Pasco Sheriff's Office Evidence Handling Procedures
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following items is NOT mentioned as something that could be sealed in a paper bag to prevent the loss of adhering evidence?

  • Tools
  • Safes
  • Firearms (correct)
  • Vehicle Bumpers

    • When a large item is submitted as evidence, what is the procedure regarding its labeling?

  • A completed property tag will be attached directly to the item. (correct)
  • A completed evidence bag will be attached to the item.
  • The item will be marked with the investigator's initials.
  • The item will be labeled with the case number only.

    • What is the protocol for handling wet evidence?

  • The evidence is allowed to air-dry in a designated area. (correct)
  • The evidence is placed in a drying oven and monitored until completely dry.
  • The evidence is disposed of as it is considered contaminated.
  • The evidence is immediately placed in a sealed container for transport to the lab.

    • Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of digital evidence that can be uploaded to Axon Evidence?

    <p>Social Media Posts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum time allowed for digital evidence to be categorized within Axon Evidence?

    <p>7 calendar days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the default access class for digital evidence in Axon Evidence?

    <p>Unrestricted (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the audit logs within Axon Evidence?

    <p>To track access to digital evidence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When accessing digital evidence, what should members do to ensure proper documentation?

    <p>Document the reason for access in the evidence notes section (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the case card [PSO 3-0066] in crime scene photography?

    <p>To document the details of the case, including the photographer's name and the date of the photograph. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a valid reason for using a scale reference in crime scene photography?

    <p>To provide a frame of reference for the size and dimensions of items in the photographs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should evidence be moved or disturbed at a crime scene?

    <p>After it has been photographed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to photograph the overall crime scene before focusing on individual items?

    <p>To provide a comprehensive context for the individual items photographed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When taking a photograph with a scale reference, what positioning is crucial?

    <p>The scale should be on the same plane as the subject matter and the camera lens should be perpendicular to it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In addition to the case card, what other information should be included in the photographs taken at a crime scene?

    <p>The dimensions of fixed objects, which can provide additional scale reference. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an acceptable practice for crime scene photography according to the text?

    <p>Deleting captured images when the desired composition is not achieved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of entering latent data into a database?

    <p>To compare the latent prints with known databases to potentially identify suspects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of submitting a control sample to the laboratory?

    <p>To provide a reference point for comparison with the collected evidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for submitting evidence to the laboratory for analysis?

    <p>Both A and B, depending on the circumstances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what document is required for submitting evidence to the FDLE lab?

    <p>FDLE Request for Examination of Physical Evidence form [FDLE 50-001, rev. 2/06]. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information is included in the Contributor Receipt Copy of the Request for Examination of Physical Evidence form received from the FDLE lab?

    <p>Date and time of receipt at the laboratory, and the name and signature of the receiving employee. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method for transferring custody of physical evidence?

    <p>Both A and B (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included in the documentation of a transfer of physical evidence custody?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum time allowed for submitting wet items like blood and clothing to the laboratory after they have dried?

    <p>10 working days. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of submitting a known standard sample when biological evidence is sent to the laboratory?

    <p>To compare the collected evidence with a known source. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a Crime Scene Report Supplement?

    <p>To document the activities of a Forensic Investigator at a crime scene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what should the case officer do if there is a delay in submitting evidence to the laboratory?

    <p>Store the evidence in the Property/Evidence Section and note the reason for the delay in a report supplement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the proper procedure for collecting cartridge casings at a crime scene?

    <p>Use a sterile wooden stick to pick up each casing and place it in a separate glassine envelope (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is done with vehicles that are too large or have too much evidence to examine on-site?

    <p>They are impounded and transported to a secured area for processing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of evidence is NOT specifically mentioned in the content as needing to be submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible?

    <p>DNA samples. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information should be included in a Crime Scene Report Supplement?

    <p>Case number and type of offense, date and time of arrival at the crime scene, name and ID number of the reporting member, date of supplement, victim’s name, and evidence found (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a vehicle that has been impounded for evidentiary purposes?

    <p>It remains impounded until the case is closed or the case officer authorizes its release (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the procedure for collecting cartridge casings at a crime scene?

    <p>The same sterile wooden stick can be used to collect multiple casings in a group, but each casing must be placed in a separate envelope. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is a Crime Scene Log [PCSO 3-0071] required?

    <p>For all serious crimes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the first deputy arriving at a crime scene?

