6.360 Crime Scene Investigations and Investigative Personnel Notifications

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of the department regarding criminal offenses?

Answer 1

To identify, document, and collect evidence that may prove or disprove that a criminal offense has been committed and to identify the party or parties responsible.

Question 2

Who is typically responsible for conducting the preliminary investigation?

Answer 2

The patrol officer.

Question 3

What actions must a patrol officer take upon arriving at a crime scene?

Answer 3

Evaluate circumstances, take immediate action, render aid to injured persons, and protect the crime scene.

Question 4

What happens when a patrol officer arrives at a crime scene in a supervisory capacity?

Answer 4

They assume the responsibility of evaluating circumstances and directing the efforts of assigned officers.

Question 5

What should a patrol officer do if a crime is complex and requires additional expertise?

Answer 5

Evaluate all circumstances related to the investigation and determine the need to request assistance from a detective.

Question 6

Who should be notified when a crime involves a dignitary or politician?

Answer 6

The Criminal Intelligence Section (CIS) lieutenant or designee.

Question 7

What is the role of the patrol officer when detectives are responding to a crime scene?

Answer 7

Begin the preliminary investigation and brief a supervisor.

Question 8

What should a patrol supervisor do upon arriving at a crime scene?

Answer 8

Provide the briefing to detectives or designate an officer to do so.

Question 9

What types of crimes will Patrol Investigations be notified about?

Answer 9

1. Property-related crimes at a felony level to include:
   a. Auto thefts requiring immediate follow up
   b. Residential/commercial burglaries over $50,000
   c. Grand larceny over $75,000
   d. Residential/commercial/vehicle burglaries as part of an identified series
   e. Firearm-related crimes to include: 1) Prohibited person in possession
   of a firearm
   2) Possession of a stolen firearm or obliterated serial number

Question 10

What is the minimum value for grand larceny that requires Patrol Investigations to be notified?

Answer 10

Over $75,000

Grand larceny typically involves theft of high-value items.

Question 11

When will Patrol Investigations be notified regarding auto thefts?

Answer 11

It requires immediate follow-up

These cases require prompt attention.

Question 12

Under what condition will residential/commercial/vehicle burglaries be reported to Patrol Investigations?

Answer 12

As part of an identified series or over $50,000

This indicates a pattern of criminal activity.

Question 13

What firearm-related crimes will trigger notification to Patrol Investigations?

Answer 13

Prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm or obliterated serial number

These crimes involve serious legal violations regarding firearms.

Question 14

What types of crimes involving persons at a felony level must Patrol Investigations be notified about?

Answer 14

Person-related crimes at a felony level include:
* Assault
* Battery
* Mayhem
* Attempted murder
* Robberies
* Larceny from persons

These crimes are serious offenses that typically require immediate investigation.

Question 15

List the domestic-related crimes at a felony level that require notification to Patrol Investigations.

Answer 15

Domestic-related crimes at a felony level include:
* Assault
* Battery
* Strangulation
* Harassment
* Stalking
* Violation of protective orders

These crimes often involve intimate partners or family members.

Question 16

What should happen if suspicious deaths are observed by Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) or the coroner’s investigator?

Answer 16

The Homicide Section lieutenant will be notified

This protocol ensures that potentially criminal cases are properly investigated.

Question 17

True/False patrol investigations be notified for any of the prior mentioned crimes that require investigative follow-up and the need for a search warrant

Answer 17

True.

This ensures that evidence can be lawfully obtained during the investigation.

Question 18

What is the role of officer(s) in preliminary investigations for listed crimes?

Answer 18

Officer(s) will begin the preliminary investigation and request patrol detectives to assist with the preliminary investigation and brief responding Investigative Services Division (ISD)/Force Investigation Team (FIT)/Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT) detectives.

This includes briefings to the Investigative Services Division (ISD), Force Investigation Team (FIT), or Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT) detectives.

Question 19

When will the Theft Crimes Bureau (TCB) Robbery section be notified?

