NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

E. If emergency medical personnel have not yet arrived and are enroute to an apparent
homicide scene, the officer on the scene shall attempt or request they limit the area of
movement at the scene (unless aid to the victim is being rendered.) Saving the victim’s
life takes precedence over an investigation.
F. The first responding officer shall document the following information:
1. Physical condition of the scene; (i.e. struggle, ransacked, etc.).
2. Lights on or off. (Interior and exterior)
3. Blinds closed or shades down.
4. Doors or windows that are open/closed, locked/unlocked, etc.
5. An accurate temperature of the premises, including whether the air conditioning
or heat is on or off.
6. Possible means of entry.
7. Any statements made by a seriously injured victim, including a dying declaration.
8. If assailant or suspect is present, any statements made in the officer’s presence.
9. Identity of the individual who pronounced the victim dead.
10. Outside weather conditions and temperature.
G. Victim information shall be obtained. This shall include the name, address, age, sex,
race and recent photograph(s), if available.
H. Photograph the victim and entire crime scene, utilizing at least two means of
photography. (i.e. – digital and video)
I. A photograph of the individual who discovered the victim shall also be taken.
14.4.6 Suicide
All suicide scenes shall first be considered homicide scenes until sufficient evidence proves
otherwise. To make an accurate determination, the investigator shall follow the procedures as
described in Directive 14.4.5 - Homicide. All attempted suicide scenes shall be considered
homicides or felonious assaults until sufficient evidence proves otherwise.
14.4.7 Arson
All suspicious structure fires shall be considered crime scenes. When arson is suspected, the
New Albany Police Department will investigate the case with the Plain Township Fire Department,
State Fire Marshall or other agency or fire department having jurisdiction over the scene. When
collecting evidence from arson scenes, the investigating officer or detective shall use appropriate
evidence collection and photograph techniques.
While arson investigations are usually joint investigations with the appropriate fire department, the
New Albany Police Department will typically file any criminal charge(s) that may arise from an
arson investigation within our jurisdiction.
14.4.8 Kidnapping/Abduction
At the initial investigation of a reported kidnapping or abduction, the investigating officer or onduty
supervisor will contact the detective who will assist in evaluating the circumstances and
determine if additional resources should be utilized. Upon arriving at the scene of a kidnapping or
abduction, officers shall follow the guidelines as outlined in Chapter 10.1.2 when responding to
and investigating a missing person who is believed to be kidnapped or abducted.
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