Metropolitan Police Department Washington D.C.

Subject:

Collection of Physical Evidence; Utilization of the Crime Scene Examination Section and Crime Scene Search Officers

Series    Number  Change

304       08

Effective Date

April 30, 1992

Revision Date

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

The purpose of this order is to establish the policies and procedures for collecting and preserving all physical evidence found at crime scenes. Additionally, this order defines the duties and responsibilities of crime scene examination section technicians, crime scene search coordinators, district crime scene search officers, reserve crime scene search officers, and those members qualified to field test suspected narco­tics/drugs. This order consists of the following parts:

 

        PART I    Responsibilities and Procedures for

                 Members of the Department

 

A.   Policy.

B.   Investigation of Crime Scenes.

C.   Handling of Potential Evidence.

D.   Processing Motor Vehicles.

E.               Requests for Latent Fingerprint Examination.

 

        PART II   Responsibilities and Procedures for

                 Special Assignment Personnel

 

A.   General Responsibilities of District Crime Scene Search Officers and Crime Scene Examination Section Technicians.

B.   District Crime Scene Search Officers.

C.   Crime Scene Search Coordinators.

D.   District Crime Scene Search Vehicles and Equipment.

E.   Crime Scene Examination Section Supervisor.

F.   Re-Certification Program.

F.               Fingerprint Examination Section.

 

        PART III   Responsibilities and Procedures for Supervisory and Command Personnel

 

A.   District Commanders.

B.   Director, Training Division.

C.   Director, Criminal Investigations Division.

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 30, 1992

2 of 16

 

 

 

  PART I

      A.  Policy.

1.  The member responsible for the preliminary investigation or an official on the scene shall notify the crime scene examination section of cases that require processing by the technicians of that section.

 

2.  When conditions prohibit a member of the crime scene examination section from responding to the scene of a crime as set forth in Part lB of this order, the official or senior technician in charge of the crime scene examination section may authorize a district crime scene search officer to respond and process the case.

 

3.  In crimes other than those listed in part lB of this order, the member making the report and/or preliminary investigation shall arrange through the radio dispatcher, for the services of a district crime scene search officer.

 

4.  In the event there are no district crime scene search officers available to process a crime scene, the requesting member shall contact his/her immediate supervisor for instructions on how to proceed with the case.

 

5.  District members trained to search crime scenes are designated as district crime scene search officers.

 

6.  Those members trained but not assigned as crime scene search officers shall be designated as reserve crime scene search officers, and shall be available for occasional assignments as needed.

 

7.  Members investigating and/or reporting crimes which require the services of either a crime scene examination section technician or a district crime scene search officer, shall:

 

a.                   Protect the crime scene in order to prevent the destruction or contamination of evidence;

b.                   Not disturb any articles, marks, or impressions of potential evi­dentiary value; and

c.                   Initiate security measures to keep unauthorized persons away from the immediate area of the crime scene until all evidentiary measurements, sketches, photographs, searches, and collec­tions have been made.

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 16, 1991

3 of 16

 

 

 

8.  It is the responsibility of all members handling evidence to ensure the integrity and subsequent admissibility of such evidence.

 

9.  Establishment and protection of the “chain of custody” of evidence by limiting the number of persons who handle the evidence between discovery and court presentation.

 

10.         With the exception of narcotics and certain document  examinations, (which are outlined in General Orders No. 601.1 (Handling and Disposition of Property) and 304.2 [Processing Questioned Documents] Part I, respectively) any type of evidence coming into the possession of any member of the department that needs to be submitted to a laboratory for analysis must go through a district crime scene search officer or crime scene examination section technician:

 

a.                   This includes submitting firearms to the Firearms Examination Section when they are to be compared to a fired bullet or fired cartridge casing, etc.

b.                   This does not include guns recovered where only test fires are needed.

 

11.  Members and/or investigators are reminded that the identification and collection of evidence should be a team effort, and that no item of evidence should be overlooked. Failure to ensure that each item of evidence receives the proper attention could prove to be a detriment to an investigation, and hamper its presentation in court.

 

12.  Investigators shall make themselves aware of all items   that are col­lected to ensure that a thorough investigation is being accomplished.

 

13.  In cases where motor vehicles are taken to the crime scene  exam­ination section for processing, it shall be the responsibility of the member requesting the service to have the vehicle removed at the completion of the processing.

