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17-04 - Revealing Confidential Information During Neighborhood Canvassing


17-05 - Updated First Aid/CPR Training and Instructor Requirements
17-03 - Special Victims Bureau to Oversee the Day-To-Day Operations of the eSCAR System

Revealing Confidential Information

During Neighborhood Canvassing

 

Neighborhood canvassing is an important task for a deputy when gathering critical information following a crime.  Whether contacting neighbors for information regarding a child abduction, or searching for eyewitnesses to a violent crime, canvassing must be conducted in an organized manner and documented accurately.

 

Deputies canvassing during a homicide investigation should be extremely mindful of any information they may reveal when speaking with residents or potential witnesses.  Deputies must avoid revealing detailed information as to how a murder occurred, what evidence was recovered, and who the suspect may be.  This type of information, often referred to as “holdback information” must remain confidential.  When details about a murder remain undisclosed to the public and the media, the holdback information allows detectives to authenticate statements made by witnesses or the suspect or suspects.

 

If canvassing deputies learn critical information from someone they contact about the homicide and how it occurred, or if an eyewitness to the murder is located, the handling homicide investigator shall be notified immediately.

 

This Newsletter was authored with the assistance of Homicide Bureau.

 

Information regarding the content of this newsletter may be directed to Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Field Operations Support Services at (323) 890-5411 or foss@lasd.org.