Broward Sheriff's Office Standard Operating Procedures PDF

BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 4.8 CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE: 4.8.1 General: Success or failure of criminal investigations and subsequent prosecution often depe...

BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 4.8 CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE: 4.8.1 General: Success or failure of criminal investigations and subsequent prosecution often depend on the evidence found at the crime scene. Identification, collection, processing, and preservation of evidence are of utmost importance. 4.8.2 Crime Scene: A. The first deputies at a major crime scene will assume the initial command and request needed assistance to: 1. Aid the injured. 2. Apprehend the suspect. 3. Protect the crime scene. 4. Detain witnesses. B. The first deputy to respond will be in charge of the scene until relieved by a supervisor. Deputies in charge will: 1. Establish a secure perimeter. 2. Protect the scene. 3. Establish an entry control point immediately outside the crime scene and ensure that a Crime Scene Log (BSO RP#97) is being used to record the name, agency and/or unit, reason for entry, and time in and out of any person entering the scene. 4.8.3 Requesting Crime Scene Technician: A. Supervisors will respond to the scene and decide if a Crime Scene technician is needed. Crime Scene technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. B. When supervisors request a Crime Scene technician, they will stay at the scene until the technician arrives. If supervisors must leave, they will ensure the scene is protected. C. Supervisors will ensure the deputy gathering pertinent case facts stays at the scene to brief the Crime Scene technician. Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 1 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES D. Crime Scene technicians respond to: 1. Homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, and suspicious unattended deaths 2. Shootings involving deputies 3. Sexual batteries with a crime scene 4. Bank robberies with a crime scene 5. Aggravated batteries with a crime scene and injuries 6. Unusual crime scenes requiring highly technical processing beyond the patrol deputy's ability and/or photography at the crime scene 7. Requests by field command staff or other supervisor-level staff, with approval from the Forensic Services Command Staff 8. Kidnappings with a crime scene E. If supervisors request a Crime Scene technician, they will also request applicable detectives or specialist staff to respond. F. Routine crime scenes are the responsibility of patrol deputies who will: 1. Identify the incident's location. 2. Process the crime scene for latent fingerprints. 3. Collect any physical evidence. 4. Submit physical evidence to: a. Crime Scene if further processing is necessary or, b. The Crime Lab for analysis if required or, c. Evidence Control for storage 5. Take elimination fingerprints, palmprints, and if appropriate take footprints as well. Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 2 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES Note: Elimination prints will be submitted with any latent lifts from the scene to the Latent Print Unit. 6. Transport evidence to Crime Lab or Evidence Control. 7. Prepare needed written reports and documentation. G. Routine crime scenes include: 1. Burglaries 2. Auto thefts/recovery 3. Vandalism 4. Aggravated assaults 5. Armed robberies with no injuries 6. Deaths when the attending doctor signs the death certificate H. Crime Scene Investigative Aides (CSIA): 1. Crime Scene Investigative Aides are specially trained Community Service Aides (CSAs) who have received forty (40) hours of specialized training in crime scene processing. 2. Crime Scene Investigative Aides have the capability to process routine crime scenes that are the responsibility of patrol deputies. 3. Crime Scene Investigative Aides will generally process only crime scenes involving property crimes. 4. Crime Scene Investigative Aides will: a. Process the crime scene for latent fingerprints and serological evidence. b. Collect any physical evidence. c. Take elimination prints and DNA standards if appropriate. d. Prepare needed written reports and documentation. Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 3 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES e. Advise responding patrol deputy or district detective of the results of their crime scene processing. 4.8.4 Crime Scene Command: When on the scene, the lead criminal investigator will be in charge of the crime scene and continuing investigative activities. 4.8.5 Evidence Collection: A. Latent Prints: 1. Patrol deputies will carry a latent print kit in their patrol vehicle consisting of a processing brush, print powder, lifting tape, and backing cards. 2. When applying print powder, deputies will use a small amount, adding more as needed. If a latent print pattern becomes visible, deputies should brush in the pattern's direction. 3. Oblique lighting can be used to aid in locating latent prints. 4. When processing recovered stolen vehicles, deputies will: a. Request Communications to notify the reporting agency, if applicable, along with the owner or other relevant persons, and clear the entry from the system. b. Complete a report and Vehicle Storage Receipt. c. Process the vehicle's interior and exterior for latent prints swab the vehicle for potential DNA and prepare a Property Receipt. d. Collect any physical evidence needing additional latent processing. 