5-04/010.30 - Requesting Evidence Specialists



When an immediate investigation by detectives is required in cases such as arson, robbery, murder, etc., deputy personnel at the scene shall request assistance as follows:

During Normal Working Hours

Contact the concerned investigative unit directly by phone and request assistance.

After Normal Working Hours

Contact Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau or Homicide Bureau Operations Deputy, depending on assignment, and give all information available.

In those cases assignable to Homicide Bureau, deputy personnel at the scene shall not make a search of the scene unless requested to do so after the arrival of the Homicide Detectives.  The unit having jurisdiction shall be kept informed of the progress at the scene in any case in which assistance is requested.

When the assistance of a specialist such as a criminalist or explosives expert is needed, officers shall relay the necessary information when the request for assistance is made. 

Examples of such information include the following:

Types of Evidence

  • Blood and/or stains;
  • Imprints requiring castings;
  • Object to be dismantled; and/or
  • Object to be searched for.

Types of Equipment Needed

  • Metal detector;
  • Tools (specify); and/or
  • Portable lights.

Requests for fingerprint specialists shall be made through regular channels to the Latent Prints Section, Scientific Services Bureau.