SPD GENERAL ORDER OPERATIONS

GO # OPS-001: EFFECTIVE: 04/04/2004

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS REVISED: 09/19/2005
06/16/2010
09/20/2013
12/08/2014
04/18/2016
4/19/2017
09/12/2018

PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to provide policy and general procedures for the conduct of the
investigative function.
DISCUSSION
The investigative function is a necessary requirement to solving crime. Investigations begin
upon the first notification that a crime may have or has been committed and ends when the case
is solved and the perpetrator(s) is/are arrested and prosecuted or otherwise satisfactorily
resolved. Cooperation is vital to effective investigative efforts.
POLICY
It is the policy of the Savannah Police Department (SPD) to apply proactive investigative
methods and to fully investigate, if possible, all reported crimes to the extent necessary to
support prosecution and to comply with the highest standards of legal and professional conduct
when conducting a criminal investigation involving persons suspected of violating the law. SPD
officers will conduct all investigations in a professional manner utilizing all approved training
and laws of the State of Georgia, as well as the Constitution of the United States and the polices
of the SPD.
PROCEDURE
The following procedures are guidelines to be followed by officers and investigators conducting
criminal investigations. These procedures should not be considered restrictive or all-inclusive in
nature.
I. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS
A. A preliminary investigation may be restricted to report taking or it may constitute the
entire investigation of the crime. The uniformed patrol officer will conduct the
preliminary investigation to a point where a lapse in the investigation will not hamper
or jeopardize the outcome of the case nor prohibit the officer’s return to service without
undue delay. In circumstances that require notification of and an initial response from
an investigator, the investigator will assume responsibility for both the preliminary and
follow-up investigations (i.e. homicide, traffic fatality, armed robbery, etc.), but the
primary uniformed patrol officer will still be responsible for preparing the preliminary
investigation report. [CALEA 42.1.4]

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B. Preliminary Investigations include:
1. Observing all conditions, events, and remarks surrounding the crime scene.
[CALEA 42.2.1a]
2. Locating and identifying witnesses. [CALEA 42.2.1b]
3. Maintaining the crime scene and protecting evidence. [CALEA 42.2.1c]
4. Conducting an area canvass.
5. Interviewing the complainant and/or victim(s) and witnesses.
a. Special Circumstances
(1) Child sexual assault victims should only be interviewed by investigative
personnel who have been specially trained in child forensic interview
techniques. (also refer to P:SPD Manuals\ Child Abuse Protocol) [CALEA
42.2.1d]
(2) Homicide victim(s) names, when available and confirmed, will be
documented in the original report. If the homicide victim’s name is not
available at the time the initial report is written, the immediate supervisor of
the officer writing the report will ensure that the name is added to the report
as soon as it is determined.
(3) Contact information for a homicide victim’s next of kin will be included in
the original report, if available. If the information is not available at the
time of the original report, the investigator assigned to the case will ensure
that the information is added to the report (by supplemental report) and
transferred to the Records Management System within four hours of the
homicide or as soon as it is discovered.
6. Obtaining a suspect description and issuing a BOLO.
7. Interviewing the suspect, except in homicide, rape, kidnapping, and child abuse
cases. [CALEA 42.2.1d]
8. Collecting or preserving evidence or arranging for the collection and/or
preservation of evidence. [CALEA 42.21c]
9. Affecting the arrest of the criminal.
10. Reporting the incident fully and accurately.
C. A sound preliminary investigation is essential for the successful completion of a case.
Therefore, the officer should include as many useful details as possible in the preliminary
report in order for the investigator to begin a follow-up investigation. The below
information should be included at a minimum, if applicable:
1. Witnesses to the crime.
2. Identification of the suspect(s) if known.
3. Description of the suspect.
4. Information concerning the location of the suspect.
5. Existence of a significant Modus Operandi (MO).