Answer 19

1. Any commercial robbery where a victim has been shot or seriously injured.
2. Takeover type robbery (e.g., casino or bar) – these events generally have numerous
   victims/witnesses who should be interviewed on scene if possible.
3. Armored car robberies.
4. Robberies assigned to the Robbery Section that are part of an ongoing series and have been
   previously identified.
5. Active kidnap events that the Robbery Section is responsible for investigating. Extortion demand
   must be an element
6. Any situation involving a crime the Robbery Section handles that may gain intense media attention.
7. Bank robberies.
8. Commercial robberies or other crimes that the Robbery Section handles where immediate follow-
   up investigation is necessary (i.e., search warrants). The immediate necessity of follow-up will be discussed between the supervisor on scene and the on-call Robbery Section representative.
9. Commercial robberies that are part of an identifiable spree of three or more events.

Question 20

When will the Organized Retail Crim (ORC) be notified?

Answer 20

1. Theft is over $75,000 in value of a retail product(s).
2. Theft involves a suspect in custody who has specific, verifiable, and actionable information on a fencing operation.
3. Theft involves commercial fuel and any theft that involves fuel with the use of a pulser device, or any other device used to manipulate commercial fuel pumps.
4. Theft involves items taken from an active construction site including copper.
5. Misdemeanor and felony thefts related to retail businesses.
6. Commercial burglaries that occur during business hours as part of a grand larceny or a petit larceny.

Question 21

Who retains responsibility for commercial burglaries that occur outside of normal business hours and any construction thefts occur away from active construction sites?

Answer 21

Area command detectives

This includes burglaries that happen when businesses are closed.

Question 22

What will happen to any applicable intelligence gained from investigations?

Answer 22

It will be forwarded to the ORC and Construction Theft Section

ORC stands for Organized Retail Crime.

Question 23

Homicide Section will be notified on all

Answer 23

1. Homicides
2. Fire deaths
3. Suspicious deaths after crime scene analysts (CSAs) have responded to and assessed the scene

Question 24

Who assumes command at a major incident or crime scene?

Answer 24

The area sergeant or lieutenant

They take command from the patrol officer at the scene.

Question 25

What is the responsibility of the area sergeant, Lieutenant, or incident commander regarding major incidents?

Answer 25

To evaluate the circumstances and determine the need for CSI ## Footnote They also provide details of all major incidents to the watch commander.

Question 26

The area sergeant will provide the details of all major incidents/scenes to _________

Answer 26

The watch commander

Question 27

What must personnel working in an acting supervisory capacity do?

Answer 27

They are responsible for duties of the position in which they are acting.

Question 28

Who assumes investigative responsibility if additional preliminary investigation is required after consulting with the Area sergeant, lieutenant, or incident commander?

Answer 28

The investigating detective ## Footnote This is determined after consultation with the area sergeant, lieutenant, or incident commander.

Question 29

What is the role of the area sergeant, lieutenant, or incident commander during the investigation?

Answer 29

To assist in coordinating available patrol personnel to maintain crime scene integrity until investigation is complete or relieved by investigative personnel.

Question 30

What is the responsibility of detectives regarding patrol personnel at a crime scene?

Answer 30

To keep only the essential number of patrol personnel needed to maintain crime scene integrity.

Question 31

When does the patrol officer retain investigative responsibility?

Answer 31

If follow-up by an investigative bureau/section/detail is not needed.

Question 32

Who is responsible for processing a crime or accident scene?

Answer 32

The Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) ## Footnote This is done when assigned to the scene.

Question 33

What must occur before the CSA processes a crime scene?

Answer 33

The officer/detective and the CSA will confer to determine the actions to be taken.

Question 34

What do CSAs record the results of the scene processing on?

Answer 34

The Crime Scene Investigation Report (LVMPD ISD 6).

Question 35

When are CSAs available?

Answer 35

24 hours a day.

Question 36

How should a request for CSA services be made?

