit case number.
3. Evidence shall be packaged or placed in an appropriate container to insure protection. Items which cannot be marked should be placed in an appropriate container, sealed and the container marked.
4.6.4 Evidence Listing
1. The crime scene technician shall prepare a complete listing of items, recording all evidence in the evidence log book pertaining to the case, and place on the CJIS Entry for Evidence, and Incident report forms.
2. Copies may be retrieved from CJIS by the investigator.
3. This list shall include but not be limited to:
a. Complete description of the item (including make, model, and serial number, if any).
b. Source (from whom and/or location obtained).
c. Name of person collecting the item(s).
4.7 Report Preparation & Documentation (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.2.6)
4.7.1 If the officer or investigator is on the scene, the crime scene technicians shall complete a Crime Scene Verification Report (Form APD-645) and have it signed by officer or investigator.
a. The Crime Scene Verification Report shall only be used when officer or investigator is present.
4.7.2 All crimes processed by a Crime Scene Technician must have a Crime Scene Verification Report completed.
1. The crime scene documentation shall accurately record how the scene was found and the events that transpired at the scene in connection with the investigation. 2. The documentation shall when appropriate include, but not be limited to:
a. Date and time of arrival at scene.
b. Time of Report.
c. Location of the crime: Street address, floor, room number, etc..
d. Name of the victim(s) if known.
e. Name of the suspect(s) if known.
f. Action taken at the scene including the number of photographs (rolls) taken, measurements taken (yes or no), and a listing of all physical evidence recovered.
g. Case file reference number.
h. Name of investigating officer.
i. Storage location of evidence.
j. Technician’s name.
k. APD Identification number.
l. Incident number
3. Attach reports on any additional action by a crime scene technician. Follow-up reports shall cover activities as to the name of the requesting person and the date and time of this request. In addition, this package shall contain a log of exposed film, negatives, printed photographs, checkout list of photographs, and any records such as crime scene sketch information (measurements, description, etc.).
4.7.3 Investigating officers who process a crime or accident scene shall prepare a Supplemental Incident Report that thoroughly documents the facts and circumstances surrounding the collection of all items of evidence. The following information should be recorded in the report:
1. Date and time of arrival at the incident scene.
2. Location of the crime or accident.
3. Identity of the victim(s).
4. Name of the suspect(s) if known.
5. Action taken at the scene.
6. Number of photographs taken.
7. What measurements were made.
8. List of physical evidence recovered.
9. Incident number.
10. Date and time crime scene technician was requested and arrived on scene.
11. Name of investigating officer.
12. Disposition of physical evidence and exposed negatives.
13. Crime scene measurement information.
4.7.4 A description of the specific actions performed at the scene, including: the number of photographs taken; video recordings made; whether measurements were made; the identity of others present or involved in the processing of the crime scene; and an itemized inventory of all items of evidence seized.
4.8.1 Prior to releasing the scene, the investigating officer shall ensure that the following steps are taken to the degree and in the order deemed appropriate:
1. Conduct a debriefing of members of the crime scene team to share information and identify priorities for follow-up investigation. Review evidence collected, discuss preliminary findings, and identify potential forensic tests and any actions needed to complete the crime scene investigation.
2. Complete overall measurements and photographs of the crime scene.
3. Conduct a final walk-through of the crime scene to determine if any evidentiary items have been overlooked, check for equipment or materials that may have been left behind.
4. Determine when the crime scene can be released.
4.9 Transfer of Physical Evidence (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.1)
1. The crime scene technician shall record the chain of custody for any transfer of custody of physical evidence, by documenting it using the ICIS report writing system; or when requested by a supervisor, use the Property/ Evidence Receipt form (Form APD-006).
2. This report shall document the full and continuous custody of all evidence handled by any employee of the Atlanta Police Department.
3. This report shall record such information, to include, but not be limited to:
a. Date and time of transfer.
b. Receiving person’s name and functional responsibility.
c. Reason for the transfer.
d. Name and location of the laboratory, synopsis of the event and examination desired (when transferred to a lab not within this Department).