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 6. Results from a crime scene evidence search.
7. Statements made by victims, witnesses or suspects.
8. Presence of physical evidence.
9. Description of stolen property including identifiable characteristics marks or
numbers.
10. Description of any automobiles involved in the crime.
11. Description of the scene.
12. Any other significant details or information.
II. FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATIONS
A. With supervisory approval, uniformed officers may conduct limited follow-up
investigations when there is a reasonable chance of apprehending the suspect, a need for
obtaining additional information for the preliminary investigation report, or there are
other compelling circumstances. Absent the foregoing criteria, follow-up investigations
are the responsibility of criminal investigators either under CID or the patrol precincts
[CALEA 42.1.4]
B. When a case is assigned to an investigator for a follow–up, they will review the
preliminary investigation report to determine if any leads or suspects exist. [CALEA
42.2.3a] If so, the investigator will:
1. Read and become thoroughly familiar with the incident report.
2. Contact the victim within forty-eight (48) hours to clarify facts of the case and
ensure the victim knows how to contact the investigator
3. Contact witnesses and arrange for interviews. [CALEA 42.2.3b]
4. Determine if there is any additional information via the originating officer or
uniformed officers, informants, witnesses, and/or neighborhood interviews.
[CALEA 42.2.3c]
5. Disseminate information relative to crimes and suspect(s), if any, throughout the
SPD and other concerned agencies in the form of written alerts.
6. Conduct a search for witnesses, evidence, victims, or suspects, including an area
canvas around the scene of the crime. [CALEA 42.2.3d]
7. If necessary, use surveillance to apprehend suspects or gain additional information.
8. Utilize SPD records, laboratories, Crime Intelligence Center (GCIC/NCIC), pawn
files, and field interview reports to develop and identify suspects. [CALEA
42.2.3a]
9. Utilize outside support facilities (i.e. utility checks, driver's license checks, vehicle
registration checks, criminal history checks, and probation and parole checks).
[CALEA 42.2.3g]
10. Conduct the proper collection, preservation, and submission of evidence.
11. Examine physical evidence, review all statements and make a determination if there
is sufficient evidence to charge a person with the crime.

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 12. Obtain warrants for the suspect.
13. Enter appropriate information into GCIC and validate it as required. Information
will be removed when it no longer needs to be in GCIC
14. Review all results from lab exams. [CALEA 42.2.3a]
15. Identify and apprehend all suspects. [CALEA 42.2.3e]
16. If a suspect is established, attempt to secure a documented confession through a
thorough interrogation and also determine the existence and identity of any co-
defendants.
17. If an accomplice or co-defendant is developed, proceed with other investigative
steps outlined in this procedure regarding this subject(s).
18. Determine if the suspect’s vehicle or other property is subject to forfeiture under
Georgia law and, if so, seize the vehicle or property initiate condemnation
procedures.
19. Notify the proper law enforcement agency if a suspect indicates involvement in
other jurisdictions. [CALEA 42.2.3e]
20. Conduct background investigations on suspect(s) via criminal records checks,
criminal history files, and other established sources. [CALEA 42.2.3g]
21. Determine if the suspect(s) is involved in other crimes. [CALEA 42.2.3f]
22. Determine if the suspect(s) can be utilized as a confidential informant.
23. If necessary, use a search warrant, or in approved instances, the consent to search
form to legally recover items of evidentiary value or stolen property. [CALEA
42.2.3d]
24. Indicate the disposition and status of any property or evidence in SPD custody in a
supplemental report.
25. Keep the victim aware of any change in the case status.
26. If information is developed that indicates the suspect is a repeat offender contact
SARIC for identification as a Prolific Offender and ensure the District Attorney is
made aware of this fact.
27. Criminal Investigators will make periodic appearances at precinct roll calls to
exchange and solicit information regarding cases. Investigative units will attend roll
call at minimum of once a month in order to maintain contact with field officers and
coordinate efforts. [CALEA 42.2.4]
28. Organize, in an orderly fashion, all notes, evidence, photographs, supplements, and
lab findings for court presentation, and make the prosecutor aware of all pertinent
facts of the case and of criminal history background of the defendant. [CALEA
42.2.3h]
29. Complete a detailed investigative report documenting all activities including a time
line of activities associated with case.
III. CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE

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 A. The tip line is a convenient and confidential way for members of our community to
provide information. This allows investigators to work in partnership with our
community to solve or prevent crimes while allowing the caller anonymity if they so
desire.
B. The Confidential Tip Line phone number is (912) 525-3124.
1. The Criminal Investigations Division Commander or designee will ensure that the
functionality of the tip line is maintained at all times.
a. At a minimum the Violent Crimes Unit will be responsible for checking the tip
line at the beginning of each shift,
b. All incoming tips and information will be documented and shared appropriately.
c. Tips that have evidentiary value or potentially have evidentiary value will be
digitally captured and retained as evidence, in accordance with policy.
IV. ADMINISTRATION
A. 24-Hour Coverage [CALEA 42.1.1]
1. The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) will provide a call-back list of
investigators and support personnel for emergencies occurring during non-duty
hours.
2. Unit Supervisors will ensure the on-call list is published and furnished to the
Communication Center.
3. The on-call investigator will have a phone or pager with them to facilitate recall.
4. All assignments will be in compliance with the City of Savannah “call back” policy.
B. Case Screening and Assignment [CALEA 42.1.2]
1. Case screening shall be employed to apply available manpower to those
investigations which have the best chance of being successful and shall be based on
solvability factors, specific criteria for continuing the investigative process,
available manpower, and current departmental policy.
2. Solvability factors are workable leads and shall include, but are not limited to:
a. Perpetrator’s name(s).
b. Aliases or “street” names.
c. Vehicle description/tag information.
d. Physical evidence.
e. Seriousness of the crime.
f. Injury to the victim.
3. All felony crimes against persons will be assigned to an investigator for a follow-up
investigation if the appropriate solvability factors exist.
4. Felony domestic violence cases will be assigned to an investigator for a follow up
investigation.

