WAC 118-04-260   Evidence search mission numbers -- Requests and requirements.  (1) The purpose of this section is to provide additional training opportunities for emergency workers. Since the skills and techniques used to search for evidence relating to criminal activity are substantially the same as those used in the search for clues relating to lost or injured persons, search and rescue emergency workers can receive training benefit by participating in such evidence searches.

     (2) An evidence search mission number shall be issued by the emergency management division for the utilization of emergency workers to search for evidence when the provisions of this section have been complied with.

     (a) The requesting law enforcement agency shall send a hardcopy message requesting the evidence search mission number via facsimile, the law enforcement teletype system (ACCESS, address code OLYEM), or by other suitable means to the emergency management division.

     (b) The hard copy message shall include the following items:

     (i) Jurisdiction and law enforcement agency requesting the evidence search mission number.

     (ii) Name of the officer in charge on-scene and call-back telephone number.

     (iii) Description of specific location of the evidence search.

     (iv) The approximate number of emergency workers being utilized and a list of participating units.

     (v) A statement of the activity to be undertaken and training benefits to be derived by the emergency workers participating in the mission.

     (vi) A statement certifying that the emergency workers will be utilized within the scope of their normal emergency worker assignment.

     (vii) A statement certifying, verbatim, that: "This activity does not involve the search for, apprehension of, detention, or arrest of suspects or persons in the act of committing or who have committed a crime."

     (3) After the hard copy is sent via facsimile, ACCESS, or other suitable means, the local authorized official shall call the emergency management division duty officer and coordinate the details of the mission.

     (4) Upon receipt of the hard copy information, the request shall be reviewed to determine if the mission is in compliance with WAC 118-04-260. Upon approval, an evidence search mission number shall be assigned.

     (5) Emergency worker daily activity report, Form EMD-078 or equivalent, shall be used as a part of the administrative record for each evidence search mission.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 38.52 RCW. 01-02-053, § 118-04-260, filed 12/28/00, effective 1/28/01; 93-23-005 (Order 93-08), § 118-04-260, filed 11/4/93, effective 12/5/93.]