4.9.2 Whenever possession of physical evidence is transferred from one person to another, a record shall be made of the transfer.
4.9.3 The transfer shall be recorded on the back of the evidence receipt (Form APD-643), to include name and function of the receiving party, name and function of the releasing party, date and time of transfer, items involved, reason for transfer, name and location of the laboratory, synopsis of the event, examinations required.
4.9.4 No evidence shall be stored in desks, offices, vehicles, personal lockers, case files, or other unauthorized places. All evidence shall be turned over to the Property Control Unit prior to the end of the investigator’s/officer’s shift.
4.9.5 Physical evidence submitted to an outside agency for examination shall be handled in the same documented manner as above, in addition to using the outside agency’s report form.
4.9.6 The GBI’s Evidence Submission Form shall be submitted to the laboratory and shall detail the nature of the request and a synopsis of the incident. The transmittal shall also contain the chain of custody information, to include the name of the officer last having custody of the items, date and time the items were submitted for examination, date and time the items were received by the laboratory and the name and signature of the person receiving the items at the laboratory.
4.9.7 A completed evidence receipt (Form APD-006) must accompany property and evidence submitted to the Property Control Unit.
4.9.8 Evidence and property retrieved from the Property Control Unit shall follow procedures detailed in APD.SOP.6030 “Property and Evidence Control”.
4.10.1 Processing and collection of evidence shall be conducted in such a way as to preserve the integrity and condition of the evidence by preventing the introduction of foreign materials and insuring as complete a sample as possible and practical.
4.10.2 Physical evidence shall be marked in accordance to the GBI Division of Forensic Sciences manual, placed in Georgia Crime Lab approved containers, properly sealed, and placed in the Department refrigerator, if perishable. If non-perishable, put it in a locked storage room. Evidence transported to either the GBI Crime Lab or to the APD Crime Lab shall be put in a locked cabinet at Property Control until it is ready to be transported to either the GBI Crime Lab or to the APD Crime Lab.
4.10.3 Evidence placed in the secure storage room in a locked cabinet shall remain for a maximum of 72 hours before transport to the appropriate unit. The crime scene watch supervisor shall regularly monitor evidence storage areas for timeliness and proper packaging.
4.10.4 Latent fingerprints shall be preserved and protected from destruction and contamination.
1. Of all the physical evidence that is found at crime scenes, latent prints are the most fragile and great care must be taken to assure the integrity of this evidence. 2. Latent prints may sometimes be visible to the unaided eye; however, often they are not, and no inference can be made to their existence merely on visual examination of the crime scene.
a. When smooth, reasonably clean surfaces are present at a crime scene and there are indications that these surfaces have been disturbed, every effort shall be made to recover latent prints.
b. If latent prints are lifted, the crime scene technician shall complete the latent fingerprint card, recording all pertinent information regarding the crime scene, including a detailed description of article and location of the latent print on the respective article.
c. If latent prints are revealed using chemicals and an ultra violet light source, take photographs of the print.
d. If shoe prints or tire tread prints /impressions are observed at crime scenes, photographs shall be made of prints/impressions before any attempt is made to lift or make plaster casts of this evidence. This shall assure the preservation of the identifiable characteristics of the prints if they are destroyed or damaged during recovery attempts.
e. Tool marks and or impressions shall be photographed before any attempt is made to make silicone cast of the mark or impression. If deemed necessary by the technician or the investigating officer, that part of the crime scene that bears the tool mark/impression shall be removed for further processing at the G.B.I. Lab. It is imperative that this action be approved by the supervisor if private property shall be damaged by the process.
f. Questioned document evidence recovered at crime scenes shall be confiscated by the investigator and transported to G.B.I. Crime Lab.
g. The crime scene technician shall mark each item with a number prefixed by the letters “APD” representing the Atlanta Police Department.
4.10.5 To prevent contamination, crime scene technicians shall wear rubber gloves, and body covering when handling items containing any suspected body fluids.