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 5. Property crime cases (Burglary, Theft, etc.) will be assigned to a precinct
investigator for a follow-up investigation based upon the following guidelines:
a. The degree of seriousness of the incident.
b. The current investigative workload.
c. The frequency of occurrence of similar crimes in the same proximity.
d. Estimated range of time of occurrence.
e. Traceable stolen articles.
f. Witness's report of offense (if observed).
g. Physical evidence.
h. Suspect information developed (description or name).
i. Vehicle description.
j. Property loss greater than $1000.00.
6. Misdemeanor and juvenile property crimes will be assigned for a follow-up
investigation at the discretion of the Precinct Investigative Coordinator.
C. Case File Management
1. To ensure a timely and complete investigation, supervisors shall assign cases for
follow-up through the Tiburon Records Management System to maintain a record
of the following: [CALEA 42.1.3a]
a. Case number.
b. Investigator assigned.
c. Date assigned.
d. Date that a follow-up report is due.
e. Case status: [CALEA 42.1.3b]
(1) Active – An open case. The following shall apply:
 The victim/complainant will be contacted as soon as reasonable,
preferably in person, but phone contact is permissible.
 A supplemental report shall be submitted within ten (10) days.
 At a minimum, each subsequent report will be filed every thirty (30)
days, as long as the case is active.
(2) Pending (Abeyance) – Case inactive. Indicates all available leads have been
exhausted, but the case has not been brought to a conclusion, or the case is
suspended and investigative efforts may be resumed.
 AA - Administrative Action.
 AW - Obtained Arrest Warrant (pending arrest).
(3) Closed– The case has been resolved.
 AJ – Arrest/Juvenile.

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  DA – Detective Arrest.
 PA – Patrol Arrest.
 EC – Exceptionally Cleared/Adult.
 EJ – Exceptionally Cleared/Juvenile.
 CS – Closed Service.
 UF – Unfounded.
f. Case clearance
(1) The method of case clearance outlined in this directive is an internal
procedure to assist in case management and will not interfere with the
Uniform Crime Report methods of clearance.
(2) A case will be cleared by Arrest when at least one person is arrested and
charged with the commission of the offense. Multiple arrests in one case
can only count as one arrest, but one arrest in multiple cases can count as
multiple arrests (example: Two people arrested for the same burglary equals
one arrest, but one person arrested for three separate burglaries equals three
arrests).
(3) A case may be Exceptionally Cleared if the responsibility for prosecution
is transferred to another agency or there is some reason beyond law
enforcement control that stops an officer from arresting and charging the
offender, such as:
 Suicide of the offender.
 Double murder (Two persons kill each other).
 Deathbed confession (The person who committed the offense dies after
making the confession).
 Offender killed by police or citizen.
 Confession by an offender who is already in law enforcement custody or
serving a sentence (This is actually a variation of a true clearance by
arrest—the offender would not be “apprehended” but in most situations
would be prosecuted on the new charge).
 Offender is prosecuted by state or local authorities in another city for a
different offense or is prosecuted in another city or state by the federal
government for an offense which may be the same (Law enforcement
makes an attempt to return the offender for prosecution, but the other
jurisdiction will not allow the release).
 Extradition denied.
 Victim refuses to cooperate in the prosecution.
 Warrant is outstanding for felon, but before being arrested, the offender
dies (The method of death is irrelevant).

