Policy Bulletin 629

Policy number and title:

Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 568-4 – Preservation of Crime Scenes and Evidence

Why was the policy changed?

Further to recommendations resulting from several Board of Investigation Reports, modifications were made to provide greater clarity and guidance on the subject of preservation of crime scenes and evidence within the CSC context.

What has changed?

Substantive modifications were made throughout the policy document. The most significant changes are noted below:

• Timeframes were added to provide general direction to staff with regard to police notification.
• The Responsibilities section was modified to include police liaison designation for managing incidents occurring after hours.
• Clarity was brought to the Preservation of Evidence section in the event the body of a deceased individual has to be moved.
• The requirement to consult an Elder/Spiritual Advisor was added when preserving a crime scene involving persons who follow a traditional health path.
• When preserving electronic evidence which may be used in a national investigation, the duration the video footage must be retained was modified.
• Several other technical modifications were made throughout the policy document.

How was it developed?

This policy was revised by the Preventive Security and Intelligence Division in cooperation with the Security Operations Division, the Incident Investigations Branch, and the Strategic Policy Division. Full consultations with internal and external stakeholders were held.

Who will be affected by the policy?

All staff responsible for the preservation of evidence and taking control of a crime scene.

Date modified:

2019-01-17