take photographs . The investigator should work closely with the medical examiner on scene and the scene technicians in processing the body ( if still on scene ) and processing the scene . All items of evidence should be identified , placards placed near the item , photographed , collected , preserved , and documented on the evidence form / log . A sketch of the incident scene should be diagramed with measurements of the located evidence . 11-15
The scene should be video recorded and measurements of the locations of the evidence be processed including : the body if still on scene ; locations of any weapons ; on scene bodily fluids ; patrol vehicles ; emergency vehicles ; pathway of travel ; officer witnesses , and other witnesses . To ensure the integrity of the investigation , the investigator should follow the chain of custody procedures in processing , logging , documenting , securing , and transporting all evidence . As soon as practical the investigator should notify the subject ’ s family or next of kin of the death .
The scene should not be released until the autopsy has been completed . Before releasing the scene , the investigator should perform one last walkthrough to ensure nothing was missed and cross-reference with the scene investigation checklist .
The investigator should interview the witnesses as soon as practical and document the interview including : any civilian ; family members ; uninvolved officer witnesses ; responding emergency personnel ; and medical personnel at the hospital . The investigator should collect and document all personal and historical background history of the subject . 15-16
Collect and Assess all Force Equipment Applied An important task of the investigator and or on-scene supervisor is to determine how the subject was
6 , 10 , 17-20 controlled and restrained .
The investigation should identify the role of each involved officer . All force measures should be itemized on the checklist and described on the evidence report form . All force equipment used including aerosol canisters , Conducted Energy Weapons ( CEWs ), projectiles , baton , handcuffs , leg restraints , and flex-cuffs should be collected , preserved , photographed , documented , and assessed for their application . If a canine was deployed , it should be documented and photographed .
All empty-hand control techniques applied should be identified and documented including : the number of responding officers ; swarm and grounding techniques used ; and the force techniques used to prone and restrain the subject . The data port printout of all CEWs applied should be downloaded , appropriate date identified , assessed for the time of its application , and the number and duration of all trigger pulls . The probes and the lead wires of the CEW should be collected , preserved , and assessed . 21
The investigator should identify : when a supervisor was requested ; the final resting place of the subject ; when the officers noted that the subject was non-responsive ; their attempts to revive the subject ; when EMS personnel were requested , when they arrived , and when emergency medical treatment was provided ; when EMS personnel transported the subject to the hospital ; any medical treatment provided during transport ; treatment provided at the hospital ; and the time the subject was pronounced deceased .
Radio Communications and Videos In-car camera videos , officer bodyworn cameras , and other videos from nearby residence or business surveillance cameras should be collected , preserved , and later assessed . Collecting and preserving cell phone videos of witnesses should be collected and assessed .
Radio communications from dispatch , between officers , supervisors , fire and EMS personnel , and individuals who called for police response should be collected , preserved , and assessed . The run sheet from EMS and fire personnel should be collected and assessed . The investigator should create a detailed timeline of the incident activities and events based on these documents , includ-
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