1. An item containing suspected body fluids shall be dried prior to transport to the G.B.I. Crime Lab.
2. When dried, this evidence shall be packaged and marked as evidence, as well as suspected bio health hazards due to possible body fluid contamination. In every instance, wear rubber gloves and coveralls when handling this evidence.
3. Body fluid soaked or stained evidence shall be placed in paper bags (not plastic) for transmittal to the location of drying and storage to minimize contamination.
4.10.6 Processing Evidence for the G.B.I. Crime Lab
1. Evidence requiring examination shall be forwarded to the G.B.I. Crime Lab as soon as possible to prevent any loss of evidentiary value.
a. The decision to submit items of evidence to a full service lab is based primarily on the nature of the incident. It must be criminal in nature with prosecution pending.
b. The investigating officer along with the crime scene technician and supervisor shall make final decisions regarding the submission.
c. To which lab the evidence shall be submitted shall depend on the type of examination desired and the urgency of having results. At no time shall evidence be sent to a private lab without prior approval from the C.I.D commander.
d. All packages shall be sealed in a manner as to completely cover all seams with packaging tape.
e. All parcels containing Hazardous materials shall be properly marked with health hazard warnings on every side of the package wrapping.
2. In all cases, samples from known sources e.g. (suspect, victim) shall be included in each submission to a full service lab.
a. Samples of body fluids/tissue shall be obtained by appropriate medical personnel in the appropriate environment. There shall be no exceptions to this requirement
b. All body fluids and tissue that are to be forwarded to a full service lab shall be refrigerated or frozen in the Identification Unit where it shall be labeled and packaged for transmittal to the laboratory.
c. Evidence involving major crimes which cannot be submitted because of a lack of comparison standards shall be properly packaged and stored in the Property Control Unit until comparison samples are obtained.
3. Evidence which requires refrigeration shall be retained in the Identification Unit evidence refrigerator.
4. Any delay in submitting evidence to a forensic lab shall be documented by the assigned investigating officer or crime scene technician. The report shall explain the reason for the delay, the anticipated length of the delay, and what damage, if any, is to be expected to the value of the evidence.
5. Evidence retained for analysis by Identification Unit employees shall be promptly processed and packaged to maintain the chain of custody, preferably by the employee who collected it.
a. All packages shall be sealed in a manner as to completely cover all seams with packaging tape.
b. All parcels containing Hazardous materials shall be properly marked with health hazard warnings on every side of the package wrapping.
4.11 Submission of Evidence to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) Crime Laboratory (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.2)
4.11.1 The investigating officer is responsible for requesting laboratory examinations and for identifying what forensic test(s) is to be performed. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.2a)
4.11.2 The examination request form shall be forwarded with the evidence to the GBI Crime Lab by the Property Control Commander or his/her designee or by the responsible investigator/officer if the Custodian cannot make the transport.
4.11.3 Packaging and Transport Requirements: (CALEA 5th ed. standard
83.3.2b)
4.11.4 Evidence must be preserved so as to retain its integrity and original condition to the maximum extent possible.
4.11.5 Documentation Requirements: (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.2c)The following documents shall accompany evidence brought to the GBI Crime Lab:
1. Property/Evidence Inventory form (Form APD-006) to maintain the chain of custody.
2. GBI Laboratory evidence examination request form.
4.11.6 Evidence Receipts: (CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.2d) All evidence brought to the GBI Crime Laboratory for examination shall be properly receipted by having the official who accepts custody, sign and date the Property/Evidence Control Record form.
4.11.7 When evidence is released from the GBI Crime Laboratory, the agency official that obtains custody of the evidence shall sign and date the Property/Evidence Control Record form.
4.11.8 Requesting Written Results Of Laboratory Analysis:
(CALEA 5th ed. standard 83.3.2e)
4.11.9 A copy of the GBI Crime Laboratory written report shall be placed with the case file and the original report shall be filed in the Property Control unit.