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 (4) A case may be cleared by Service if there is nothing of a criminal nature
that needs to be investigated (i.e. missing person, runaway, etc.).
(5) A case will be cleared Unfounded if the investigation reveals a crime was
not committed or the actual facts of the crime cause it to be reclassified as
non-criminal (civil tort).
2. Reclassification of Reports:
a. Upon assignment, all investigators will ensure that the narrative of the report
supports the incident title.
b. If the information on the report is correct, the investigator will follow through
with their investigation.
c. If the narrative of the report does not coincide with the titled incident, the
investigator will investigate the incident and determine the correct criminal
statute/title for the report.
d. Once the investigator concludes their investigation of the incident and
determines that the preliminary incident report needs to be reclassified, the
investigator will write a supplemental report in reference to the investigation
and the reasons why he or she thinks the report should be reclassified.
e. After the supplemental report has been written, the investigator will stamp the
report with an, “Incident Change” label. The investigator will write the current
Uniform Crime Code (UCC) on the first line and the correct (reclassified)
Uniform Crime Code (UCC) on the second line.
f. When completed, the investigator will immediately turn the supplemental report
in to their supervisor.
g. The supervisor will review the report for completeness, record the change in the
Case Tracking computer program (Tiburon), and submit the supplemental report
to the Data Entry Section of the Records Unit for reclassification.
3. Investigative units conducting active investigations will maintain current
documentation of activities for each case. A case file shall contain copies of the
following: [CALEA 42.1.3c]
a. Initial (preliminary) and supplemental reports, whether prepared by uniformed
officers or investigators.
b. Statements and interviews.
c. Photographs and crime scene sketches.
d. Results of tests pertaining to physical evidence.
e. Any other reports or records needed for investigative purposes.
4. Case files for active cases shall be maintained by the lead investigator and reviewed
every ten days by the investigator’s supervisor, and will be accessible to other
investigators and supervisors. [CALEA 42.1.3d]
a. Files involving active investigations are not accessible to the public.
b. When a case is worked and warrants are issued, the file will be delivered to the
Records Unit to be scanned into the RMS system.

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 5. When a case is completed by the assigned investigator, it will be forwarded through
the unit supervisor lieutenant for final approval. Pending (Abeyance) cases will be
forwarded in the same manner.
a. The file will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and legality and will be
approved by the lieutenant. The lieutenant will then forward the file to the Case
Management Office for secure storage.
b. The Case Management Clerk is responsible for the handling, processing, and
storing of completed case files. All completed case files will be maintained in
the office of the Case Management Clerk with the exception of juvenile, vice,
narcotics, traffic, and intelligence case files, which will be maintained by those
units.
c. When it is necessary for a case file to be removed from the Case Management
Office during normal duty hours, 0800 to 1630 hours, Monday through Friday,
the requesting investigator will contact the Case Management Clerk.
d. After normal duty hours, the ranking investigative supervisor is authorized to
have access to the Case Management Office.
e. The case file will be retrieved and furnished to the requesting investigator who
will sign a log indicating that they received the case file.
f. It will be the responsibility of the receiving investigator to return the case file to
the Case Management Clerk.
g. A file will be established for the purpose of maintaining a signature log of
signed out cases. A monthly audit of case files signed out will be conducted by
the unit commander to ensure the integrity of the file.
h. When a file is removed for court purposes, the disposition will be entered on the
case file folder, as well as brought to the attention of the Case Management
Clerk.
i. While a case file is signed out by an investigator; nothing will be removed from
the case file unless directed to do so by the CID Commander, District Attorney,
or other approved designee. Criminal Investigators are responsible for ensuring
a copy of the case file is made for the District Attorney’s Office. A receipt will
be signed by the person receiving the file which will then be included in the
SPD file.
j. The Case Management Clerk will be responsible for complying with the state-
issued retention schedules for local governments as it pertains to criminal case
files (in either format, paper or electronic). The process shall be in accordance
with the City Records Management Ordinance (2-3071 thru 2-3075), as required
by O.C.G.A. 50-18-99. [CALEA 42.1.3 e]
V. OPERATIONS
A. Interviews and Interrogations [CALEA 1.2.3 a, b & 42.2.1 b]
1. All investigative personnel will conduct themselves in a manner as to not
intentionally cause anyone being interviewed or interrogated into giving an
involuntary statement of confession

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 2. Investigative personnel will not deprive persons to the right of counsel nor
contribute to any pretrial publicity that would tend to prejudice a jury.
3. Prior to a custodial interview/interrogation, Constitutional rights warnings will be
given.
4. After the warning, the suspect may waive his/her rights or refuse same. The rights
form will be initiated and signed by the suspect indicating his or her choice.
5. If a suspect requests legal assistance, the investigator will stop all attempts at an
interview until their legal counsel (Lawyer) is present. [CALEA 1.2.3 c]
6. Although not always possible, admissions or confessions should be reduced to
writing. Written confession will be read and signed by the person making the
confession.
7. Whenever possible, interviews/interrogations will be videotaped or audio recorded
8. The interviewing of persons speaking languages other than English will be
videotaped in its entirety.
B. Interview Safety
1. Officers and investigators will secure their weapons in an appropriate manner prior
to commencing an interview or interrogation and will not take weapons into the
interview rooms.[CALEA42.2.10.a]
2. No more than two investigators will be present in an interview during an interview
or interrogation.[42.2.10.c]
3. Another investigator will monitor the interview through the video surveillance
system as a coach to the interviewer. He or she will also monitor for the safety of
officers in the room and summon help if needed. Officers may take their portable
radio into the interview in order to call for help if needed.[CALEA 42.2.10.d]
4. Suspects or potential suspects will be kept under direct supervision and will not be
left alone while in the interview room.[CALEA 42.2.10b]
5. During interviews the officers will provide individuals with water, and access to
restrooms if requested. At no time will a suspect of potential suspect be allowed to
enter the restroom unescorted.[CALEA 42.2.10.f]
6. The only items allowed in the interview room are the necessary documents needed
and a writing instrument as well as a recording device. [42.2.10.e]
7. Any investigator or officer who feels uncomfortable with the arrangements
concerning the interview should express them to the CID supervisor prior to
commencement of the interview [CALEA 42.2.10b]
C. Background Investigations [CALEA 42.2.1d]
1. Criminal investigations frequently involve background investigations of persons,
particularly as they relate to white collar crime, organized crime and vice activities.
2. The SPD will conduct background investigations of persons only in correlation with
an ongoing criminal investigation or as required for the licensing of certain
businesses.
3. This Directive does not apply to background investigations in the selection process.

