1.
Access to the scene(s) must be limited to only those officials who must enter for investigative purposes.
2.
A written log will be established as quickly as possible to identify all persons entering the scene(s), the time of their entry and exit, and the reason for entry.
3.
When not needed for life saving efforts, entry by fire and ambulance personnel should be restricted to the absolute minimum necessary to perform the needed duties.
4.
No items shall be moved inside the scene(s) or removed from a scene without approval of the Team and the Crime Scene Investigative Team unless absolutely necessary for public or officer safety or for preservation of evidence. If removal without approval is necessary, the removal must be witnessed and logged. The log shall state the identity of the person removing the described object, the reason for removal, a witness to the removal, and the time of removal. The item should be photographed prior to removal.
d.
If any type of weapon or instrument was involved in the critical incident, the supervisor at the scene will promptly see to the security and/or collection of such items, as follows:
1.
If the area is secure, loose weapons or instruments shall be left in place and undisturbed.
2.
If the area is not secure, the supervising officer at the scene shall decide whether the items can be safely left in place or whether prompt removal is necessary. If such items must be moved or removed for protection, they should be photographed in place prior to removal if possible.
3.
If an involved officer still has personal possession of a weapon he/she used in the incident, the supervising officer at the scene shall promptly but discretely (i.e., in private, out of view of the