014 Flashcards
What is the primary functions of initial Police responders to Serious Crime Scenes? #
- Attending the scene at an early stage
- Taking control of the situation
- Coordinating tasks
Some instances notified to the Police that are not initially identifiable as a Homicide?
- Missing person
- Sudden death of an infant
- Report of abduction
- Suicide
- Fatal Fire
- Drug related deaths
Why is the initial action of first responding Police so important to the investigation?
Critical effect on the investigation and on the potential for capturing evidence. The general investigation model VAWSEIPO should be applied in all cases.
The OC investigation will expect a briefing from the officer initially in charge of the incident as to?
- What has occurred?
- What actions have been taken?
- What has not been done?
- What needs to be done?
The three key elements to Homicide?
- Location
- Victim
- Suspect
What is the general investigation model? (VAWSEIPO) #
Victim – Identify and locate Appreciate – Make an initial appreciate Witness – Locate and contain Scene – Preserve the scene Exhibits – Note evidence and preserve Ingredients – Consider whether ingredients of offence have been established Powers – Identify what powers are available Offenders – Identify and apprehend
What are the benefits of applying the appreciation technique?
MEREE
- Manage risk
- Ensure nothing is overlooked
- Reduce uncertainty
- Effective use of resources
- Establish a sequence of activities to be carried out
What are the steps for appreciation?
AIM – A short one line statement – demonstrates a single objective
FACTORS – Is any circumstances or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome
COURSES OPEN – Are a list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved
PLAN – Proposed course of action
Perseveration of life? #
It is imperative that police responders ensure their own safety and the safety of other responders and that of other present at the scene.
Adopting an investigative mentality, what is the Police purpose at a death? #
To always investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death
What are the three categories of the physical condition of the victim?
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- No sign of life
What are the steps to take when the victim is alive but injured? #
- Obtain medical opinions as to victim status
- Seize clothing/ possession as evidence
- Establish victim’s identity
- Obtain a pre-transfused blood sample
- Seize discarded bandages
- Arrange firearm residue sample if applicable
- Note and photograph injuries
- Arrange DNA swabs of victims skin if relevant
- Obtain details of persons of people who visit or contact victim
- Conduct scoping interview with victim
- Preliminary interview ambulance/ hospital staff
What are the steps to take when the victim show NO signs of life?
- Consider calling ambulance, note original body position
- Remain with body until relieved by CIB or supervisor
- Arrange Dr to pronounce life extinct
- Treat victim as a scene
- Leave clothes on body and medical items
- Scoping interview medical staff
- Ascertain if victim spoke to anyone before death
- Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries & clothing
- Record everything involving all scenes
- Record all exhibits
- Sketch a plan, position of body & all exhibits
- Provide info to O/C investigations
Every effort should be made to obtain the following information from an informant reporting an incident?
\+ ID and location of the suspect \+ Precise details of scene location \+ ID of victim \+ Full particulars on informant/ complainant \+ Details of anyone else at scene \+ Details of what action informant of anyone else has taken \+ What they did at scene \+ Any hazards approaching scene, victim
In some circumstances there may be a delay in attending the scene and evidence may be contaminated or lost. In order to reduce risk the informant may be asked?
+ To return to the proximity of scene and guard it
+ Not to touch or move anything
+ Prevent others from entering scene
+ Await Police arrival and identity themselves
+Not to enter obvious boundaries
What is the definition of an APPERCIATION in relation to initial action at a crime scene? #
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows step to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon.
It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and the risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken.
An appreciation is an outgoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.
What is the first priority in attending a scene? #
Ensuring the safety of the attending police members
What to BRIEF the O/C investigation in relation to initial response?
What has occurred
What action has been taken
What actions have not been taken
What needs to be done
What are the initial actions to preserve a scene? (Freeze, control, guard, preserve)
Identify – Carry out initial assessment of scene/ warrantless powers/ establish crime scene/ common approach path/ record all observations/ SITREP – SFP
Secure – Exercise power/ secure scene/ Removal of persons from scene/ Establish cordons/ Arrange & brief scene guards/ Arrange crime scene logs/ Prevent further loss of evidence
Preserve – Best path to scene/ Record movements/ actions in scene / leave in situ/ consider stepping plates/ preserve evidence
Consider – Photographs of scene & persons present
Record – Crime scene log/ Sketch of scene/ Photograph scene/ what has been moved/ Accurate record, report to OC investigation
What is the definition of crime scene log?
Record details, time and purposes of all person who enter, attempt to enter, leave the crime scene + other activities which guard perceives as relevant
What is the purpose of a scene guard log?