    <p>Conducting a full forensic investigation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the General Order, who is primarily responsible for collecting and preserving evidence at a crime scene?

    <p>Deputies, Detectives, and Forensic Investigators. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of this General Order?

    <p>To establish procedures for the collection, processing, and preservation of evidence at a crime scene. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which accreditation standards are referenced in this General Order?

    <p>CFA 27.01, 27.02, 27.03, 27.14, 27.16 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are suspect information and latent fingerprints documented for comparison purposes?

    <p>On a Request for Examination of Physical Evidence form. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is this General Order applicable to?

    <p>All members involved in the processing of crime scenes or evidence handling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of securing a crime scene?

    <p>To prevent unauthorized access and potential contamination. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When packaging a firearm that contains latent or blood evidence, what warning labels should be placed on the exterior of the box?

    <p>WARNING: BIOHAZARD (A), WARNING: CONTAINS FIREARM (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following items is NOT included in the list of materials that require the international biohazard symbol and label on the exterior of the package?

    <p>Knives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended packaging method for firearms that do not contain latent or blood evidence?

    <p>Package the firearm in a box with a completed evidence tag attached (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When packaging contaminated sharps, what specific label should be included on the exterior of the packaging?

    <p>WARNING: CONTAINS SHARPS (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement for packaging liquids, including blood and urine, according to the provided guidelines?

    <p>Use containers that are puncture-resistant and leak-proof (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should firearms be packaged when they contain latent or blood evidence?

    <p>In a box with a &quot;WARNING: CONTAINS FIREARM&quot; and &quot;WARNING: BIOHAZARD&quot; label (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the international biohazard symbol and label on packages containing biohazardous evidence?

    <p>To alert individuals handling the package to the potential biohazard risks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Paper Bag Sealing

    Sealing evidence in paper bags to prevent loss.

    Evidence Tape

    Tape used to seal evidence bags securely.

    Property Tagging

    Tagging large items directly when they cannot fit in a bag.

    Wet Evidence Handling

    Process for drying wet evidence before analysis.

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    Axon Evidence System

    Digital evidence management system for law enforcement.

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    Digital Evidence Uploading

    Process of adding digital evidence to Axon Evidence.

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    Access Control Classes

    Classes assigned to manage access to digital evidence.

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    Audit Logs

    Records tracking access to digital evidence in Axon Evidence.

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    Cartridge Casing Collection

    Procedure for collecting firearm cartridge casings using a sterile wooden stick, followed by individual packaging.

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    Glassine Envelope

    A transparent envelope used to package evidence securely, preventing contamination.

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    Evidence Security

    Protocols for securing vehicles containing crime evidence, including impoundment and sealing.

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    Chain of Custody

    Documentation of evidence transfer including date, time, and responsible individuals.

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    Evidentiary Item Marking

    All items removed from a vehicle must be marked and packaged appropriately as evidence.

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    Forensic Investigator Report

    A written summary by the forensic investigator detailing their processing of a crime scene.

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    Case Documentation Components

    Required details in a report supplement including case number, date of arrival, and reporting member details.

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    Property Receipt Form

    A form (PSO Form #3-0076) used for documenting physical evidence custody transfer when electronic submission fails.

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    Biohazard symbol

    International symbol used to mark hazardous biological materials.

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    Contaminated evidence packaging

    Packaging required for evidence contaminated by body fluids or sharps.

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    Sharps packaging

    Rigid, puncture-resistant containers for sharp objects, marked with warnings.

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    Uncontaminated evidence packaging

    Secure packaging for glass and uncontaminated items to prevent breakage.

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    Firearms packaging

    Firearms must be unloaded and packaged separately from ammunition.

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    Latent evidence on firearms

    Firearms with latent or blood evidence must be safely packaged with warnings.

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    Evidence tag completion

    All firearms must have a completed evidence tag attached for identification.

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    Crime Scene Responsibility

    First deputy secures the scene and manages evidence.

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    Evidence Documentation

    Recording names and details of individuals at the scene.

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    Scene Photography

    Capturing images for visual documentation of the scene.

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    Evidence Preservation

    Protecting evidence from damage, loss, or contamination.

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    Latent Fingerprint Collection

    Gathering fingerprints not visible to the naked eye.

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    Forensic Services Submission

    Requesting analysis of physical evidence through an online system.