 

14.  District crime scene search officers recovering property shall comply with the provisions of General Order No. 601.1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 16,1991

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Members other than district crime scene search officers or crime scene search technicians, recovering items of evidence shall, when instructed to do so by an official or a crime scene search officer or a crime scene examination technician, turn the evidence over to the district crime scene search officer or crime scene examination section technician processing the case, as soon as possible, to ensure proper coordina­tion and handling.

 

Only those members trained in the field testing of narcotics/drugs shall conduct field tests of narcotics/drugs and/or prepare the necessary paperwork (see Part IIB10) generated from the seizure of narcotic/drug-related evidence.

 

B.   Investigation of Crime Scenes.

 

Personnel of the Crime Scene Examination Section, Criminal Investigations Division, Investigative Services Bureau, shall, in addition to performing such duties as directed by the Director. Criminal Investigations Division, be responsible for processing scenes of the following types of crimes:

 

1.   All deaths (to include assassinations) of a violent or suspicious nature, all deaths resulting from industrial accidents, and all deaths of unidentified persons, which are the investigative responsibility of the Homicide Branch;

2.              All sex offenses investigated by the Sex Branch;

3.              Critical injury assaults, where the victim may die;

4.              All robberies of financial institutions, armored cars and United States Postal Facilities;

5.              Burglaries, when there is critical injury or loss of property valued at$10,000 or more;

6.              Use of service firearms by members of the force as indicated in General Order No. 901.1 (Use of Firearms and Other Service Weapons); and

7.              Other major offenses (e.g., kidnappings, bombings, serious arsons as outlined in General Order No. 304.1 (Procedures for Conducting Criminal Investigations)).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24,1991

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C.   Handling of Potential Evidence.

 

The Chain of Custody of evidence is essential in the handling of evidence. Members are to ensure that evidence in which they process is accounted for. The admissibility of evidence in a court of law will depend, in large part, on the manner in which the evidence was collected, and the precautions taken to ensure its integrity. Members are responsible for:

 

1.   Ensuring the future identification of recovered evidence for court or administrative purposes, by:

 

a.              Initialing the evidence, and/or

b.              Placing the evidence into an evidence envelope containing the evidence, and marking the envelope.

 

Note:     If any link in this chain is unknown or unaccounted for, the integrity of the evidence can be threatened and it may well be ruled inadmissible;

 

2.   When taking custody or handling evidence, checking it’s condition and identifying each time it was handled, ensuring that:

 

a.   It is the original evidence; and

b.   It is in the same condition as at the time of discovery;

 

3.   Ensuring that when testifying, his/her testimony is able to support the fact that each item of evidence was either found at the crime scene or is otherwise related to the crime; and

 

4.   Demonstrating to the satisfaction of the court, that the evidence was not altered, and that it can be positively identified and distinguished from all other similar items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24, 1991

6 of 16

 

 

 

D.   Processing Motor Vehicles.

 

1.   Motor vehicles involved in the commission of those crimes listed in Part lB of this order, shall be processed by the crime scene examination section.

 

2.   Motor vehicles involved in crimes other than those listed in part lB of this order, shall be processed by a district crime scene search officer upon the request of the investigating member.

 

3.   Recovered stolen motor vehicles, unless involved in the commission of those crimes listed in Part lB of this order, shall be processed at the time of recovery for latent fingerprints and other physical evidence, by a district crime scene search officer from the district in which the motor vehicle was recovered.

 

E.   Requests for Latent Fingerprint Examination.

 

1.   Members shall request a latent fingerprint examination in those cases where, through investigation or information from a reliable source, they have developed a suspect to a particular crime or series of crimes. All requests for a latent fingerprint examination shall be submitted on a PD Form 860 (Request for Latent Fingerprint Examination).

 

2.   Members whose organizational element utilizes a crime scene search file shall submit all completed PD Forms 860 to their commanding officer or other member designated by him/her. Members whose organizational element does not maintain a crime scene search file shall submit the PD Form 860 directly to the Fingerprint Examina­tion Section, Identification and Records Division.

 

3.   In the event a member has reliable information on a suspect, but insufficient information to complete a PD Form 860, the requesting member shall contact a supervisor of the Fingerprint Examination Section for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24, 1991

7 of 16

 

 

 

PART II

 

A.   General Responsibilities of District Crime Scene Search Officers and Crime Scene Examination Section Technicians.

 

District crime scene search officers and/or crime scene examination section technicians are responsible for:

 

1.   Coordinating the collection and handling of all physical evidence in the more serious cases, as outlined in Part lB of this order;

 

2.   Recovering all physical evidence in those more serious cases, or when applicable, receiving custody of the evidence when already recovered by another member;

 

3.   Responding to offenses and examining the scene, to determine what type of processing is required;

 