4.11.10 Lab Request for Examination
1. Evidence submitted for a laboratory examination shall include prior custody information.
2. The following information shall be recorded as an attachment to the lab request and placed in evidence logbook.
a. Date that evidence is being sent to the lab;
b. Case number assigned to the evidence being sent to the lab;
c. Lab evidence was sent to;
d. Officer or Technician packaging and sending evidence to lab;
e. How evidence was delivered to lab;
f. Name of person transporting evidence to crime lab;
g. Name of person submitting and to whom the report and evidence should be returned.
h. Name of suspect and/or victim associated with evidence;
i. Date evidence returned to the Atlanta Police Department;
j. How evidence was returned to the Atlanta Police Department, i.e., UPS, FEDX, name of officer, technician, or person returning evidence;
k. Where stored, the locker number where evidence was placed prior to the transporting officer taking physical custody of evidence;
l. What is evidence placed in, describes the type of container or packaging; and
m. Supervisor’s signature authorizing evidence to be sent to the lab.
3. All evidence that is submitted to Georgia Crime Lab for examination shall be documented on the crime scene evidence log, GBI evidence log, crime scene report, and evidence container. The following information shall be documented on the log sheet:
4.11.11 Lab Analysis Report
1. A verbal report on the analysis or primary results of evidence testing shall be followed by a written report containing the same analysis.
2. Laboratory transmittal letters shall become part of the chain of custody report that shall document requests for evidence testing.
4.12 G.B.I. Crime Lab and “Crime Lab” Report Web Site
4.12.1 Each section commander in the Field Operations Division shall designate one primary and one backup employee to serve as site manager to access Crime Lab reports on behalf of the section.
4.12.2 Each section commander in the Criminal Investigations Division shall designate three primaries and three backup employees to serve as site managers to access Crime Lab reports on behalf of the section.
4.12.3 The Computer Services Unit commander shall designate one employee as the Department’s Universal Site Manager and one back up to oversee the web site system.
4.12.4 Sworn employees and ID Technicians shall be responsible for completing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s “Evidence Submission Form” when submitting evidence to the State Crime Lab for analysis.
4.12.5 Site managers shall access crime lab reports from the web site promptly and distribute them immediately to the primary investigator on the case. Do not distribute these reports further without specific authorization and do not allow them to be open to casual viewing.
4.12.6 The universal site manager is the Department’s liaison with the GBI Crime Lab on the retrieval of reports. He or she shall manage the Department’s interaction over the web site; train, assist, and authorize site managers in its use and report any apparent misuse of the web site or the reports to the proper authority. 4.12.7 Whenever a site manager is transferred, terminated or has any other change in status that should terminate his or her access to the G.B.I. web site, the division or section commander shall immediately notify the universal site manager by telephone, followed up by written documentation.
4.12.8 Only the universal site manager (and backup) has authority to add or delete users, or provide site managers with passwords.
4.12.9 Site managers shall maintain the confidentiality of the crime lab web site, by not disclosing passwords or any other accessed information. Site managers shall be required to change passwords every 90 days or when mandated by the Universal site manager.
4.12.10 Site Managers shall maintain copies of the Department’s “Web Site User’s” report on all requests for information, changes of user’s password and requests for new web site users.
4.12.11 Sworn personnel and ID Technician when completing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Division of Forensic Science’s “Evidence Submission Form” must list the following characters to retrieve crime lab reports. If the forensic characters are not present, the report may not be accessible:
1. Submitting agency’s name (Section I) CID employees shall check their section “other” users shall check “APD-General”
2. Agency’s case number (Section I).
3. Victim’s and/or Suspect’s name; spelled correctly (Section II).
4. Primary or case officer (Section III).
5. Any other officer, agency (i.e. prosecutor/juvenile court) to receive a report (Section III).
6. E-mail address (Section III) I.D. Unit assigned E-mail address that has been approved by the Support Services Division commander.
7. Services requested (Section V).
4.12.12 The universal site manager shall:
1. Audit the site manager at least quarterly to verify that they retain their section commander’s authorization.
2. Complete quarterly review of the Crime Lab’s usage log to watch for any inappropriate usage patterns.
3. Obtain Crime Lab reports for users when the site managers are not available.
4.13 The Atlanta Police Department Crime Laboratory
4.13.2 The Crime Lab shall make a weekly visit to the Evidence/Property Section to recover all ballistic and drug evidence for analysis at the crime lab. The Crime Lab may also receive evidence directly from investigators/officers as determined on a case by case basis.
