The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Police Department
	General Order 3-2.3	At Scene Evidence Processing

1. Collecting, Processing, and Preserving Physical Evidence
   
   The first officer on the scene must secure the initial point of the incident and must extend the area of protection to the perimeter. Once the initial area is secured in which the crime was committed, the officer should expand coverage to the entire building or outside area as necessary.
   
   Crime scenes may be secured by additional personnel and the use of crime scene tape, barricades, ropes or signs used to control access.
   
   An officer will be posted at the entrance to a crime scene to control access into the area and log all persons who have been authorized to enter with time, date, name and agency at a minimum.
   
   Preliminary Scene Survey to Identify and Document Evidence
   
   This is an observe and record process (LOOK but don't TOUCH).
   
   Personal notes are a valuable record that indicates and documents the incident.
   
   These notes will help the officer complete any report or sketches concerning actions taken and evidence identified for further collection at the crime scene.
   
   While conducting a preliminary survey determine the nature and extent of the crime scene:
   • Determine the location of the evidence.
   • Determine the order of collection.
   • Establish the best working route.
   • Try to determine the movement of the perpetrator and plan the search of the area accordingly.
   • Note all existing conditions.
   • Note items out of place or damaged and the relationship of items.
   • Make an initial rough sketch of the scene.
   • Detailed crime scene sketches normally are prepared only in major crimes.At a minimum the sketch will include:
     • Time and date of preparation.
     • Name of person preparing the sketch and case number.
     • Direction of north.
     • Location of offense.
     • What lights were on/off, what windows and doors were open/closed, appliances found on/off.
     • Location of items of evidence found at the scene.
   Crime scene photographs and video recordings will be taken at major crimes by a trained photographer and videographer usually from the Greensboro Police Department (GPD).
   
   Overall photographs of the scene should be taken to accurately document the whole crime scene from the north, south, east, and west, if practical. (By this time the duty criminal investigator should be on scene and directing the photographer, if GPD is not doing the photography.)
   
   Midrange photography is used to orient the viewer to the exact location of evidence at the crime scene.
   
   If possible the officer should attempt to include two items of evidence into the field of view. If this is not possible then a common item (desk, bed, table, outside fixed object, etc.) should be included in all the midrange photographs.
   
   Midrange photographs should always be taken with a normal lens to prevent distortion.
   
   Close up photography should be taken before any item of evidence is moved.
   
   Fill the field of vision with the item of evidence.
   
   Take one close up shot of the evidence with a scale and one without.
   
   A photographic log recording of each photograph taken at the crime scene will be maintained.
   
   The information to be recorded will include the case number, photographer's name, date, and time of exposure, a brief description of the item photographed and the make/model of camera used to obtain the photos.
   
   For major crimes a photographer's sketch will be made to assist in the documentation of where photographs were taken and the subject matter of each photograph.
   
   If officers or investigators take digital photographs. They will download those photographs and secure them in evidence with the proper file information. The Records Unit will place a copy of the photograph(s) in the electronic case file and a hard copy in the case file folder.
   
   Under normal circumstances, the initial officer will collect, package and submit all evidence found. Officers should use good judgment when making the initial decision to place an item into evidence. When evaluating an item in an effort to determine the feasibility of keeping the item, the officer should consider the elements of the crime under investigation and think carefully about what evidence is necessary to prove the elements of the crime and the identification of the suspect(s). At major crime scenes, an investigator will be called to assume the crime scene and either collect or notify GPD for assistance to process the scene.
   
   Prior to collection, a final organized search should be conducted in case evidence may have been overlooked.
   
   Officers should refrain from touching the items of evidence with their hands or anything that might contaminate the item being collected. The use of disposable gloves, tongs, or tweezers is recommended.
   
   Each item collected from the crime scene will be documented in the departmental records management system (RMS) Evidence/Property module.
   
   Most items collected will be placed in plastic bags and sealed. Items such as clothing, which are wet, may be placed in open plastic bags and placed in the evidence lockers. Wet items will then be hung to dry in a secure location, with the plastic bag used to carry the wet item being retained as part of the evidence. Under no circumstances will wet items be left in plastic bags for unnecessary lengths of time. Liquid blood samples and dried physiological fluids must be placed in proper containers and delivered properly to the processing laboratory. Biohazard bags must be used when submitting bloody clothing or similar items.
   