4.   Taking photographs and making diagrams or sketches where circum­stances surrounding the offense and department policy dictate the need to do so;

 

5.   Maintaining the integrity of all of the evidence he/she handles, and ensuring that his/her work reflects impartiality and professionalism;

 

6.   Collecting, handling, and expediently submitting all evidence to following cases: laboratories, in the

 

a.   Homicides;

b.   Rapes and Sexual Assaults;

c.   Serious ADW’s;

d.   Armed Robberies of commercial establishments; and

e.   Burglaries, where the nature of the evidence dictates that the district crime scene search officer or crime scene examination section technician should handle it;

 

NOTE:

If, in these cases, another member has already collected the evidence, it shall be turned over to the district crime scene search officer or crime scene examination section technician (whichever appropriate) to ensure proper handling.

 

          8.   Collecting garments as evidence when there is a possibility of their gunpowder residue, due to their close proximity to a discharged firearm.

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24,1991

8 of 16

 

 

 

            B.    District Crime Scene Search Officers shall be responsible for:

 

1.              Maintaining the physical evidence kit issued them;

 

2.              Drawing supplies from the crime scene search coordinator, when

 

3.   Surrendering his/her physical evidence kit to a supervisor of the crime scene examination section upon being relieved of the assignment as a district crime scene search officer;

 

4.   Telephoning the crime scene examination section upon the com­pletion of their investigation:

 

a.              Supplying the necessary information;

b.              Obtaining a Crime Scene Examination Section (CSES) number; and

c.              Preparing the appropriate reports, which reflect the action taken and the evidence recovered, and forwarding these reports to the crime scene examination section for processing;

 

5.   Ensuring the proper collection and submission of evidence, by handling recovered evidence in the following manner:

 

a.   Ensuring that evidence has been properly marked;

 

(1)  Placing latent fingerprints into a PD Form 307           (Latent Fin­gerprint Jacket);

(2)  Ensuring that the PD Form 307 is securely sealed;

 

b.   Completing a PD Form 668 (Evidence Report), in an original and the appropriate number of copies;

 

(1)  Attaching the PD Form 668 to the PD 307; and

(2)  Forwarding the forms to the Crime Scene Examination Section, Criminal Investigations Division; and

 

c.   After receiving the results, forwarding all information to the member in charge of the investigation;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24,1991

9 of 16

 

 

 

6.   Collecting all evidence requiring laboratory examination except latent fingerprints and narcotics, and delivering the evidence in person, to the appropriate laboratory for processing.

 

a.   The evidence must be accompanied by a PD Form 668 for laboratory examination conducted by MPDC; or

b.   A transmittal letter prepared by the crime scene examination section, for non-MPDC laboratory examination;

 

7.   Submitting latent fingerprints per Parts llB 5a and 5b of this order, and narcotics per General Order No. 601.1;

 

8.   Processing evidence not requiring laboratory examination through the Property Division;

 

9.   Processing and testing suspected narcotics/drugs when:

 

a.   Other member’s qualified to test narcotics/drugs are not imme­diately available;

 

b.   Other items of evidence are going to be recovered, requiring the preparation of a PD Form 668; or

 

c.   Other forensic examination is required; and

 

10.  When notified of a seizure of suspected narcotics/drugs, if not engaged in searching a crime scene, district crime scene search officers, and any other member qualified to test narcotics/drugs, shall be responsible for:

 

a.   Wearing an approved pair of non-disposable gloves and ap­proved safety glasses, in that these tests involve the use of concentrated acid;

 

b.   Conducting all tests in a location easily accessible to water in the event acid is spilled on exposed skin;

 

c.   Responding and assisting the arresting or seizing member(s) in the identification of the drug;

 

d.   Collecting and processing all narcotic/drug related evidence re­covered;

 

e.   Preparing’ all necessary Forms (e.g., DEA Form 7 (Report of Drug Property Collected, Purchased or Seized), PD 81 (Property Return), and the PD Form 95 (Narcotic Evidence Bag);

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24, 1991

10  of 16

 

 

 

f.   Preparing the PD Form 95 in all instances where narcotics/ drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia are seized as evidence:

 

(2)  Initialing and dating the inside of the bag, at the top edge, just below the area where the bag will be sealed, with a black wide-tipped felt marker;

(3)  Not sealing, reopening, then resealing a PD Form 95. and

(4)  Submitting the PD Form 95 to the DEA Lab for analysis, via the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division (NSID), by placing the sealed envelope in the element’s narcotic evidence mailbox, or turning the bag directly over to the NSID;