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 4. Various sources of information are available in conducting a background
investigation. Some potential sources include, but are not limited to:
a. Financial institutions.
b. Business associates.
c. Former employers.
d. Informants.
e. Utility companies.
f. Public records.
g. Intelligence reports.
h. Criminal history.
i. Other law enforcement agencies.
j. Pawn shops.
k. Neighbors.
l. Family / Relatives.
m. Credit Bureau.
n. Schools and/or colleges
5. At the conclusion of the background investigation, the investigating officer shall
complete a synopsis of the findings to be placed in the investigative file along with
the supporting documentation.
D. Surveillance [CALEA 42.2.1e]
1. The CID will be responsible for coordinating and planning surveillance operations
that are long term, labor intensive, and require investigative funds.
2. Guidelines for planning operations include:
a. Crimes and victims will be analyzed to determine the nature and scope of
personnel and equipment and activities required to safely and effectively
conduct the operation.
b. Probable offenders and their habits, associates, vehicles, methods of operation,
or any other pertinent information which will affect the manner of surveillance
and potential prosecution will be identified and analyzed.
c. Officers involved in the surveillance operation will be familiarized with the
neighborhood or suspect(s) area.
d. Operational procedures will be determined for observation, arrests, and "tails"
to insure the continuity between the planning and the conduct of the
surveillance operation.
e. Required expense funds will be afforded to officers in accordance with Section
IV, Subsection I (Investigative Funds).
f. Means for routine and emergency communication will be established.
g. Equipment and/or vehicles appropriate for the operation will be provided.

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 h. Officers involved in the operation are to be relieved periodically so surveillance
may continue over an extended period of time, if necessary.
3. Officers will complete a supplemental report at the end of their shift detailing the
observations that were made and submit the report to the case investigator to be
filed in the case file.
E. Investigative Task Force [CALEA 42.2.7]
1. An investigative task force may be established when normal resources are unable to
cope with the problem. [CALEA 42.2.7a]
2. The decision to establish an investigative task force must be approved by the Chief
of Police or designee.
3. Once the decision to form a task force has been made, a Task Force Commander
will be appointed. The Task Force Commander will be of the rank of lieutenant or
higher, depending on the scope of the investigation, and will be responsible for
establishing accountability for all facets of the operation, including identifying
resources and periodically briefing the Chief of Police or his designee on the
progress of the task force. [CALEA 42.2.7b,c,d]
4. An after-action report detailing expenditures, man-hours used, and arrests made as a
result of the operation will be completed and forwarded to the Chief of Police or his
designee. [CALEA 42.2.7e]
F. Detection of Deceptions Examinations [CALEA 42.2.6]
1. The use of detection-of-deception devices such as the Polygraph can be useful as
investigative aids. Due to the complexity of the examination process, these types of
interviews/examinations shall only be conducted by qualified examiners whose
training in the use of such devices is documented. [CALEA 42.2.6]
2. A CID Unit Supervisor shall approve the use of detection-of-deception devices for
criminal investigations.
3. The following criteria must be met before seeking approval to use detection-of-
deception device examinations:
a. The investigation is as complete as circumstances reasonably permit.
b. The examination subject is believed to have knowledge of or is involved in the
matter under investigation.
c. The examination subject has been interviewed by detectives.
4. The following is required of polygraph examiners who administer polygraph
examinations:
a. Successful graduation from a polygraph school approved by the Georgia
Secretary of State. [CALEA 42.2.6]
b. Satisfy the requirements of the Georgia Secretary of State.
c. Attend retraining seminars/courses on a reoccurring basis to maintain
professional proficiency.
5. The following information shall be provided to the detection-of-deception device
examiner prior to administering an examination:

