How to Manage Case Handoffs

This guide shows you how to properly hand off cases and evidence between investigators in IronCase.

---

When to Hand Off a Case

Common scenarios requiring handoffs:

• Shift change during active investigation
• Investigator reassignment
• Specialist taking over (e.g., homicide detective)
• Extended leave or vacation
• Case complexity requiring different expertise

---

Initiating a Case Handoff

1. Go to Handoffs in the navigation
2. Click New Handoff
3. Select the case to transfer
4. Choose the receiving investigator
5. Enter handoff details:
   • Reason for transfer
   • Priority items requiring attention
   • Pending tasks and deadlines
   • Key contacts and witnesses
6. Click Request Handoff

---

Handoff Checklist

Before completing a handoff, verify:

• All evidence properly logged and secured
• Case notes up to date
• Pending warrants documented
• Witness contact info current
• Lab requests status updated
• Upcoming deadlines noted
• Supervisor notified

---

Accepting a Handoff

When you receive a handoff request:

1. Go to Handoffs > Pending
2. Review the handoff details
3. Review the case documentation
4. Ask questions if anything is unclear
5. Click Accept Handoff when ready

---

Evidence Custody During Handoff

Evidence custody transfers automatically with case handoffs, but you should:

1. Physically verify all evidence items
2. Confirm storage locations
3. Sign custody transfer forms
4. Update any pending lab requests with new contact

---

Partial Handoffs

To transfer only specific aspects:

Evidence Only

1. Go to the evidence record
2. Click Transfer Custody
3. Select recipient
4. Case ownership remains unchanged

Specific Tasks

1. Open the task or checklist item
2. Click Reassign
3. Select new assignee
4. Add context notes

---

Supervisor Approval

Most handoffs require supervisor approval:

1. Supervisor receives notification
2. Reviews handoff request
3. Verifies proper documentation
4. Approves or requests changes
5. Both parties notified of decision

---

Handoff History

To view past handoffs:

1. Open a case
2. Go to Activity tab
3. Filter by "Handoff" events
4. View complete transfer history

---

Best Practices

• Document everything before handoff
• Meet in person when possible for complex cases
• Provide context not just facts
• Follow up after handoff to answer questions
• Update contacts so witnesses know new point of contact

---

Related

• Track Evidence Custody
• Configure Access Control