 

g.   Preparing a PD Form 668-B (Field Test/Evidence Report) in instances where:

 

(1)  Suspected narcotics / drugs are recovered and a field test is performed; and

(2)  A PD Form 668 is not prepared;

 

h.  Obtaining a CSES number from the Crime Scene Examination Section, CID, when preparing a PD Form 668-B, and providing a copy of the PD Form 668-B to the arresting / investigating mem­ber;

 

i.  Advising the arresting or recovering member that lab numbers will be provided by the DEA Laboratory and also can be ob­tained by calling the Narcotic and Special Investigations Division (NSID) at the time of papering if the lab number is not available in the papering section, U.S. Attorney’s Office; and

 

j.  Providing the arresting / papering member with a reproduced copy of all paperwork / forms prepared in connection with the seizure of the narcotics/drugs, for submission to the Assistant U.S. Attorney papering the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 30, 1992

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C.   Crime Scene Search Coordinators are responsible for:

 

1.   Reviewing all reports before forwarding them to the crime scene

 

2.   Compiling monthly activity figures and forwarding reports to the crime scene examination section;

 

3.              Coordinating all requests for fingerprint comparisons;

 

4.              Maintaining all other administrative records relative to the crime scene search program;

 

5.              Conducting weekly inspections of all crime scene search equipment, including camera equipment, for damage, excessive wear or malfunction. In instances where equipment is discovered damaged, or upon notification of the discovery of damaged equipment by another member:

 

a.   Apprising an official of his/her unit to ensure that an investiga­tion is conducted; and

 

b.   Furnishing the crime scene examination section coordinator with the name of the official handling the investigation;

 

6.   Securing supplies for their office:

 

a.   Crime scene search supplies shall be obtained from the crime scene examination section office only.

 

b.   Other office supplies may be obtained from the district adminis­trative section;

 

7.   Stocking the crime scene search vehicles with the required evidence collection material, which will be supplied by the Crime Scene Examination Section, Criminal Investigations Division, and ensuring that all evidence collection equipment is stored in the cabinets provided for this purpose;

 

8.   Handling or coordinating all evidence to be taken to, or picked up from, various laboratories;

 

9.   Attending patrol sections roll calls once a month to discuss the recognition, preservation, processing and when applicable, the recovery of evidence by patrol members;

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 30, 1992

12  of 16

 

 

 

10.  Meeting with the Supervisor, Crime Scene Examination Section, monthly to discuss and develop the training material to be presented at the roll call training session;

 

11.  Ensuring that the CSSO assigned to the midnight patrol section is briefed, allowing presentment of the training material; and

 

12.  Handling or coordinating all other problems relative to their unit, to ensure an efficient utilization of personnel and equipment.

 

D.   District Crime Scene Search Vehicles and Equipment.

 

1.  District crime scene search officers are responsible for the following, when utilizing district crime scene search vehicles:

 

a.   Carrying out the district’s responsibilities regarding the protec­tion and preservation of evidence;

b.   Storing of evidence collection equipment or evidence (no other property shall be stored or transported in these vehicles); and

c.   Operating the crime scene search vehicles in the following manner:

 

(1)  Keeping them clean at all times and exercise the utmost care in their operation;

(2)  Ensuring that the vehicle’s doors are locked, after alight­ing from the vehicle;

(3)  Ensuring that the vehicles are kept locked, except when equipment or property is actually being removed or insert­ed; and

(4)  Not expediting to any crime scene for the sole purpose of processing the crime scene.

 

2.   Crime Scene Search Equipment

 

a.   District crime scene search officers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate supplies, and that they main­tain these supplies in good condition (these supplies are to be drawn from their coordinator).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

August 22, 1997

13  of 16

 

 

 

b.   Assuming control of any equipment (including camera equipment), and the responsibility for such equipment. Upon receipt of equipment:

(1)  Immediately checking the equipment for damage, and

(2)  Ensuring the protection of equipment through the uti­lization of such safeguards as camera cases, straps, etc.

 

c.   Upon discovering damaged equipment, immediately notifying:

(1)  An official of his/her unit, and

(2)  As soon as practical, the crime scene search coordinator.