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 a. All reports, statements, physical evidence, etc. relating to the matter under
investigation.
b. The existence of any prior detection-of-deception device examinations
pertaining to the investigation, including the reported results.
c. A waiver for minors signed by a parent or guardian giving Parental Consent for
a Polygraph Examination.
d. Any mental or physical health conditions which the subject to be examined may
have.
e. Security provisions to prevent escape by examination subjects who are in
custody.
6. The detection-of-deception device examiner shall make the ultimate determination
on the suitability of a subject for an examination.
7. Detection-of-deception device examinations shall not be administered to subjects
with the following conditions:
a. A physical condition which could be endangered by the administering of the
detection-of-deception device examination unless a release is obtained from the
subject's medical doctor.
b. Obvious fatigue.
c. Obvious intoxication.
d. Professed mental condition unless examined by a medical doctor. This doctor
shall determine subject's suitability in a written report prior to administering a
detection-of-deception device examination.
8. Polygraph examinations shall be administered using accepted question techniques,
as recognized by the polygraph profession.
a. Accepted polygraph examination question techniques are relevant/irrelevant,
peak of tension, modified general question test, and zone of comparison.
b. The subject for examination shall sign a polygraph examination consent form
prior to submitting to a polygraph examination.
c. Subjects for examination who are possible under arrest/in-custody shall be
advised of their right to counsel and their right to remain silent prior to being
administered a polygraph examination.
9. Detection-of-deception device examinations may be administered to substantiate
information furnished by citizens and informants. The use of detection-of-
deception device examinations shall not replace or be used as an expedient
substitute for investigation by conventional methods.
10. Detection-of-deception device examination results shall only be released to those
persons having a lawful interest in the same which include, but is not limited to
Criminal Investigators, District Attorney, Assistant District Attorneys, and
Investigators for the District Attorney, Defense Attorneys upon subpoena, and
Judges.

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G. Informants
1. A Confidential Informant (CI) is an individual who is providing information and
investigative leads to a SPD officer for the first time or who has provided
information in the past which did not turn out to be totally accurate.
a. A confidential informant may or may not receive financial compensation for the
information provided.
2. A Confidential Reliable Informant (CRI) is an informant who has provided
accurate information in the past which led to the successful completion of an
investigation.
a. In order to qualify an informant as a CRI and to use information provided by the
CRI as supporting probable cause for a search warrant, the CRI and past
information provided must be documented .
b. CRIs are informants who are used for information on a regular basis and are
financially compensated for their information.
3. Informants providing information to police personnel (excluding citizens providing
information as witnesses and who would be subject to testify in criminal
proceedings) will be documented in an informant file assembled by the controlling
officer and consisting of: [CALEA 42.2.7a]
a. Completed Informant Checklist (SPD Form 1028).
b. Completed Personal History Sheet (SPD Form 1029).
c. Three current photographs of the informant.
d. Completed Fingerprint cards.
e. Criminal History, including NCIC.
f. Completed Informant Agreement and Advisory Form (SPD Form 1030).
g. Documentation of all payments made to the informant (SPD Form 1031).
h. The case number of any case(s) cleared through information furnished to the
controlling officer by the informant.
4. After completion of informant documentation, the controlling officer will forward
the informant file to their immediate supervisor for approval. Upon approval, the
file will be forwarded to the CID Assistant Division Commander or the Informant
Files/Funds Custodian who will assign an Informant Code Number to the file and
record the number in the Master File Ledger. [CALEA 42.2.7a-b]

5. The Informant Master File Ledger will be maintained by the Informant Files/Funds
Custodian. [CALEA 42.2.7c] The Informant Files/Funds Custodian will be a
Sergeant or a Commissioned Officer who will be responsible for the security of the
Master File Ledger, as well as the Informant Files. Only the Division Commander,
Assistant Division Commander, and the Informant File/Funds Custodian will have
access to the Informant Files which are maintained in a locked file cabinet in a
secured area. [CALEA 42.2.7c-d]

