IronCase
Reference

Checklist Phases

Investigation phases and checklist organization

Checklist Phases

Reference for investigation phases and how checklists are organized.

Phases Overview

PhaseWhenFocus
Initial ResponseFirst minutes at sceneSafety, security, preservation
Scene ProcessingDuring scene workEvidence collection, documentation
Witness CanvassEarly investigationIdentifying and locating witnesses
InvestigationOngoingFollowing leads, analysis
DocumentationThroughoutReports, records, filing
ClosureEnd of investigationProsecution prep, case closure

Initial Response Phase

Typical items for First Officers:

ItemTime SensitivityPolicy Required
Ensure scene safetyGolden HourYes
Check for signs of lifeGolden HourYes
Secure perimeterGolden HourYes
Notify dispatchGolden HourYes
Identify witnessesGolden HourNo
Begin scene logGolden HourYes
Notify Medical ExaminerFirst 24 HoursConditional
Notify detectivesGolden HourYes

Scene Processing Phase

Typical items for Detectives:

ItemTime SensitivityPolicy Required
Accept scene from First Officer—Yes
Walk-through documentation—Yes
Evidence collection—Yes
Photography/video—Yes
Sketch/diagram—No
Collect biological samples—Conditional

Investigation Phase

ItemTime SensitivityPolicy Required
Witness interviewsFirst 24 HoursNo
Background checks—No
Surveillance review—No
Digital evidence requestsVaries by providerNo
Lab submissions—No
Suspect development—No

Time Sensitivity Codes

CodeMeaning
Golden HourComplete within 60 minutes of arrival
First 24 HoursComplete within first day
VariesDepends on external factors
—No specific deadline

The following shows how IronCase tracks time-sensitive items visually:

Time-Critical Actions

Case opened 45 minutes ago

Golden Hour→First 24h→First 48h
Secure crime scene perimeterGolden Hour
15m overdue
Canvas for witnessesGolden Hour
23m left
Request area search dataFirst 24h
180m left
Complete victimology workupFirst 48h
1200m left

Role-Based Checklists

Checklists are assigned to appropriate roles. Items are distributed based on who is responsible for each task:

Role-Based Checklist

Based on Geberth methodology

Secure scene perimeterFirst Officer
Identify potential witnessesFirst Officer
Conduct preliminary interviewDetective
Review evidence collectionSupervisor

Case Type Variations

Checklists adapt based on case type:

Case TypeAdditional Phases/Items
HomicideFull Geberth methodology
Suspicious DeathDeath determination items
Officer-Involved ShootingOIS protocol items
SIDS/Infant DeathSIDS-specific items
Fatal FireFire investigation items

Evidence Types

Physical, digital, and documentary evidence classifications

Role Permissions

Capabilities and access levels by role

On this page

Checklist PhasesPhases OverviewInitial Response PhaseScene Processing PhaseInvestigation PhaseTime Sensitivity CodesRole-Based ChecklistsCase Type Variations