The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Police Department
	General Order 2-1.5	Preliminary Investigation

1. Preliminary Investigation
   
   The preliminary investigation begins when the first officer arrives at the scene of a crime, or when information concerning a crime is taken by telephone. The preliminary investigation continues until all productive leads and information at the scene are gathered and results in either the case being closed or assigned for follow-up investigation. A thorough and comprehensive preliminary investigation often negates the need for an investigative follow-up.
2. Officer Responsibilities
   
   Patrol officers will normally conduct preliminary investigations. Given the totality of the situation, complexity of case, manpower, number of calls pending, officers will always attempt to carry out and follow-up on the incident as fully as possible before submitting to detectives for further investigation. The following duties are part of the preliminary investigation and will vary according to the type of crime being investigated.
   • Provide aid to the injured.
   • Ascertain details of the incident and determine if a crime has actually been committed and, if so, the exact nature of the offense.
   • Observing all conditions, events and remarks.
   • Determine if an investigator should be contacted to investigate the crime, based on guidelines covered in this General Orders Manual.
   • Relay all relevant information regarding the crime and suspect to other units.
   • Interview the complainant; locate, identify, and interview witnesses.
   • Maintain and protect the crime scene to include starting a crime scene log in the event one is necessary and collect evidence or contact an investigator for evidence collection.
   • Observe and record all conditions, events, and remarks; take written statements from the victim and witnesses.
   • Determine the identity of the suspect or suspects and make arrests, if possible, either at the scene or through immediate investigation.
   • Interrogate suspects and take written statements, if possible.
   • Submit complete and accurate reports.
3. Follow-up Investigation by Patrol Officers
   
   Upon approval by a supervisor in Support Services, a patrol officer may continue to follow up on an incident at a later date when the following conditions are present:
   • The nature and scope of the investigations would not interfere with their regularly assigned duties, and
   • The officer's investigation will be concluded before the end of their normal work shift.
   Any such follow-up investigations by field officers will comply with all applicable departmental directives regarding follow-up investigations.
4. Preliminary Investigations for Major Crimes
   
   When an incident alleging a major crime such as a sexual assault or robbery occurs or is reported during general business hours a detective will be notified and will conduct the preliminary investigation with the assistance of patrol. If the incident is reported after general business hours, patrol will conduct the preliminary investigation and an investigator will be called out to assist.
   
   The Sexual Assault and Crisis Response Teams will be notified in the event of a major crime involving students regardless of the location of the incident.