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    Crime Scene Log

    A record of individuals entering and exiting the crime scene.

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    Sketching the Scene

    Creating a diagram to represent the layout of the crime scene.

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    Laboratory Submission Responsibility

    The case detective or deputy must request laboratory analysis; evidence personnel submit the evidence.

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    Request Documentation

    Evidence must comply with guidelines in the FDLE Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual.

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    Analysis Request Letter

    Submissions to the FBI or private labs require a letter from a supervisor requesting analysis.

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    FDLE Request Form

    Evidence for FDLE lab needs a completed FDLE Request for Examination of Physical Evidence form.

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    Receipt Documentation

    Obtain a Contributor Receipt Copy of evidence from the FDLE lab employee for documentation.

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    Control Sample

    A control sample of the same material may be sent for comparison if available.

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    Known Standard Sample

    A known standard sample is required for comparison with biological evidence sent to a lab.

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    Time Constraints for Submission

    Submit biological tissues immediately; wet items within ten days after drying.

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    Latent Print Examiner

    An individual who analyzes and verifies latent fingerprint evidence related to cases.

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    Digital Evidence Integrity

    Maintaining the authenticity and accuracy of digital images as crime scene evidence.

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    Scale Reference in Photography

    Using an object like a business card to indicate size when photographing evidence.

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    Case Card

    A documentation card containing case details like number, date, and photographer's name.

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    Fixed Objects in Forensics

    Objects that stay in place which provide dimensional references in photographs.

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    Axon Capture App

    An application used by officers to photograph and manage evidence digitally.

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    Photograph Review Process

    Photographers must check the quality of images taken before storage.

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    Evidence.com Storage

    A secure platform where captured image evidence is permanently stored.

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    Study Notes

    Pasco Sheriff's Office General Order 83.1

    • Title: Collection, Processing and Preservation of Evidence
    • Effective Date: August 5, 2024
    • Supersedes: March 22, 2023
    • Standards: CFA 27.01, 27.02, 27.03, 27.14, 27.16
    • Pages: 13

    Contents

    • Section I: Crime Scene Responsibility
    • Section II: Evidence Processing
    • Section III: Physical Evidence Collection
    • Section IV: Digital Evidence Collection
    • Section V: Fingerprints
    • Section VI: Crime Scene Photography
    • Section VII: Video Recordings
    • Section VIII: Crime Scene Sketches
    • Section IX: Biohazardous Materials
    • Section X: Firearms and Ammunition
    • Section XI: Vehicles
    • Section XII: Evidence Documentation
    • Section XIII: Laboratory Submissions
    • Section XIV: Training
    • Section XV: Glossary

    Purpose

    • To establish procedures for locating, documenting, collecting, processing, and preserving evidence at a crime scene.

    Scope

    • Applies to all members involved in processing crime scenes and evidence handling.

    Policy

    • Deputies, detectives, and Forensic Investigators will identify, record, preserve, collect, and store evidence in accordance with the order.

    Procedure

    I. Crime Scene Responsibility

    • Deputy Responsibility: The first deputy to arrive secures the scene to prevent damage, loss, or movement of evidence. They record personnel entering/leaving, photograph/diagram/sketch the scene, protect/collect/preserve the evidence, collect latent prints, and process minimal latent scenes.
    • Supervisor Responsibility: Supervisors may authorize a Forensic Investigator for major crimes or substantial property loss. They request the Forensic Investigator through the Pasco County Emergency Services (911).
    • Forensic Investigator Responsibility: Forensics Investigators use agency-issued vehicles and equipment (fingerprint powder, brushes, tape, cards, cameras, scanning devices, storage containers, paper/plastic bags, paper, pencils, pens, biohazard containers and labels) to document the crime scene and collect evidence.

    II. Evidence Processing

    • Processing Responsibility: A deputy or detective processes evidence unless a Forensic Investigator is present.
    • Evidence Search: A systematic approach is used to ensure all evidence is located. The crime scene is studied initially to note relationships between items.

    III. Physical Evidence Collection

    • Collection: Evidence is collected, labeled, and packaged according to the Property and Evidence Packaging Manual, preserving it for future processing and maintaining a chain of custody.
    • Evidence Preservation: The scene is protected by crime scene tape. Protective clothing (gloves, masks, shoe covers) is mandated to prevent introducing additional materials into the scene.
    • Sample Collection: A complete evidence sample is collected (bed sheets, carpeting, clothing, etc). Biological materials are refrigerated to the designated section or in refrigerators at district property evidence pickup locations.

