Preliminary Investigation Procedures Quiz

Procedures for Conducting a Preliminary Investigation

• Conducting a proper preliminary investigation is crucial to the success of a criminal investigation.
• Correct procedures for evidence protection and knowledge of criminal statutes are necessary during a preliminary investigation.
• The Criminal Investigations Division uses the reported preliminary investigation to assign an investigator for follow-up.
• Reporting officers must notify their supervisors of incidents involving potential conflicts of interest, unusual or suspicious deaths, sexual battery cases, armed robbery cases, aggravated battery cases, major commercial burglaries, child abuse cases, missing person investigations, drug seizures, bomb or explosives cases, incidents where an officer uses force to make an arrest, or incidents where an officer is injured or department equipment is damaged.
• Supervisors are responsible for assisting investigating officers up to and including court presentations if needed, coordinating investigative efforts, acting as a reference for assistance and liaison with other sections of the department and other agencies, and notifying the appropriate investigative section for assistance when necessary.
• The supervisor will notify the appropriate C.I.D. supervisor in the event of homicides, suspicious and unattended deaths, sexual battery cases, and serious crimes, regardless of whether an arrest has been made or not.
• In cases of unusual or suspicious deaths, officers must notify their supervisor who will then notify the medical examiner. The body cannot be moved or released without the medical examiner's approval.
• Officers are encouraged to follow-up on their initial investigations for case closure, arrest, and property recovery.
• Officers are responsible for follow-up on all misdemeanor cases, unless special circumstances exist.
• When a missing person is reported to have returned, an officer must make physical contact with that individual to verify their safe return and confirm that no criminal activity was involved.
• The Police Service Aide Section must be notified to remove information regarding the missing person from the Criminal Justice Information System immediately upon confirmation of their return.
• Following these guidelines will ensure a thorough and successful preliminary investigation.