Case File Handbook

[!Yousef]

Fire Department of San Andreas
Internal Affairs
Case File Handbook

This section describes the correct method of using the case file system. It is incredibly important that this system is used correctly so that future directors, managers and agents can locate the appropriate case files on a suspect in order to use the information for whatever purposes are needed.
A case file is an on-going investigation, to allow the suspect to have a fair trial against them.

Process of a Case File
A case file is first begins as a complaint. Made either by a member of the public, another department, or a member of FDSA. Once that complaint comes in, it is reviewed, and a case file is created.

1. Case file is opened by Complaints Manager or Director.
   
2. Case file is assigned to an Agent. Complaints Manager and Directors may assign a member of any rank to a case file, including a director. They may also assign cases to themselves.
   
3. Case file is accepted by the assignee.
   
4. The assigned agent digs for information, extra evidence and statements from suspects and witnesses to help shed more light on the case.
   
5. The assigned agent updates the case file with evidence and statements.
   
6. After enough evidence has been found, or if the agent can not obtain any more evidence, a conclusion is submitted by the agent.
   
7. A director or complaints manager will review all evidence, and come up with an appropriate punishment, if any. The case file will then be resolved.
   
8. If no resolution can be found for the case, the case will be thrown out and closed.
   

Thread Title for New Case Files
When you open a new case file, the title of the thread must be in the following format:

If Internal Affairs is opening this case file without a complaint report, then the title must read:
[Case ###] Internal Affairs vs. Suspect Name(s)

If a complaint has been reported, and a complaints manager is opening a new case file from that report, then it must read:
[Case ###] Reporters Name vs. Suspects Name(s)

The Case File Tracker MUST be updated when a new case file has been made.

Explanation of the Case File Steps
Every time a case file is updated, the correct reply format must be used to ensure the case file is organised, with case number, date, and signature.


The following is an explanation of each of the steps, what they mean, and when to use them.

Case File Opened
This step is used when a director or complaints manager opens a new case file from a complaint. It is used to establish a case file, with a unique CFN (Case File Number).


Case File Assigned
This step is added when a director or complaints manager assigns a case file to an agent. A director or complaints manager can assign any case to any member of internal affairs, regardless of their rank. They can also assign case files to themselves.
You can also tag an agent in this section so it pops up in their notifications. Find their forum profile, and get the user ID number, and use the following to tag them.

E.g. [html][MENTION=36498]Davyn R Jones[/MENTION][/html]

Case File Accepted
The agent who was assigned to the case file needs to use this reply format to acknowledge that they have been assigned, and to confirm that they are now the lead investigator of the case. Failure to reply within 48 hours means the case will be assigned to somebody else. Agents who consistently fail to acknowledge an assigned case file may be removed from the division.

Case File Update
This reply format is used to update the case file with any new information or evidence you have found in regards to the case. If you interrogate a suspect, make sure you record that evidence, and submit it within this template. Evidence is useless without screenshots. So make sure you get it. You can reply as many times as you like with this template. The more evidence that's submitted, the easier for a director or complaints manager to come to a resolution.

Case File Conclusion
When you feel you have enough evidence, or you feel you can no longer obtain any more than you already have, you may use this reply format. This is for you, as the investigator, to write a brief conclusion on what you have found, and what your opinion on the matter is. So for example... "In regards to the evidence I have collected, I believe that there is enough proof to show that Addison Swagger is guilty of being off-duty without permission".
You may feel this isn't necessary, but you are the agent doing the interrogation, and your overall opinion on the final conclusion really helps towards the resolution of the case, and the directors and complaints manager will take your conclusion into account.

Case File Resolution
After reviewing the evidence, and reading the agents conclusion on the case, a director or complaints manager will then come up with a suitable resolution. Depending on the case, this could be anything from a strike, to a suspension, to termination. If the evidence doesn't add up, and there isn't enough to go against the suspect, then this reply format will not be used.

Case File Closed
After reviewing the evidence, and reading the agents conclusion on the case, if there isn't enough evidence to go against the suspect, then the director or complaints manager will not be able to resolve it. As such, the suspect will not be punished, and the case will be closed without resolution.


If you are confused or unsure at any time during a case file interrogation, PLEASE ASK. These case files need to be perfect, there is very little room for error.