CASE REFERRALS To DA or other outside agencies

1. CASE REFERRALS To DA or other outside agencies

2. Face sheet Initial summary List of violations Narrative supporting those violations Costs Content: Who What Where When Why Components of Your Report

3. Identification - face sheet • Identify: • Your agency • Your agency’s case number • The type of report • Your ID: name, badge (or other employee #), business address, phone number

4. Synopsis of inspection / event Inspection or response to a call? Identify issues and parties involved. Observations made upon arrival and during inspection. List of violations Initial Summary

5. Reporting Interviews: the Basics • When and where did the interview take place? • Whom did you interview? • Who else was present? • Any information that is confidential?

6. Reporting Recorded Interviews • Provide two copies of recordings—you keep the original • Provide a copy of any transcript • Summarize key points with references to any attached transcript

7. Reporting unrecorded interviews • Use exact quotes whenever possible • Relate all relevant statements from your interview notes

8. Interview notes • Check your office’s policy re: keeping interview notes • Make your report consistent with your interview notes • Prepare report ASAP after the interview

9. Some witnesses have “issues” • Witness available for trial? • Concerns about: • Recollection • Perception • Credibility

10. Does Your Suspect Have a History? Note all prior: • contacts with suspects (routine inspections) • investigations • punitive actions (warnings, citations, fines, lawsuits)

11. When You Obtain Documents • Attach copies to the report. You keep originals for chain of custody. • Reference them in your report by document name and by attachment (i.e., Attach. #6). • Index or page tabs are helpful

12. Visual aids • Chronologies • Visual representations • Schematics, diagrams, and charts • Photos with captions

14. A Simple Organization Chart

15. Other Evidence • MSDS • Copies of local ordinances • Training Records • Lab testing results • Experts consulted?

16. Concluding Your Report • Remember to include your investigative costs • Please do NOT: • Make a request: “This case is being submitted for filing.” • Include legal conclusions: “This is only worth a misdemeanor”, or “This should be filed civilly.” • Any referrals to other agencies for follow-up?

17. Freight Train . . . WHAT FREIGHT TRAIN?? • Note emergencies in the report and by telephone: • Search warrants or inspections pending • Other agencies involved • Statute of limitations • Suspect flight risk • Grand jury material

18. Last Minute Checklist • Have you identified everyone? • Have you listed all of the violations? • Have you attached ALL supporting documents? • Does your narrative provide evidence for each element of each violation?

19. Don’t Hesitate to Call Your Lawyer or Prosecutor • If you have a question, REQUEST HELP • Even before submitting a report. • But get the report done ASAP! • Any media contact?

20. Variety of Resources • Your Supervisor • Your Local Prosecutor • Your Agency or House Counsel • Other Investigators • Task Force Contacts • Everyone in this room!

21. Any Questions? Thank you for all your good work! ** The End **