   The officer collecting any evidence must document and maintain proper chain of custody of that evidence in order to ensure that it is presented to the court in a professional manner and in compliance with this policy and state law.
   
   Officers will complete the appropriate records in the evidence module of RMS listing all items turned in for a case. The items or evidence will then be placed in an evidence bag. If a piece of evidence is too large to fit in an evidence bag, the officer will complete an evidence tag and affix it to the item. Once evidence is placed in the evidence bag, the officer will seal the bag and write their initials and the date across the seal. A supervisor or secondary officer will also initial the seal. The officer will then write the incident case number in the lower left corner of the bag with the item numbers directly above the case number. In the event of multiple offenders, the officer should label the evidence bag with the offender's name that the evidence relates to. In addition the evidence bag should contain a label that includes the date/time the item(s) is/are collected and a location of where the item(s) were seized from.
   
   Handguns must have a tag affixed to the trigger guard and must not be placed in a bag. All firearms will be unloaded and made safe before submitting. An empty magazine will be inserted in the magazine well. If the officer cannot unload a firearm (due to corrosion or damage to the weapon), they will notify the Evidence Technician prior to submission. Handguns requiring latent print or DNA processing shall be secured inside a firearms box, and document in the evidence module the need for latent prints and/or DNA processing.
   
   Drugs, guns and money will be packaged separately. Money will be packaged in a clear plastic currency bag. Information on the package should provide sufficient data to identify the case, the date, your initials, secondary initials and money listed by denomination and total. The subtotal for each denomination as well as a total for the money within the package will be listed in the officer's narrative. The total amount of money will be listed in the description section of the evidence module in the RMS. Verification by a supervisor will occur regardless of the dollar amount. Verification of the count is necessary to ensure that the amount of money has been counted correctly, and that the supervisor is responsible for both a correct count and the sealing of the money in the clear currency evidence bag. Additionally, double checking the calculation of currency will help to reduce the error rate.
   
   Before placing money into evidence, the Evidence Technician and a supervisor from Support Services will unseal and recount all money to ensure verification of the count. If the money is verified the evidence will be resealed, dated, initialed by both parties and placed into evidence.
   
   If there is a discrepancy in the amount of the money, the Evidence Technician will not process the money into evidence. The Evidence Technician will complete an Evidence Refusal form and contact the initial officer and supervisor who witnessed the money count, and the officers’ assigned lieutenant.
   
   The initial officer and supervisor will have to determine the discrepancy in the amount of the money that was initially counted. A supplemental report will be filed with the original report explaining the discrepancy. Once the discrepancy has been corrected, the money will be resubmitted into evidence.
   
   The Evidence Technician will deposit all monies turned in as cash evidence into a general fund account established by the UNCG Office of Accounting Services.
   
   Officers shall submit all items of evidence, confiscated, and found property into an evidence locker before the end of their shift. Each item will be individually listed, with a complete description of each in the evidence module and consisting of:
   • Case number.
   • Crime classification and source (person or location) from where the evidence was collected.
   • Victim(s) and suspect(s) name and address.
   • Name and assignment of officer submitting evidence.
   • Description of each item turned in, including: make, model, color and serial number.
   • Date and time stored.
   • Locker number in which it is temporarily stored.
2. Crime Scene Photography
   
   After a preliminary scene survey, overall photographs of the scene should be taken to accurately document the whole crime scene from north, south, east, and west if practical.
   
   A wide-angle photograph can be used to show the relationship of the scene to other locations nearby. However, always specify when using a wide-angle lens and never use wide-angle lenses for mid-range photographs. Mid-range photography is used to orient the viewer to the exact location of the evidence at the crime scene. A normal lens will prevent distortion for mid-range photos and give a better representation of where evidence is located. When possible the officer should attempt to include two items of evidence into the field of view. However, if this is not feasible, then a common item (desk, bed, table, etc.) should be included in all of the mid-range photos.
   
   Close up photographs should be taken before any item of evidence is moved and the field of vision should be filled with the item of evidence. One close up shot of the evidence with a scale and one without should be taken for each piece of evidence found. For major crimes a photographer's sketch will be made to assist in the documentation of where photographs were taken from and what the subject matter of each photograph. 
   
