Valparaiso Police Department - Evidence Processing Guidelines

Flashcards about processing physical evidence and transfer of custody based on Valparaiso Police Department guidelines.

Secure the Scene

The first action an officer takes upon arriving at a crime/accident scene: Assess the situation to determine if the incident is in progress or concluded, and set up a perimeter.

Evidence Collection at Lesser Crimes

Patrol Division Officers are permitted and encouraged to collect and process evidence at the scene of lesser crimes that would not require a Detective or evidence specialist.

Procedures at Crime Scene

Determine if incident is in progress/secure scene; set up a perimeter; administer aid; identify, separate, and interview witnesses; take photos/video; sketch scene; process items for fingerprints; collect evidence; take known source samples; clean up scene.

Handling Evidence

Once evidence is located, do not disturb it until photographed, measured, position recorded on sketch, described in notebook, and processed for fingerprints (if warranted).

Evidence Collection

Collect evidence carefully so it is not damaged, altered, or destroyed. Mark, collect, and properly package items. Avoid altering potential matches (e.g., tools and markings).

Sampling Evidence

Collect a generous sampling of materials like liquids, stains, paint scrapings, fibers, or soil for scientific examination.

Comparison Samples

Evidentiary matter that may be used for comparison purposes at a later date, should be collected in major investigations.

Fingerprint Collection

Officers shall utilize fingerprint collection kits assigned to those who have received training. If the investigating officer does not have a kit, an officer trained in taking fingerprints should be contacted to assist.

Evidence Container and Labeling

Each item collected shall be placed in an appropriate container (plastic, paper or envelope, ect…) and labeled with a property tag. Items confiscated by officers whenever possible and without contaminating the evidence should be marked with the date and the officer's unit number.

Processing Stolen Vehicles

Recovering officer prepares a case report and assigns a Valparaiso Police Department case number. A vehicle tow in sheet must be completed with a 'HOLD' on the vehicle pending release authorized by the agency reporting the vehicle stolen.

Evidence - Transfer of Custody

Items taken to a laboratory for examination shall be delivered with an examination request form that includes.

Chain of Custody Log

The transfer of custody of physical property must be documented in each incident on the Chain of Custody log that has : Date and time of transfer, Receiving person's name, and Reason for transfer

Photographing Major Crime Scenes

At all major crime/accident scenes, the Detective investigating the scene shall require that photographs/video be taken.

Photography Timing

Photographs and/or videotapes shall be taken as soon as possible after the scene is secured and a perimeter is established.

Photography Records

Date, time, photographing officer's name and location of incident, Case number of incident, Items photographed per frame, or a sequence of areas filmed when using video tape