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 6. For their protection, informants will only be identified in SPD investigative reports
by code number. [CALEA 42.2.7d
7. The Master File Ledger will contain the following information on all informants:
a. Informant Control Number (e.g., SPD 04-001).
b. The controlling officer's name.
c. A record of payments made to the informant with the date, the case number, and
the amount.
d. The dates, times, and signature of the controlling officer whenever the
informant's file was viewed or removed from the file for any reason.
H. Utilizing Informants [CALEA 42.2.7f]
1. The following guidelines concerning the use of informants will be observed by all
SPD personnel.
2. The same criteria apply to both juvenile and adult informants. However, in
accordance with Georgia Law 16-11-66 no person under the age of 18 will be
recruited as a Confidential Informant without the knowledge and written consent of
the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian and the knowledge and approval of the CID
Commander or his designee. The use of a juvenile as a Confidential Informant is
discouraged except under the most extreme circumstances where other investigative
means are unavailable. [CALEA 42.2.7g]
3. Except in emergency situations, a confidential informant shall not be used in any
capacity until such time as they have been properly documented.
4. Whenever practical, controlling officers will not meet with informants alone unless
they have approval from their supervisor. In those cases where a supervisor allows
the controlling officer to meet alone with an informant, a backup officer will be
located in close proximity to the controlling officer during the meeting and the
controlling officer will carry a concealed, operable recording device to record the
conversation. Juvenile Informants will be met by no less than two officers.
5. When investigators meet with an informant of the opposite sex, at least two
investigators shall attend the meeting. In addition, investigators dealing with
informants that exhibit abnormal sexual preferences shall follow the same
procedure.
6. Contacts with confidential informants will be for official purposes. No relationship
will be developed which may be construed as “social” in nature.
7. Confidential informants will not be a party to any information concerning
investigations conducted by this or any other Department and will only be party to
that information/investigation which directly concerns them.
8. When using informants who are on probation or parole, it will be the responsibility
of the controlling officer to contact the agency and request permission of the
informant's parole or probation officer prior to utilizing a parolee or probationer as
an informant. If a prior request may jeopardize the sensitivity of the intended
operation the CID Commander may approve that the probation or parole officer not
be contacted.

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 9. When utilizing and informant who has pending charges or is awaiting sentencing
the District Attorney will be contacted prior to utilization. SPD officers will not
offer leniency, or a reduction of charges in return for information. Any offers may
be made by the District Attorney’s Office.
I. Investigative Funds [CALEA 42.2.7e & 43.1.3]
1. The Informant Funds Custodian, or a designated Sergeant, will be responsible for
dispensing funds for the payment of informants. In the absence of the Informant
Files/Funds Custodian, the Assistant Informant Files/Funds Custodian designated
by the Criminal Investigation Division Commander will assume the responsibility.
2. For the purpose of fiscal accountability, the Informant Files/Funds Custodian will
maintain records of all payments made from informant funds to informants.
3. Classification of Informant payments:
a. P/S - Payment of Services: Payment of P/S expenses will be approved by the
Lieutenant of Supervisor provided they are reasonable and under $200. The
guidelines for expenditures for informants would suffice for authorization. This
category includes:
(1) Travel or transportation of an officer or an informant; the lease of an
apartment, business front, luxury-type automobiles, aircraft, boat, or similar
effects to create or establish the appearance of affluence.
(2) Meals, beverages, entertainment, and similar expenses for undercover
purposes, within reasonable limits.
b. P/E - Payment for Evidence: This category is for the purchase of evidence
and/or contraband such as narcotics and dangerous drugs, firearms, stolen
property, counterfeit tax stamps, etc., required to determine the existence of a
crime or to establish the identity of a participant in a crime.
c. P/I - Purchase of Specific Information: This category includes the payment
of monies to an informant for specific information.
d. All other informant expenses will be classified under P/S and charged
accordingly.
4. Accounting procedures for P/S, P/E, or P/I payments:
a. An Informant Payment Sheet (IPS) will be signed by the informant and the
witnessing officer upon receipt of payment. This IPS will be placed in the
informant's file by the controlling officer.
b. The amount of payment will be determined by the controlling officer subject to
the approval of their supervisor and the Division Commander.
(1) The Supervisor (Sergeant or Lieutenant) is authorized to spend up to $200.
(2) The Division Commander and assistant Division Commander is authorized
to spend up to $500.
(3) The Chief of Police or designee must approve all informant payments in
excess of $500.00.