   Never mark on the front of a photograph that may be presented in court and always maintain a record of the following: case number, location, officer taking photos, the date and time of exposure, a description of subject(s) on photo, the kind of lighting being used, the type of film used, the type of lens and the type of camera used.
3. Latent Prints
   
   Some of the factors affecting latent prints and their quality include the surface material; the amount of perspiration, oils and foreign matter on the fingerprint ridges; weather conditions; pressure; and duration. Hard non-porous objects are generally more likely to retain good quality prints, although latent impressions can be recovered from other surfaces. 
   
   Detectives are encouraged to develop a pattern or routine in processing fingerprints to ensure each scene is completely examined. Entrance and exit areas, if known, are of primary importance. Always process surfaces suspected to have been handled, moved, or disturbed by the perpetrator. Latent print processing with powders involves the gentle application of powder to the slightly adhesive skin oils left on the surface of non-absorbent items. After a print is developed with powders it is photographed with a scale in the picture so that the print may later be restored to accurate size. The print is then photographed and lifted with fingerprint tape and carefully placed onto a contrasting lift card surface. 
   
   The detective collecting the latent print will supply the following information on the back of all lift cards:
   • name of the individual making the lift, date and time the lifts were taken,
   • the location where lifts were taken from and
   • the case number associated with the investigation.
   Porous or absorbent surfaces, such as paper and unfinished wood, ordinarily cannot be processed with powders, as skin oils soak in and are not left exposed to the powders. Chemical processing in the laboratory can make such prints available for comparison. Due to the necessity for photographing these reactions and the danger of the chemicals involved, such processing must done in a laboratory. Suspect items that can only be developed by chemical means should be collected carefully for later processing in a fuming chamber and processed for submission to UNCG Evidence or at the discretion of CIU supervisors submitted to the GPD or the SBI Laboratory.
   
   At many crime scenes, tire and footwear impressions are often as difficult to locate as fingerprints. Proper protection at the crime scene will reduce the chance of additional impressions being made by emergency and investigating personnel. Entrance and exit areas are good places to check for footwear and tire track impressions. Elapsed time between when an impression is left at a crime scene and when the shoes or tires are collected can greatly affect the laboratory's ability to conduct a conclusive examination. Collect known shoes and tires as soon as possible and include the elapsed time between the offense and evidence collection when submitting these items for comparison to a laboratory. 
   
   Photograph impressions made in soil and other soft material such as sand or mud and then cast the impressions using dental stone. Place a scale in the photographs at the same level as the impression. Submit this photographic evidence along with other evidence collected at the crime scene. Indicate a request for analysis for this evidence if applicable. Do not clean the cast impression collected. This may damage the cast or cause loss of crucial detail in the cast. Package footwear or tire tread evidence in a strong cardboard box and cushion well with a suitable packing material.
4. Documenting and Sketching of Crime Scene
   
   The first officer on the scene must conduct a preliminary survey to identify and document the location of evidence. The officer will then take personal notes and make necessary sketches to document the location of evidence collected. Officer's notes regarding the collection of evidence will include: the location of evidence; the order of collection; the movement of the perpetrator; the condition of the scene; and a sketch showing where the evidence was found.
   
   Detailed crime scene sketches are only prepared for major crimes or special cases. Minimum details to be contained in crime scene sketches include:
   • Time, date, location and name of officer preparing sketch
   • Location of items of physical evidence recovered
   • Location of significant features of the scene
   • Location and names of victims, witnesses and suspects
   • Relationships of the crime scene to other rooms, buildings, or roads
   • Direction of north
   • Lights left on, windows that were open, and radio/TV on/off
   • Overall measurements of room, buildings, grounds, etc
   The officer processing the scene will complete the Latent/Scene Processing Report.
5. Samples from Known Sources
   
   Whenever possible, samples from known sources will be collected by the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) or the appropriate assist agency for comparison purposes with collected physical evidence. These may include, but are not limited to, hair samples, fingernail scrapings, fingerprints, saliva samples, fabrics, paint, glass, soil, etc. These samples will be handled in the same manner as any other physical evidence recovered and submitted to the laboratory in the same fashion. It is the responsibility of the detective in charge of the case to arrange for the collection of samples from known sources.
6. DNA Evidence Collection
   
   Whenever possible, samples from known sources will be collected by CIU or the appropriate assist agency for comparison purposes with collected physical evidence. These may include, but are not limited to, hair samples, fingernail scrapings, fingerprints, saliva samples, fabrics, paint, glass, soil, etc. These samples will be handled in the same manner as any other physical evidence recovered and submitted to the laboratory in the same fashion. It is the responsibility of the detective in charge of the case to arrange for the collection of samples from known sources.
   