Answer 36

Through the Communications Bureau on admin channel

Question 37

What must be done to the scene until the CSA arrives?

Answer 37

The scene must be protected.

Question 38

What is the ideal response time for CSAs to a scene?

Answer 38

Within one hour and within 2 hours for rural areas

Question 39

What is the general response time for CSAs to rural areas?

Answer 39

Within two hours.

Question 40

Why is accurate documentation of a crime scene vital?

Answer 40

It is vital to identifying and prosecuting suspects who commit crimes.

Question 41

Who must complete the Major Incident Log?

Answer 41

The patrol officer on all scenes where an investigative unit will be responding.

Question 42

What is the Major Incident Log?

Answer 42

It is the only record of the personnel at a crime scene.

Question 43

What must patrol officers do with reports associated with the event?

Answer 43

Complete all reports unless relieved of this responsibility by the investigating detective.

Question 44

What responsibilities do officers have upon arrival at a crime scene?

Answer 44

Coordinate the investigation, locate and identify witnesses, maintain the crime scene, protect evidence, interview complainants and witnesses, interrogate suspects, arrange for evidence collection, effect the arrests of criminals, and report the incident fully and accurately.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: In the event of a serious crime and no photographs are taken, the officer in charge must include an _______.

Answer 45

explanation.

Question 46

What is the primary responsibility of CSAs at a crime scene?

Answer 46

Assess and document the crime scene and properly book and seal all evidence.

Question 47

Who is responsible for evidence found at secondary locations?

Answer 47

The finding officer, unless the CSAs determine it is in the best interest of the case.

Question 48

What must officers do if they physically handle evidence at the crime scene?

Answer 48

Properly book and seal all of the evidence to maintain the chain of custody unless If it is determined to be in the best interest of the case or requires special handling and Homicide/FIT investigations in which case CSA will handle

Question 49

Who is responsible for items recovered for safekeeping purposes?

Answer 49

The patrol officer or investigating detective will properly impound the items.

Question 50

What is permissible if there are large amounts of evidence?

Answer 50

Investigating officers can assist CSAs in properly booking and sealing the evidence.

Question 51

What should an investigating officer do if a CSA is requested for a misdemeanor offense?

Answer 51

Properly book and seal any evidence.

Question 52

What is the protocol for officers locating evidence when CSI personnel are not requested?

Answer 52

The officer locating the evidence will properly book and seal it.

Question 53

Is it acceptable for one officer to book all evidence if several officers locate it together?

Answer 53

Yes, it is acceptable.

Question 54

Photographs of crime scenes will be taken, handled, and disseminated in the following manner:

Answer 54

1. Typically limited to terrorist attacks or mass casualty incidents with a reasonable belief that there are additional suspects or accomplices who must be identified rapidly and that a delayed response may result in additional loss of life or suspects’ escape from the city, state, or country. 2. Sergeant or higher will take the photographs, authorized by a lieutenant or above, utilizing only a department-issued device; no personal devices may be utilized (see LVMPD 10.300, Department- Issued Cellphones). 3. Photographs may be disseminated to the Special Operations Bureau (SOB) commander, Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC) commander, or a Deputy Chief or above. 4. Photographs will be uploaded to OnBase and Evidence.com for potential discovery later and maintained in the case file of the originating investigative unit along with a copy of the log, memo, or email supporting the exception. 5. Document the exchange/change of custody via a log, memo, or email, and necessity for rapid movement of information and exception to the crime scene preservation within 24 hours. The log, memo, or email are to be kept at the division commander level and archived on the H: drive and OnBase.

Question 55

Who will verify the photograph deletion?

Answer 55

The bureau commander

Question 56

What must be limited by the end of shift or within 24 hours?

Answer 56

Further distribution of photographs

Question 57

What platforms will the photographs be uploaded to?

Answer 57

OnBase and Evidence.com

Question 58

What is the purpose of verifying photograph deletion?

Answer 58

To limit further distribution

Question 59

When should the verification of photograph deletion occur?