SPD GO # OPS-001 Criminal Investigations / Page 16 of 19

 5. Generally, only informants who have been documented by SPD and assigned a code
number will receive payments from SPD funds. Informants who have not been
documented may be reimbursed for information with the approval of the Informant
Files/Funds Custodian provided the informant is not to be used on a regular basis.
6. The Informant Files/Funds Custodian will log each transaction on a Custodian's
Activity Ledger.
7. Investigative funds will be audited annually by the City's Management and
Auditing Department or upon request of the Chief of Police.
III. COLD CASE UNIT
A. Purpose
1. It is the policy of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department
(SPD) to continue its commitment to the community by dedicating its law
enforcement services to crime victims and their families. The continuing search
for truth and justice is the priority of the SPD and is the foundation for the
development of the Cold Case Unit.
2. The Cold Case Unit will focus on violent felony crimes including murder,
attempted murder, missing persons where foul play is suspected, rape or other
sexually related crimes with serious injury, which unlike minor crimes are
generally not subject to a statute of limitations. (CALEA 42.2.9a)
B. Definition
1. Cold Case - A cold case is defined as a case that has been inactive due to all
leads being exhausted when originally investigated and/or a lack of viable
evidence at the time to establish probable cause to develop any suspect(s) or
make any arrest. (CALEA 42.2.9a)
C. Evaluation of cases to be investigated (CALEA 42.9.2b)
1. Unsolved homicide cases may be forwarded to the Cold Case Unit one year
from the date the incident is classified as a homicide.
2. Non-homicide cases may be forwarded to the Cold Case Unit by the primary
investigator and/or Unit Supervisor. The Cold Case Unit Supervisor and/or
Violent Crimes Sergeant will review the solvability factors including but not
limited to evidence, witness information, and suspect information. A
determination will then be made if the case will be forwarded to the Cold Case
Unit for consideration.
3. Cold Case investigators as well as the Cold Case Lieutenant, Homicide Unit
Commander, and CID Commander are responsible for reviewing cold cases and
selecting cases for further investigation.
4. The Cold Case Unit will be assigned cases with workable leads, so not all cold
cases will meet the criteria for further investigation. Therefore, not all unsolved
homicides will be selected for follow-up investigation.
5. Cases are reviewed and prioritized according to the likelihood of an eventual
resolution. A solvability matrix will be used to determine the overall solvability
factors to include the factors listed below. The highest priority cases are those
in which;
a. The murder victim or a surviving victim has been identified.
b. The death was ruled a homicide.

SPD GO # OPS-001 Criminal Investigations / Page 17 of 19

 c. Suspects are previously named or identified through forensic methods.
d. An arrest warrant was previously issued.
6. Significant physical evidence (such as fingerprints, DNA, shell casings, etc.)
can be reprocessed for further evidentiary value.
7. Newly documented leads have developed within the last six months.
8. Critical witnesses are accessible and are willing to cooperate.
9. New technologies can be accessed or utilized to aid in the investigation.
D. Cold Case Investigation
1. The primary investigator shall locate and review the case file completely and
ensure that all known investigative leads were properly investigated.
2. Locate and review all evidence. Ensure that the evidence is still maintained by
the department and that all evidence that may be compared to database evidence
has been submitted to the appropriate lab(s).
3. Confer with the victim’s family for any new information and review previously
obtained information.
4. Locate any previously identified persons of interest or suspects and review their
history since the original investigation.
5. Evaluate the physical evidence in order to determine if scientific evaluation
methods would be available to preserve or enhance its usefulness.
6. Utilize all investigative techniques including social media, Internet resources,
other local, state, federal law enforcement agencies, and publishing requests for
information with the media.
7. Conduct a peer review of the case facts and investigative actions with other
subject matter experts to include supervisors within Violent Crimes, Robbery,
Special Victims, and Forensics Units.
8. The primary investigator shall look for any gaps of information within the case,
including people mentioned and statements that do not have a corresponding
interview report in the case file, undocumented investigative actions such as
search warrants without documentation of service, etc.
9. After re-interviewing significant witnesses and working all viable leads, if no
suspect can be identified, the assigned investigator will write a summary,
documenting the follow-up investigation and recommending either further
investigation or inactivation identify the case status as “Abeyance” case
inactive, as outlined in SPD Policy OPS-001 Criminal Investigations.
10. If the assigned investigator is able to obtain enough evidence to establish
probable cause for an arrest, the case will first be presented to The Chatham
County District Attorney’s Office for review.
11. A case may be closed by Exceptional Clearance as defined in SPD policy OPS-
001 Criminal Investigations.
12. The cold case investigator will document all investigative actions and activities.
(CALEA 42.2.9c)
13. The Cold Case Unit Commander will submit an annual report to the CID
Bureau Commander by January 31st of each year for the previous year’s
activities.
IV. IDENTITY THEFT

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 A. SPD will complete a Preliminary Report Form on all reports of identity theft cases
regardless of the jurisdiction in which the crime is alleged to have occurred.
B. Officers investigating identity theft crimes will provide a CRN pamphlet to the
victim.
C. Additionally, officers and investigators will encourage and assist victims to contact
financial intuitions immediately to restrict activity on their accounts.
D. Financial Crimes Investigators will provide the best possible assistance to victims of
identity theft while investigating the crime.
1. Information will be shared with the victim about possible ways to restore their
credit and re-establish their identity.
2. Financial Crime Investigators will cooperate with financial institutions and other
law enforcement agencies in the investigation of identity theft crimes.
E. If the crime is determined to have occurred outside of the SPD jurisdiction
investigators will:
1. Notify the victim that the investigation will be referred to the appropriate agency.
2. With the victim’s approval, forward all case information the agency with
jurisdiction over the case.
This General Order supersedes all written directives issued prior to this policy’s revision date
09/12/2018 pursuant to Criminal Investigations.

BY ORDER OF:
Original Signature on File

________________________
Mark Revenew
Interim
Chief of Police

Cice

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