4.13.3 All APD Crime Lab evidence shall be entered into the Justice-Trax system for tracking purposes. A barcode shall placed on each piece of evidence or evidence bag, whichever is appropriate.
1. Each firearm shall be examined for functionality and test fired. The test fires shall then be analyzed and compared against any other ballistic evidence via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Additionally, the test fired ballistic evidence shall be examined microscopically for further analysis as required. Upon completion of analysis, the submitted firearm shall be returned to the Evidence/ Property Section.
4.13.5 Submitted Ballistic Evidence
1. All bullets and cartridge cases shall be examined and analyzed in an effort to determine type, caliber, and manufacturer of weapon used. Upon completion of analysis, the evidence shall be maintained in the crime lab facility.
4.13.6 All evidence that has been processed and analyzed and not retained at the Crime Lab shall be returned to the Evidence/ Property Section.
1. Marijuana Evidence
a. All suspected marijuana evidence shall be processed and analyzed for its authentication. Upon completion of analysis, the evidence shall be returned to the Evidence/Property Section.
4.13.7 Other services provided by the Atlanta Police Department Crime Lab, are as follows:
1. Muzzle to Target Determination.
2. Check Function Test.
3. Serial Number Restoration.
4. Angle of Ejection.
5. Tool- mark Comparison.
6. Griess Test for Nitrite Residues.
7. Sodium Rhodizonate Test for Lead Residues.
8. Diphenylamine Test for Gunpowder. 9. Integrated Ballistic Identification System.
10. Shot Size and Composition. 11. Caliber Determination from X-Ray.
12. Direction of Force.
13. Abuse Test.
5.1 Camcorder: A self-contained unit of communication equipment made up of a hand-held video camera and recorder.
5.2 Crime Scene: The location(s) at which a crime has been committed and/or where evidence of a crime is located or presumed to be located, and the site(s) of accidents and suspicious incidents where foul play could be involved.
5.3 Field Identification Kit: Latent print processing case made up of powder, tape and lifting cards used by police officers.
5.4 First Responder: The officer dispatched to the scene or the first officer to arrive on a scene.
5.5 Investigating Officer: The lead investigator or officer responsible for investigating the scene of a crime or accident.
5.6 Latent: A fingerprint or other prints that may not be apparent to the eye but can be made sufficiently visible, as by dusting, for use in identification.
5.7 Lead Investigator: The investigator having primary responsibilities for a case.
5.8 Odontology: The scientific study of the structure, development, and abnormalities of the teeth
5.9 Real or Physical Evidence: Any material in either gross or trace quantities collected at a crime scene for examination and analysis.
5.10 Silicone: Any of a group of semi-inorganic polymers of siloxane, characterized by high lubricity and thermal stability used in forming casts.
5.11 Site Managers: Individuals designated by section commanders to retrieve crime lab reports from the State’s web site.
5.12 Universal Site Manager: An individual assigned to the Computer Services Unit to monitor the Department’s G.B.I. crime lab web sites, with access to all sites and has the authorization to add and delete users, issue passwords and make modifications to the system.
APD.SOP.3081 “Crime Scene Investigation”, Issued December 12, 2007
APD.SOP.5050 “Cyber Crimes Unit” APD.SOP.6030 “Property and Evidence Control” APD.SOP.6040 “Identification Unit” Atlanta Police Department Crime Laboratory Operations/Procedures Manual
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Crime Scene Processing, January, 2003.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences, Laboratory Services and Requirements for Submitting Evidence Manual, April 25, 2000.
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, (CALEA), 5th Edition Standards: 83.1.1, 83.2.1, 83.2.2, 83.2.3, 83.2.4a,b,c,d, 83.2.5, 83.2.6, 83.3.1, 83.3.2a,b,c,d,e
Dr. George Herren, Georgia Bureau of Investigation |
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