G13.1.3 Follow-Up Investigations
Chapter: Chapter 13 – Investigative Services
Sub-Chapter: 13.1 - Investigative Services
Effective Date: 11/29/2022
Revised Date: 11/29/2022
Rescinds: S19-08 – 9/4/2019
Purpose
To describe the general steps to be taken by the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) during follow-up investigations.
General Order
Investigations supervisors will review all criminal reports and assign for follow-up as appropriate. Sworn officers or detectives may be assigned the responsibility of a follow-up investigation. Every investigation is unique, and any steps conducted during a follow-up investigation will only be used as applicable to the investigation, including, but not limited to conducting initial interviews, reviewing all available evidence, conducting searches, and reviewing criminal records of suspect(s).
Definition
Interview – A conversation between officers or detectives and persons who are thought to have knowledge sought by the officer or detective, whether those persons are victims, witnesses, suspects, or anyone who may possess relevant information. An interview may be relaxed and informal or highly structured and formal, depending on the circumstances.
Case Screening & Initiating a Follow-Up Investigation (13.1.3 a)
Maintaining contact with principals in any investigation is valuable in building confidence in the department as well as indicating that officers are genuinely concerned about the welfare of the victim and other persons associated with a case. Investigations supervisors will review all reports of criminal activity occurring within their district and determine the need for follow-up investigation by screening cases utilizing solvability factors and supervisory judgement. Cases may be assigned for follow-up to either a detective or other sworn officer. In cases where specialized skills, knowledge, or training may be required, efforts will be taken to assign the case to an investigator that best meets the specific qualifications.
Information in the initial incident report that supports assignment for follow-up investigation include the following solvability factors:
- Nature and seriousness of the crime or offense.
- Suspect is known or can be named or identified.
- Suspect description is available.
- Stolen property is traceable.
- Physical evidence recovered.
- Video footage available.
- Witnesses are available.
Other factors that may indicate a case should be assigned for follow-up investigation include, but are not limited to:
- Extent of injury or property loss.
- Unique modus operandi.
- Crime trends, series, or geographic similarities, to include documented experiences of the IUPD or other local law enforcement agencies with similar cases.
- Development of research and intelligence that further investigation is warranted.
- Sensitivity or high-profile nature of a case.
Follow-Up Investigation Steps
Every investigation is unique. The following steps are to be used as a guide when conducting follow-up investigations. Personnel who are conducting these investigations should use as many of the following steps as possible, however, not all steps may be needed in every case. All steps taken and information learned during the follow-up investigation will be entered into the case report in the IUPD’s Records Management System as a follow-up.
- Conducting additional interviews of persons involved (including, but not limited to, victims, witnesses, and suspects) will be done throughout an investigation as new details are discovered, or further information is needed. (13.1.3 b)
- Viewing, preserving, and analyzing any available electronic logs and digital media to determine relevance to an investigation. (13.1.3 c)
- Reviewing publicly accessible information on social media sites. (13.1.3 d)
- Revisiting the crime scene, planning, organizing, and conducting searches, and collecting additional physical evidence. (13.1.3 e)
- Reviewing past criminal records and campus conduct files. (13.1.3 f)
- Officers or detectives will generate an Interstate Identification Index (III) inquiry on all identified suspects when investigating any report of sexual assault, domestic or family violence, dating violence, or any of the following criminal offenses:
- Homicide offenses (IC 35-42-1)
- Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3)
- Strangulation (IC 35-42-2-9)
- Kidnapping or confinement (IC 35-42-3)
- Human or sexual trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5)
- Sex crimes (IC 35-42-4)
- Intimidation (IC 35-45-2-1)
- Harassment (IC 35-45-2-2)
- Interference with the reporting of a crime (IC 35-45-2-5)
- Criminal stalking (IC 35-45-10-5)
- Invasion of privacy (IC 35-46-1-15.1)
- Regulation of Handguns (IC 35-47-2)
- For any suspect who is identified as a current or former student, officers or detectives will contact the Office of Student Conduct to determine if the suspect is known to them.
- Officers or detectives will generate an Interstate Identification Index (III) inquiry on all identified suspects when investigating any report of sexual assault, domestic or family violence, dating violence, or any of the following criminal offenses:
- Depending on the circumstances, interviews should be audio and/or video recorded. If the officer or detective determines that the interview should be recorded, only IUPD equipment will be used, if available. Interviews will not be recorded using personally owned devices. (13.1.3 g)
- Attempting to identify and apprehend suspects through use of investigative techniques such as lineups and field show ups. (13.1.3 h)
- Preparing cases for court presentation and/or administrative referral to the appropriate university office. (13.1.3 i)