1. Click to edit Master subtitle style 9/28/2016 Case Report and Evidence Collection Presented by Mike Cassidy

2. 9/28/2016 What is an Investigative Report An Investigative Report is a Permanent Record of facts to be used in the future. Purpose of the Investigative Report is: To Inform Eliminate Confusion Facts vs. Fiction To document and satisfy the legal requirements of an investigation

3. 9/28/2016 Who Will Read Your Reports? Other Animal Control Officers Supervisors Attorneys, Judges, and City Officials Reporters Citizens

4. 9/28/2016 Why Should Your Reports Be Well Written A well written report does not omit Facts or Evidence Eliminates confusion about the case Gives sequential account of the events MOST IMPORTANTLY: A well written report reflects positively on the writer and the agency

5. 9/28/2016 Report Writing is about Objectivity Objectivity in collecting information Objectivity in communicating that information in writing Objectivity is: Existing as fact- independent of the mind Reality rather the thoughts and feelings Without “bias” or “prejudice”

6. 9/28/2016 Report Writing is Work May be both mentally and physically challenging Report writing goal: To generate reports that are factual, objective and written in the proper format and manner

7. 9/28/2016 Preparing to Write-Skills Needed Human relations Observation skills Interviewing skills Listening skills Note taking skills Factual report writing skills

8. 9/28/2016 Method/Means of Recording Written Printed Computer typed the printed Types of forms Preprinted Check the box Fill in the box Narrative

9. 9/28/2016 Report Writing Requirements Grammatically Sound Basic understanding and the use of the rules of grammar Spelling Cant always rely on spell check Word usage and meaning Many words sound similar but have different meanings

10. 9/28/2016 Report Writing Requirements Objective and Factual Objectivity can be affected by two unintended items Misleading Statements Personal opinions (Not supported by fact) Factual statements may be verified in three ways Direct observation Correct recording of another's statement Direct physical evidence

11. 9/28/2016 Report Writing Requirements Be careful of non-factual statements Incorporate a conclusion or opinion of the writer that can not be verified by direct observation Requires a “leap in logic” to make the point Any attempt to designate or describe another’s mental state Any statement about the future Any statement that infers the writers approval or disapproval

12. 9/28/2016 Characteristics of a Factual Report ACCURACY - The very purpose of an investigation To describe people, events and objects as exactly and concretely as possible LOGICAL - Organizational format of the report Does it answer all the questions, serve the investigative needs, MAKE SENSE CLARITY - Each word, phrase, sentence and paragraph must be understood one way by all Use complete sentences Use one paragraph for each step of the investigation Minimize the use of slang, jargon and abbreviations Use generic words (concrete words)

13. 9/28/2016 Characteristics of a Factual Report CONCISENESS - Get the point across using the best and fewest words possible Include all relevant facts but ONLY relevant facts Avoid redundant language COMPLETENESS - Include all facts and information needed to prove the case For or against

14. 9/28/2016 Grammar and Style Certain aspects of grammar and writing style make it easier to write factually and objectively Use ACTIVE VOICE Officer Jones investigated the dog fight Use FIRST PERSON – More direct I was dispatched to investigate the animal abuse Use CONCRETE WORDS – Words heard and used in everyday conversations Sentence length – Minimize word usage No sentence over 20 words Avoid excessive use of junctions Like “and” “or” Sentence length is most controlled by use of conjunctions

15. 9/28/2016 Grammar and Style SEQUENCE or CHRONOLOGY - Method of organizing factual materials Easier to follow and understand Prevents omission of facts and information PARAGRAPHING - Breaks report into logical units One main thought per paragraph First sentence should introduce the paragraph Last sentence should prepare the reader for the next paragraph Very helpful in organizing facts in complicated cases

16. 9/28/2016 Written Narrative Written narratives of a report should contain a minimum of 3 sections Introduction Tells how/when you got involved in the case Body of the report Details your investigation in chronological order Closing Ties up all loose ends of the case Disposition of the evidence Others involved in the case Further action to be taken

17. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Definition of physical evidence Physical evidence is any solid, semi solid, or liquid material, however, microscopic, that may aid in the reconstructing the event of the incident Uses in animal cases ( abuse, neglect, cruelty) What might be examples of solid physical evidence? What might be examples of semi solid evidence? What might be examples of liquid evidence? What might be examples of microscopic evidence

18. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Conclusion: Physical evidence could be anything that may aid in reconstruction the events of the incident Primary sources of physical evidence Crime scene – The most important Animal Suspect

19. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Transfer of evidence in theory Definition: Whenever two surfaces come into contact with each other, there is a partial transfer of material from one to another. Maintaining the integrity of physical evidence collected Maintain the evidence in its original condition, as close as possible Maintain a chain of custody Definition: Its being able to account for the evidence from the time its collected until the time its presented in court, This is done with an evidence receipt form. All evidence must be listed on an evidence receipt form.

20. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence The evidence must be properly marked The only reason we mark evidence is so it can be identified in court Generally accepted method of making evidence is to use your initials. If we cannot mark the evidence (dirt, powder, liquids, etc) The package and mark the package If the evidence has monetary value, the package the evidence and mark the package even if you could mark on the item otherwise you may destroy the value of the item and could be held financially responsible for its replacement

21. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence The evidence must be properly packaged Purpose: To protect the evidence from being damaged, contaminated, altered, or destroyed in some way On the outside of any packaged evidence you should have at a minimum the following information Name of seizing officer Date Case Number or file number Contents, What’s in the package Suspects name

22. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Scene Search for evidence Where to search will depend on the type of incident that you are investigating Two recommended types of search methods Criss-cross – back and forth – then reverse Divide the area to be searched into smaller sections, then search the smaller sections individually before moving to the next section Two searchers are better then one

23. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Protection of the scene VERY IMPORTANT Its your scene until you are finished or are properly relieved by another officer You are responsible for the evidence if you are the one who has collected it Suggestion: You may want to seek local law enforcement expertise such as a crime scene detective or an evidence technician if you have questions or need assistance.

24. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Procedure: Never move or pickup any evidence until that evidence has been properly documented where it is at Documentation process: These will be your original notes that you take while on the scene Notes have to be 100% consistent Sketches: You may consider doing a rough sketch of a area. Sometimes it may be necessary in order to show exactly where evidence was found or located. Photographs: Photographs for most of your cases will be very important evidence Your photographs should tell a story. Take as many as necessary to tell the story, so a person with looking at them will understand what was going on.

25. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence With the Advancement of the digital camera, it is now possible for you to instantly see the photo you have taken. Photos should be listed on your evidence receipt form You should also complete a photo log which should list. Type of camera used Settings used on the camera Locations and directions when the photos were taken RECOMMENDATION: You should have your own evidence kit. This will be an evidence kit you will put together yourself, Better then anything you can buy and much cheaper, It should be with you everyday

26. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Items you will want to include in you evidence kit: Latex gloves Labels, tags, envelopes, etc. Pill boxes for small items If needed crime scene tape can be obtained from local law enforcement Something to collect liquids in, along with a device to pickup the liquids Markers/pens Baggies Flashlight Small assortment of tools

27. 9/28/2016 Collection of Evidence Knife Scissors Tape – Different kinds Tape measure Small compass and anything else you may need!