5. The collection, documentation, packaging and submission of latent print evidence to the Crime Lab Latent Print Unit must be in accordance with the Evidence Submission Manual. 6. Only suspects or eliminations listed on a Request for Services Form (CL 15) will be compared to the latent lifts/photos. Request for Services Form (CL 15) can be submitted with the initial latent submission or later on in the investigation. The name of any person whose elimination standards are to be compared to the submitted latent lifts/photos must be listed on the form as well. The elimination standards must be attached and submitted with the Request for Services form (CL 15). Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 4 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 7. Elimination prints will be submitted for victims and persons having regular access to the crime scene (family members in the residence, regular drivers of the vehicle, etc.). Visitors and patrons of the business or residence will not normally be included for elimination. 8. Elimination prints must include fully-rolled fingerprint impressions, palm prints and when applicable footprint impressions. 9. Elimination prints should be obtained in every case where latent prints have been lifted and will be submitted to the Crime Lab. 10. Elimination and suspect prints are not considered evidence and do NOT need to be in a sealed evidence container. The only exception is for bio- hazardous prints, which must be packaged in a heat-sealed plastic bag prior to the submission to the Crime Lab. Bio-Hazard labels and markings on the exterior of the plastic must not cover the prints. 11. Elimination prints are not considered evidence and must NOT be itemized on the Property Receipt. 12. It is the investigating unit's responsibility to obtain elimination prints in all cases. 13. Latent prints are entered into AFIS at the latent examiner’s discretion. B. DNA Evidence: 1. DNA evidence can be found in the various forms, the most common being blood, saliva, and touch DNA. 2. When processing a crime scene, distilled water and sterile cotton tipped applicators should be used to collect potential DNA samples. (In addition to Crime Scene technicians, patrol deputies and Crime Scene Investigative Aides are equipped and trained to do this) 3. Two (2) swabs should be used together any time a potential DNA collection is being made, the only exception being if a suspected blood stain is minute. 4. Swab collections from each area are to be packaged separately from other collections, placed into an evidence envelope, sealed with evidence tape, and documented with proper enumeration on a Property Receipt. Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 5 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 5. Swabs that meet the criteria for entry into the CODIS database and are being submitted to the Lab must be accompanied by a Submission of Evidence Form, (CL 15) as well as DNA standards from victim, suspects, etc., whichever may be applicable. 6. In some instances, specific articles may be submitted to the Crime Scene Unit for advanced DNA collection techniques. This would be done with approval from the Crime Scene Unit Supervisor and the evidence would be submitted to the Crime Scene Unit, via the Crime Lab, with an accompanying Submission of Evidence Form (CL 15). C. Marking the Location of Fired Cartridge Casings: 1 Upon discovering fired cartridge casings at a shooting scene, deputies shall mark the location of each casing for documentation purposes. 2 Deputies can use evidence markers, case cards, or any other easily identifiable item for marking the location of each casing 3 Deputies must wear a facial covering and gloves when placing the marking device for each casing 4 The marking device must NOT be placed directly over the fired cartridge casing to avoid any potential DNA contamination. The marking device should be placed approximately 12 inches away from the actual item of evidence D. Collecting Fired Cartridge Casings: 1 Deputies will need the following items for the collection of fired cartridge casings a. Gloves b. Facial Covering c. Glassine envelope d. Sterile swab 2 Place gloves on each hand and secure a facial covering over the nose and mouth Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 6 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 3 Write the case number, item number and brief item description on the outside of the glassine envelope 4 Insert the cotton end of the sterile swab into the fired cartridge casing and pick the item up 5 Place the cartridge casing into the properly completed glassine envelope and seal with evidence tape 6 Ensure anybody who is within 6 feet of the evidence items is wearing a facial covering to prevent accidental DNA contamination E. Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs: 1. Field Testing: Field tests are not conclusive. A field test is not required to establish probable cause for an arrest involving narcotics or dangerous drugs. However, positive field tests strengthen a deputy's probable cause. If a field test is conducted, please note the results on the property receipt. Refer to the Evidence Submission Manual for information about Field Test. 2. Deputies will process narcotics and dangerous drug evidence seized during arrests to include processing for latent prints or swab for potential DNA on packaging when it is practical to do so, based on the quantity of evidence available or if multiple suspects are present. 