Answer 59

By the end of shift or within 24 hours

Question 60

What is required before the bureau commander verifies deletion?

Answer 60

Initial distribution to authorized personnel

Question 61

Who is responsible for police activities at a homicide scene?

Answer 61

The Homicide Section supervisor or detective ## Footnote This individual oversees the overall management of the crime scene and investigative activities.

Question 62

What are CSAs responsible for at a crime scene?

Answer 62

Collection, marking, recording, and processing of evidentiary material ## Footnote CSAs are crucial for ensuring that evidence is properly handled and documented.

Question 63

What must the Homicide and Sex Crimes Bureau detective and CSAs do before commencing a crime scene investigation?

Answer 63

Confer to determine actions to be taken and will be authorized to enter the crime scene perimeter ## Footnote This includes deciding which personnel are authorized to enter the crime scene perimeter.

Question 64

What is the policy regarding personnel entering the crime scene perimeter?

Answer 64

Only sufficient personnel essential to the investigation will be allowed ## Footnote This is to maintain the integrity of the crime scene.

Question 65

What should be done when human remains believed to be Native American are discovered?

Answer 65

Consult a representative of a tribe within the county found or notify the Office of Historic Preservation of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ## Footnote This is in accordance with Senate Bill [SB] 364.

Question 66

What factors may indicate that remains belong to a Native American?

Answer 66

Presence of tools or jewelry of American Indian origin ## Footnote Examples include arrowheads, spear points, and clothing ornaments.

Question 67

How are reported deaths or bodily injuries upon a person that death is a probability treated until proven otherwise?

Answer 67

As a homicide ## Footnote This approach ensures thorough investigation until more information is available.

Question 68

Who coordinates all investigative follow-ups in homicide cases?

Answer 68

A Homicide Section supervisor ## Footnote This individual oversees interviews and evidence collection.

Question 69

Who conducts the follow up on homicide cases

Answer 69

Homicide Section personnel, unless otherwise approved by the Homicide Section lieutenant or designee

Question 70

What should an officer do if a preliminary investigation reveals a suspicious death?

Answer 70

Request a CSA to confirm the death is suspicious ## Footnote This step is crucial for determining the nature of the death.

Question 71

What happens if a death is confirmed to be suspicious?

Answer 71

Notify the Homicide Section lieutenant or designee ## Footnote This ensures that appropriate personnel are alerted for further investigation.

Question 72

Who is notified of incidents involving multiple homicides?

Answer 72

The CSI director ## Footnote This helps in coordinating resources and managing complex investigations.

Question 73

What is the role of the Homicide Section lieutenant and sergeant after being contacted about a suspicious death?

Answer 73

Coordinate to determine the number of additional Homicide personnel needed ## Footnote This ensures that the investigation is adequately staffed.

Question 74

What should a Homicide Section detective do if a motor vehicle was involved in a homicide or attempt homicide where it is believed death will occur?

Answer 74

Use discretion when requesting assistance from the Traffic Bureau Fatal Detail ## Footnote This indicates the need for specialized support in certain cases.

Question 75

What does FIT stand for in the context of LVMPD investigations?

Answer 75

FIT stands for Force Investigation Team ## Footnote FIT investigates critical events, in-custody deaths, and violent crimes involving LVMPD members.

Question 76

What is the role of CIRT in relation to FIT?

Answer 76

CIRT conducts administrative reviews of incidents notified by FIT ## Footnote CIRT stands for Critical Incident Review Team.

Question 77

What does CIRT aim to identify in its investigations?

Answer 77

CIRT aims to identify policy and procedure shortcomings ## Footnote These shortcomings could lead to similar outcomes in future incidents.

Question 78

How does FIT ensure effective prosecution?

Answer 78

FIT conducts a complete and thorough criminal investigation.

Question 79

What is the collective purpose of FIT and CIRT investigations?

Answer 79

To learn from incidents to better prepare members for similar situations.

Question 80

What is the main focus of a FIT investigation regarding crimes against officers ?