 

E.   Crime Scene Examination Section Supervisor shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Maintaining an appropriate file documenting actions taken at all crime scenes. Such files shall reflect:

 

a.   A complete inventory of all items taken as evidence, and

 

b.   The results of any examination made of such evidence;

 

2.   Reviewing all requests to forward evidence which cannot be processed by this department;

 

3.   Preparing transmittal letters for the forwarding of evidence to appropriate agencies; and

 

4.   Documenting in records maintained at their element, all calls for which their services or the services of district crime scene search officers, or those members requesting CSES numbers regarding their preparation of PD Forms 668-B, are required. These reports shall contain the following information, and be forwarded to the crime scene examination section for processing:

 

a.   CSES number,

b.   Complaint number,

c.   Complainant’s name,

d.   Address of offense or service,

e.   Type of offense,

f.   Officer/investigator who requested service,

g.   Logging officer, and

h.   Officer assigned to process the case

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

August 22, 1997

14  of 16

 

 

 

5.   Meeting monthly with all CSSC for the purpose of developing needed training for members in their organizational elements.

 

6.   Maintaining a file of all training topics outlined for presentation at monthly patrol section roll calls, for the purpose of accountability and future analysis.

 

F.   Re-certification Program.

 

To ensure universal compliance in maintaining professional standards throughout the Crime Scene Search Program, annual re-certification procedures have been instituted for all crime scene search officers and reserve crime scene search officers. These procedures shall consist of the following:

 

1.   Attendance at the Annual Training Seminars.

 

2.   The obtaining of a minimum score of 70% on the final written exam, and a minimum score of 70% on a practical exam.

 

Members who fail to meet the requirements as stated above, shall be removed from the Crime Scene Search program and lose his/her technician’s pay, if applicable.

 

G.              Fingerprint Examination Section, Identification and Records responsible for:

 

1.   Evaluating all latent fingerprints, determining whether they are

 

2.  Noting the results of this evaluation on the appropriate copies of the PD Form 668, which shall be returned to the crime scene examination section for filing and distribution; and

 

3.  Processing all PD Forms 860 received from submitting elements.

 

PART III

 

A.   District Commanders shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Ensuring that at least one district crime scene search officer is avail­able on each tour of duty. If necessary, reserve crime scene search officers shall be utilized.

 

2.   Ensuring the assignment of one crime scene search officer in his/her district as coordinator.

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

April 30, 1992

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4.  Coordinating the training of a sufficient number of members from each patrol section in the field testing of narcotics/drugs, with the NSID, ensuring the expedi­ent field testing and processing of narcotics/drugs recovered by members of his/her command.

 

5.  Ensuring that station clerks are provided with a list of the names of all district crime scene search officers, to include all reserve crime scene search officers.

 

6.  Ensuring that crime patterns are studied in their respective districts in order to determine modus operandi, to develop suspects, and to submit requests for latent print comparisons.

 

7.  Maintaining or causing to be maintained, a Crime Scene Search File consisting of the PD Forms 668 which are returned to the organizational element by the crime scene examination section.

 

8.  Ensuring that all PD Forms 860 (Request for Latent Fingerprint Examination) are reviewed:

 

a.   Checking the Crime Scene Search File for the corresponding PD Form 668, to ensure that there are identifiable prints, prior to submission of the PD Form 860; and

b.   Ensuring that duplicate requests are not made.

 

9.  Ensuring that his/her district has a vehicle designated as a crime scene search vehicle.

 

10.         Ensuring that all members under their command account for all persons who handled or stored evidence, through the proper collection and marking of the evidence for future identification.

 

B.   Director. Training Division shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Ensuring that Training Division personnel coordinate their training and re-training classes with a member of the crime scene examination section and the NSID, so that a sufficient number of officers in each district qualify; and

 

2.   Reviewing the proposed training schedules and subject matter to be covered with the official(s) and/or training officers of the crime scene examination section and the NSID, ensuring that schedules and related subject matter comply with the goals and policies of the department.

 

 

 

Publication

 

Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 304.8

 

February 24, 1991

16  of 16

 

 

 

C.   Director. Criminal Investigations Division , Investigative Services Bureau, shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Ensuring that the certification, and annual re-certification programs are conducted and coordinated with the Training Division;

 

2.   Ensuring that each district crime scene search officer and reserve crime scene search officer is issued a physical evidence kit for use in conducting crime scene searches, and the identification of narcotics and other dangerous drugs; equipment;

 

3.   Ensuring the proper control and inspection of issued supplies and

 

4.   Ensuring that all completed PD Forms 307 and 668 are logged in the Crime Scene Examination Section control book, and forwarded to the Fingerprint Examination Section, Identification and Records Division; and

 

5.   Ensuring that the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division’s Field Test Training Program is coordinated with the Training Division, the crime scene examina­tion section, and the commending officers, Patrol Operations Bureau, respectively.

 

 

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