    IV. Digital Evidence Collection

    • Axon Evidence: The agency's primary system for digital evidence management.
    • Body Worn Camera recordings: Uploaded, maintained, and stored in Axon Evidence.
    • Photographs, support documents, and video/audio recordings: Uploaded via Axon Evidence, Axon Capture App, Upload XT, or Axon Communities.

    V. Fingerprints

    • Fingerprint Types: Patent (visible), Plastic/Impression (visible in soft material), and Latent (not visible) fingerprints are distinguished.
    • Fingerprint Preservation: Items are processed promptly to prevent contamination or destruction.
    • Fingerprint Labeling: Detailed information, including case number, date, location, offense type, member's name and CJIS, is recorded on the latent lift card.
    • Routing: Completed latent lift cards are placed in an envelope within Evidence OnQ and submitted to the Property and Evidence Section.

    VI. Crime Scene Photography

    • Fixed Objects: Dimensions of fixed objects are photographed to provide a scale reference.
    • Case Card: A case card is completed with details about the case, including the case number, date, address, and photographer's name.
    • Evidence Photos: All significant aspects of a crime scene are photographed from a spatial perspective, with little to no disturbance of the scene. Scale reference is included.

    VII. Video Recordings

    • Case officers or Forensic Investigators will photograph and document the incident/crime scene.
    • Video recordings supplement still photographs; they're not considered the sole method of photographic evidence.
    • The recordings should include date, time, location, and case number.
    • Video recordings will be uploaded to Evidence.com with case/event number and classification.

    VIII. Crime Scene Sketches

    • Sketches should include an arrow for North, dimensions of the scene, measured distance to a reference point (like a power pole/building), location (specific address including floor/apartment/room number), and dates.
    • Individual photographs will supplement the sketch.

    IX. Biohazardous Materials

    • Containment will be marked with the appropriate biohazard symbols
    • Materials will be properly packaged and sealed.
    • Sharps will be packaged in rigid, puncture resistant containers.

    X. Firearms and Ammunition

    • All firearms are to be unloaded.
    • Firearms and ammunition will be kept separate. Bullets and casings will be packaged separately within the proper evidence bag.

    XI. Vehicles

    • Vehicles with potential evidence will be processed, marked and secured.
    • If extensive processing isn't practical, the vehicle will be impounded.
    • The Evidence OnQ system should be used for evidence transfer.

    XII. Evidence Documentation

    • Chain of Custody: A formal record of who has possession of evidence at each point in the process; must identify recipient, date, time, and reason for transfer.
    • Crime Scene Report Supplements: Any supplemental report that a Forensic Investigator creates will be included in the case detective/deputy's file. The supplement will detail the case number, type of offense, arrival time, reporting member information, date of the supplement, victim information and brief description of photographs taken.

    XIII. Laboratory Submissions

    • Responsibility: The detective/deputy is responsible for initiating lab analysis requests; property/evidence personnel typically submit evidence.
    • Request Documentation: Evidence submitted must follow guidelines from the FDLE Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual.
    • Receipt Documentation: FDLE lab personnel will receive a copy containing the time and date of receipt. Information includes the person receiving it and their signature.
    • Control Sample: A known sample of the same material is submitted alongside the evidence for further evaluation if required.
    • Known Standard Sample: If necessary, when analyzing biological evidence, known standard samples will accompany the evidence for comparison/elimination purposes.
    • Time Constraints: Evidence submissions have specific time constraints that are noted in the manual. Specific guidelines on storage apply in case of delays.

    XIV. Training

    • Initial training is provided in criminal justice academy and field training programs.
    • Specialized training in forensic investigation is provided. Specific topics include: photography, latent print collection, crime scene sketch work, evidentiary handling, and preparing crime scenes for processing.

    XV. Glossary

    • Terms like chain of custody, digital evidence, evidence, and peripheral equipment are defined.

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    Related Documents

    Pasco Sheriff's Office General Order 83.1 PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential procedures for collecting, processing, and preserving evidence as outlined in the Pasco Sheriff's Office General Order 83.1. Learn about crime scene responsibilities, physical and digital evidence collection, and documentation methods. It serves as a vital resource for law enforcement and crime scene investigators.

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