Answer 80

To ensure an effective prosecution against those who commit violent acts against LVMPD members.

Question 81

FIT will be notified when

Answer 81

1. Officer-involved shootings (OISs) 2. In-custody deaths, death, or critical bodily harm where there is police involvement 3. Use of deadly force incidents 4. Incidents where the force used by officers led to critical injury to the subject whom the force was applied 5. Any incident where the department member, during the course of official duties, is the victim of a violent felony crime and sustains critical injury

Question 82

CIRT will be notified on all

Answer 82

1. OISs 2. In-custody deaths 3. Attempted suicides at Detention Services Division (DSD) “Gestures” are actions by inmates that may appear to be suicide attempts. These gestures are not made by inmates with the intent to actually harm themselves, but rather gain the attention of corrections personnel. When it is clear that an inmate's intent was not to commit suicide, and there are insignificant injuries to the inmate as a result of the gesture, then corrections personnel will assume investigative responsibility. The results of these investigations will be forwarded to the CIRT lieutenant. 4. Use of deadly force incidents (including intentional animal shootings) 5. Incidents where the force used by officers led to critical injury to the subject whom the force was applied 6. Any incident where the department member, during the course of official duties, is the victim of a violent felony crime and sustains critical injury

Question 83

Who is responsible for responding for responding and ensuring the On call FIT/Cirt Lieutenant is notified by the communications supervisor

Answer 83

The on-duty DSD or patrol watch commander (wherever incident happened) ## Footnote This depends on the incident location.

Question 84

Are patrol detectives required to respond to DSD incidents?

Answer 84

No, patrol detectives are not required to respond ## Footnote They do not conduct preliminary investigations in DSD incidents.

Question 85

Who requests additional investigative assistance if needed?

Answer 85

The on-call FIT/CIRT lieutenant ## Footnote This request is made to area command detectives.

Question 86

The Safe Neighborhoods Bureau (SNB) Gangs Section will be immediately notified for the following are gang related and will respond to assist respective investigative unit

Answer 86

1. Homicide 2. Attempted murder 3. Any incident where Gang Section detectives can provide or gain actionable intelligence to or from any department member

Question 87

The Gangs Section will be immediately notified when the following crimes are determined to be gang-involved and will respond to the scene to assume the role of primary investigative unit:

Answer 87

1. Firing a gun into an occupied structure 2. Firing a gun from a moving vehicle 3. Violent felony crimes (e.g., BWDW, AWDW, or BWSBH) 4. When the facts known to the primary investigative unit of a homicide, robbery, kidnapping, or sexual assault are reviewed and, in accordance with this policy, it is determined that the crime is gang-involved and that members of a gang, as defined in department policy, may take retaliatory action

Question 88

What is the role of the Gangs Section in relation to gang activity?

Answer 88

To provide intelligence support and disrupt gang activities such as retaliation and violent crimes and will work in concert with the primary investigative unit. ## Footnote This includes actions like intimidation of witnesses and murder of gang members.

Question 89

Who is responsible for police activities at a crime scene during a FIT investigation?

Answer 89

The FIT detective ## Footnote FIT stands for Force Investigation Team.

Question 90

What happens if a suspect commits suicide at the conclusion of an event pursued by officers?

Answer 90

FIT will be notified and may respond to conduct the suicide investigation ## Footnote This includes situations where the suspect was being pursued on foot or in a vehicle.

Question 91

What may the detective do if a firearm was involved in the suicide?

Answer 91

Conduct a countdown of all involved officers' firearms present at the termination point ## Footnote This is to ensure accountability and gather evidence related to the incident.

Question 92

Coroner will be notified by the communications supervisor according to cause of death by the listed units

Answer 92

1. All suicides, overdoses, natural, or accidental deaths – by the patrol officer in charge at the scene 2. All homicides and questionable deaths – by the Homicide Section detective in charge at the scene 3. All FIT investigations involving a death – by the FIT detective in charge at the scene