Evidence Collection Checklist

Instructions for use:

Online

Fill out online using your phone, tablet or laptop. Once completed, a PDF will be generated that you can download and print for your case file. Provide your email where indicated to send a copy of the completed PDF to your mailbox.

Print

Download and print a blank copy of this checklist now and take it with you when responding to a call.

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NOTE:
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The Scene

Unsanitary living conditions or unsafe environment (e.g. bedroom, common room, bathroom, kitchen, basement)
Presence or lack of food and drink, as well as the type of food and drink
Weapons, instruments of abuse, and signs of struggle
Locks on doors
Recording equipment (inside and outside of the home or other building)
Theft of property or personal items
Computer, flash drives
Presence of personal and financial records or other important papers

The Scene (Additional Information)

Evidence of Abuse

Untreated or inadequately explained bruises, lacerations, abrasions, fractures, injuries, ligature marks, restraints, or pressure ulcers of victim or suspect
Injuries to genital area or unexplained sexually transmitted infections
Prior injury and wounds
Inadequately explained or unusual mental status changes
Clothing worn at the time of the incident
Victim withdrawal, isolation, or reluctance to speak
Unattended medical needs or inadequate level of care

Evidence of Abuse (Additional Information)

Medical, Psychological, Cognitive, and Functional Conditions

Current medical condition
Apparent psychological condition (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Perceived cognitive impairment
Functional diﬃculties or frailty
Assistive devices (e.g., walker, cane, hearing aids, glasses)
Medications - prescription and over the counter (e.g., names, dosage, prescription date, expiration date, evidence of usage)

Medical, Psychological, Cognitive, and Functional Conditions (Additional Information)

Medical Records

Medical records and reports, X-ray and lab reports, prescriptions, assessments, orders, and notes (e.g., chronic medical conditions, function impairment, and frailty), from the emergency department, clinical care, hospital, long-term care facility, or institution.
Records, reports, assessments, and notes (e.g., evaluation, confinement)
Psychological records, assessments, reports, and notes (e.g., capacity evaluation)
Relevant records maintained by various professionals, including treating clinician, primary care clinicians, pharmacists, dentists, wound care specialists, sexual assault nurse examiner, or medical examiners

Medical Records (Additional Information)

Legal Actions and Records

Criminal record and history (e.g. prior misdemeanor or felony charges and convictions)
Past or ongoing adult protective service reports
Past or existing court orders (e.g., elder abuse restraining orders, domestic violence restraining orders, guardianship or conservatorship proceedings)
Civil cases
Property deeds and transfers
Arrest reports, field identification cards, or 911 calls and recordings

Legal Actions and Records (Additional Information)

Life Planning Documents

Power of attorney
Will and/or trust
Advance care directives
Supported decision making agreements
Letters of guardianship and/or conservatorship

Life Planning Documents (Additional Information)

Financial Records - Victim and Suspect

Bank and investment accounts, including statements, signatories, and ATM transfers
Credit reports
Credit cards, including statements and authorized users
Checkbook registers and endorsed checks
Receipts or documentation of the purchase or transfer of real or personal property
Suspicious activity reports (SARs) and currency transaction reports (CTRs)

Financial Records - Victim and Suspect (Additional Information)

Interviews

Victim, witness, and alleged perpetrator(s)
Adult protective services caseworkers or long-term care ombudspersons
Health care professionals with knowledge of the parties, facts, or circumstances
Other individuals who interacted with or observed the victim or alleged perpetrator(s)

Interviews (Additional Information)

Documentation

Photographs of injuries and wounds, crime scene, home, and other relevant areas
Surveillance video
Social media accounts
Body-worn video
Recordings of victim, perpetrator, and witness statements, including demeanor, interactions, and verbal/non-verbal conduct

Documentation (Additional Information)

Note: The Evidence Collection Checklist is intended to be used as a resource for law enforcement, and is intended to supplement but not supplant orders, policies, or procedures applicable in your jurisdiction.

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