The purpose of this policy is to outline protocol and procedure for crime scene processing by the MPD.
Crime Scene Processing
Crime scene processing will begin after incident stabilization of the scene. Incident command priorities of life safety, search and rescue, and security precede crime scene preservation and processing.
Only the Watch Commander or on-scene investigative supervisor can relinquish a scene to another investigative agency.
After incident stabilization, the on-scene ranking investigative member, or designee is in charge of a crime scene within the yellow tape. The on-scene ranking patrol supervisor or designee is in charge of the scene outside the yellow tape. Until an investigative member arrives, the on-scene patrol supervisor will be responsible for the entire scene. The on-scene patrol supervisor is also in charge of the entire scene when the investigative supervisor leaves the scene. The on-scene supervisor will communicate to the patrol supervisor when they are relinquishing the scene.
Scene security shall remain in place until the Crime Lab personnel have finished processing the scene. Members working security may only be released from an active scene on agreement between Crime Lab personnel and the on-scene supervisor.
The following log shall be used at all major crime scenes including Critical Incidents and Operation 100’s.
Crime Scene Entry Log:
The Crime Scene Entry Log (MP-9011) is available to MPD personnel on the MPD’s intranet page under “Forms.” All uniformed members shall have a supply of forms with them.
Immediately after a crime scene has been secured using yellow crime scene tape, it is the on-scene supervisor’s responsibility, or their designee’s to designate a point of entry and exit into the crime scene. All personnel shall enter and exit the crime scene at the designated point of entry.
The on-scene supervisor shall designate a member to start and maintain the Crime Scene Entry Log. The member responsible for the log shall be placed at the point of entry. The member will record his/her name and badge number, case control number, location, date and time at the start of the log. The member will then record the names, employee/badge number, date, time in, time out, and the reason for entering the scene of all members or other personnel that enter the scene past the yellow tape. All personnel recorded on the log must make a CAPRS statement prior to the end of their shift.
The on-scene patrol supervisor, in consultation with the on-scene investigative supervisor, will designate and set up a staging area outside the yellow crime scene tape for media and other non-MPD staff.
Once all MPD personnel have cleared the scene, the designated member in control of the log will property inventory the log under the incident case control number.
Red Crime Scene Tape
Crime Lab Unit personnel will maintain rolls of red crime scene tape. The red tape will be placed around portion(s) of the scene that need to be processed by the Crime Lab Unit. Only Crime Lab Unit personnel and Car 710 will be allowed to cross the red tape. Red tape usage will be at the discretion of the Crime Lab Unit. Once the Crime Lab Unit is finished processing the scene, Crime Lab Unit personnel will remove the red tape.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.