   First Responder Responsibilities and Precautions
   
   UNCG police officers will preserve the crime scene until a UNCG detective, GPD Special Investigation Unit (SI) or the SBI arrives and that agency will handle the scene according to their policies and procedures. First responders on the scene will follow the below procedures.
   
   To avoid contamination, the following precautions will be taken:
   • Gloves will be worn at all times. In addition, gloves must be changed before and after obtaining a sample;
   • Disposable instruments will be used whenever possible. If unavailable, equipment will be throughout cleaned prior to obtaining each sample;
   • Avoid touching the area of the evidence where you believe DNA may exist;
   • Avoid talking, sneezing, scratching, and coughing while collecting evidence;
   • Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting and packaging evidence;
   • Air-dry (not in direct sunlight) evidence thoroughly before packaging;
   • Put evidence envelopes into new paper bags of paper envelopes. Do not use plastic bags or staples.
   Procedures for the Collection, Storage, and Transportation of DNA Evidence
   
   UNCG police officers will preserve the crime scene until a UNCG detective, GPD SI or the SBI arrives and that agency will collect, store and transport according to that agency's policies and procedures. When UNCG CIU handles the investigation and collects, transports, or stores the DNA evidence the following procedures will be followed:
   1. Keep DNA evidence at room temperature and dry;
   2. DNA evidence will be placed in appropriate paper bags and/or envelopes, sealed, labeled, and transported to the police department temporary lockers for secure storage or taken by the Evidence Technician and stored in the Evidence Room. In the event the Evidence Technician is not available to receive any evidence, the items will be placed in the temporary evidence lockers.
   3. DNA evidence will not be placed in plastic bags. Moisture that is retained in the bags may damage to evidence.
   4. Avoid placing DNA evidence in direct sunlight or other hot conditions, such as vehicles without air conditioning. Heat may damage the evidence.
   5. As with fingerprints, the effective use of DNA may require the collection and analysis of "elimination samples." These samples are necessary to determine whether the evidence came from the suspect or from someone else.
DNA evidence collection training requirements for persons collecting evidence

Members of the UNCG CIU and Evidence Technician, GPD SI and the SBI are trained in the collection of DNA evidence from an institute that meets the national standards on DNA collection. All other detectives and patrol officers are trained, at a minimum, to meet the basic collecting and packaging of DNA for submission to an accredited laboratory prior to being issued a DNA Collection Kit. UNCG detectives will receive crime scene investigation training within one year after being reassigned to Support Services. This training teaches detectives how to proper process a crime scene and collection of evidence and DNA evidence.

Procedures for the Submission of DNA Evidence to Accredited Laboratories

UNCG detectives, GPD SI or the SBI will be the collecting agencies and the submission procedures are according to that agency's policies and procedures. All other officers are trained, at a minimum, to meet the basic collecting and packaging of DNA for submission to an accredited laboratory prior to being issued a DNA Collection Kit. Accredited Laboratories for the UNCG Police Department will be the SBI or GPD SI Laboratory.


7. Seizure of Computer Equipment
   
   The seizure of computer equipment and programs will be done in accordance with all statutory requirements related to search and seizure of evidence or contraband and in accordance with all department policies and procedures regarding the processing of evidence.
   
   Officers not trained in current computer forensics protocol will only secure the scene and then contact the UNCG Police Technical Services Unit to respond and properly seize the computer.
   
   Computer equipment can be severely damaged or data lost due to improper shutdown procedures. Police personnel should be conscious of the potential for pre-programming to erase or destroy data that is tampered with in violation of the program's security procedures.
   
   The following procedures will be followed for seizure of digital evidence:
   • Photograph the computer(s) and the screen(s)
   • Unplug power sources from the back of the computer
   • Label all wired connections at both ends
   • Seal the power outlet and all ports on computers and peripherals
   • Collect reels, diskettes, and any peripheral equipment
   Computer components should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. Personnel should be aware that the computer screen is under high pressure and may implode if dropped or exposed to extreme temperature. The computer hard drive and computer media should not be placed in close proximity to magnetic sources.
   
   Once seized and processed, a person skilled in computer forensics should examine the equipment for digital evidence.