3. All suspect Marijuana will be submitted in accordance with the Evidence Submission Manual. 4. Suspected narcotics or dangerous drugs will be listed on the property receipt in accordance with the Evidence Submission Manual and submitted to the Crime Lab or placed in the District 6 secure evidence locker before the end of the deputy's shift. Exceptions must be approved by a supervisor. 5. Crime Lab staff will be available after-hours if needed for major cases via Communications. 6. If deputies seize a quantity of narcotics or dangerous drugs sufficient to support a charge of trafficking, the Major Narcotics supervisor will be notified. 7. Pharmaceutical-Type Drugs: a. Pharmaceutical drugs will be submitted in accordance with the Evidence Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 7 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES Submission Manual. b. A photocopy of any paperwork entered into evidence will be included with the Event Report. 8. Drug Overdose Fatality: a. Drug Overdose Fatality evidence will be submitted in accordance with the Evidence Submission Manual. b. Follow all other crime scene procedures as directed in this chapter. F. Comparative Samples Collection: It is the Crime Scene technician or patrol deputy's responsibility to collect known source standards if applicable. Known source standards are hair, fibers, blood, paint, glass, wood, tool marks, etc., from the victim and/or crime scene for comparison to evidence obtained from the potential suspect. G. Labeling Physical Evidence: 1. Collected evidence will generally be placed into a porous collection container such as paper or cardboard. Generally plastic bags should not be used for initial collection. 2. Once in the evidence container, said container should be sealed with evidence tape and the initials and CCN of the person collecting the item should be placed on the evidence tape seal. 3. On the front of the evidence container, indicate relevant data such as case number, date, item number, person collecting, and describe the evidence. 4. Complete a Property Receipt and if applicable, a Request for Services Form (BSO CL#15). 5. Items collected must be given unique identifying evidence numbers (i.e. AB1, AB2, AB3) and those numbers should not be repeated within the case. 6. Each uniquely identified evidence item must be packaged separately from all other evidence items. H. Absence of Physical Evidence: 1. Responding Crime Scene technicians will photograph, sketch, and process Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 8 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES crime scenes. 2. Responding deputies will process crime scenes for latent prints, potential DNA, and collect physical evidence. 3. If photographs, latent prints, or other physical evidence are not recovered from the scene, the investigating detective or deputy will explain the reasons in a written report. 4. Responding deputies who cannot process a scene will notify a shift supervisor who will respond to the scene and evaluate the circumstances. 5. Only supervisors are authorized to determine when a responding deputy will not process a scene. Responding deputies will document the reasons and responding supervisor in the written report. I. Written Report Preparation: The detective or deputy processing the crime scene will prepare a written report containing at least the following: 1. Date and times dispatched, arrived, and completed 2. Incident's location 3. Victims and suspects' names if known 4. Scene's description 5. All actions taken J. Chain-of-Custody Preservation: 1. Evidence collected must be accompanied by a Property Receipt. 2. All persons taking custody of evidence must complete Item 11 on the Property Receipt along with their signature, printed last name, reason for handling the evidence, and date and time received. 3. Evidence for Crime Lab will be submitted with a completed Property Receipt and a Request for Services Form. K. Crime Lab: 1. Crime Lab accepts evidence from 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 9 of 10  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES Friday. 2. If evidence needs analyzing by the Crime Lab, the deputy taking physical custody of the evidence will be responsible to ensure the evidence is submitted in a timely fashion with a completed Property Receipt and a Request for Services form. 3. The Crime Lab will furnish the written results of the analyzed evidence to the submitting deputy unless the Request for Services form indicates that the results should be routed elsewhere. 4. Crime Scene maintains a controlled storage area including a refrigerator. Crime Scene operates 24 hours, seven days a week and accepts perishable evidence if Crime Lab is closed. 5. Items such as footwear and tool marks should not be submitted to Crime Lab without applicable known standards (see Comparative Samples Collection). They should be submitted to Evidence until standards are collected. L. Property Security and Receipts: Refer to the Sheriff's Policy Manual. M. Firearms: Refer to the Sheriff's Policy Manual. N. Reporting Lost or Abandoned Property: Refer to the Sheriff's Policy Manual. O. Deputies will comply with the provisions set forth in the Sheriff's Policy Manual (Evidence and Property). Reviewed: 10/05/2020 Revised: 12/14/2020 Rescinds: 01/23/2018 Effective: 02/05/2021 4.8 Page 10 of 10