To ensure – 1) No unauthorized entry 2) Evidence is secured 3) intel opportunities are maximized 4) contamination issues managed
What are the duties of a scene guard?
Secure the scene, record details, prevent movements, record movements, brief others on relevant info, avoid disturbances, protect scene, brief replacement guard, respect security (media, witnesses, bystanders), and demonstrate courtesy when dealing with civilians/crowds.
The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness you should consider these issues, where applicable? #
1) Immediate DNA swabs of area witness may have been touched by the suspect
2) Immediate DNA swabs any blood present on the witness
3) Swabs any other relevant stains
4) Forensic medical examination (Fingernail scrapings, hair combing)
5) Seizure of any clothing and footwear
6) Seizure of any items of property touched by suspect (Consider using different vehicles, interview rooms, photographs)
What are the principles guiding the management of witnesses?
Manner of which witnesses are treated will significantly affect how they co-operate / investigators must understand the actions expected of them/ Necessity to interact professionally with every witness
How may other witnesses be located?
Viewing CCTV/ Media release and appeals/ Area canvas/ Interviews with victims- other witnesses/ suspect interviews/ Anniversary appeals/ Road check point
Depending on available resources, initial enquires might be confined to certain areas such as line of sight or earshot locations such as?
Place where the victim was last seen alive/ Place where initial contact with suspect took place/ Place where the victim was assaulted/ Murder site/ Body deposition site
On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt preliminary interview which may provide information such as?
- Early identification or arrest of a suspect
- Recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence
- Prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
- Prevention of the commission of other offences
PRELIMINARY interviews should be?
Conducted in accordance with Police manual chapter (investigative interviewing witness guide)/ Limited to TED’s questions/ Framed to illicit a brief account/ recovery of any evidence or prevention of disposal of any evidence
What should an initial witness assessment cover?
Whether witness requires special considerations/ availability of the witness / any needs the witness has for special consideration/ the optimum approach to be taken with the witness
What does a witness interview plan cover?
The time and location of the interview/ the amount of information to be disclosed to the interviewer/ setting interview objectives/ supporting the interview- monitor/ Structure of the interview – recorded on video, audio or written.
Police responsibilities with witnesses?
Ensuring court attendance/ Court proceedings, ensure witness is fully briefed/ witness order/ refreshing memory, signed statements or transcripts
Witness control- Ensure witnesses do NOT?
- Have any contact or communication with jurors
- Discuss the case in public area while waiting to give evidence
- Discuss the case with witnesses waiting after they have given evidence
Risk assessment?
A risk assessment must be conducted to establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of intimidation and/or physical harm. Eg scared of court, person at risk.
Alibi Witnesses?
- Make inquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
- Conduct inquiries as directed by the OC investigation and the crown solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witnesses
- Forward the results of these inquiries to the crown solicitor, including any statements obtained.
Why it is important that the OC suspects regularly debriefs their teams? #
They must regularly debrief their team on the inquiries they have conducted and the results of these inquiries so that they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences, between members of the suspects team and other investigation staff. Priority info to be past to OC investigation.
What steps are to be followed if a suspect is identified at the scene?
1) Separate suspects from others
2) Consider suspect injuries, influence of drugs/alcohol, mental condition
3) Ask to remain at scene an co-operate
4) If refuses consider grounds for arrest
5) Prevent cross contamination – consider using officer who hasn’t entered the scene
6) BOR good cause to suspect
7) Consider searching suspect S&S 2012, vehicle, route and vicinity
8) Note suspects appearance and behaviour
9) DVD interview
10) Brief OC investigation on arrival
The OC suspect is responsible for supervising the members of the suspect’s team for the purpose of?
MOST
- Mitigating and dealing with possible defense’s that may be raised
- Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest
- Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of the offence
- Thoroughly profiling and investigation all suspects and persons of interest
In investigation any suspect ALIBIS, what must be done? #
Alibi witnesses must not be interviewed by Police except at the request of the crown. When conducting such interviews the advice of the crown should be followed by the OC suspect must make inquiries of other than the persons who particulars have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the alibi. Complete inquiries to establish where the suspect was at the time of the offence, who they were with and what they were doing. Where possible try and corroborate the alibi given by the suspect from independent sources.
What are the 3 categories that managements of suspects fall into? OC investigation will prepare a strategy dealing with each:
Identification and profiling
Arrest-termination
Interviewing - Seeking Evidence
What is a suspect?
Person of interest who has gained added status because of either a direct or indirect connection to the circumstances of the crime.
What should an initial briefing of a suspect’s Team encompass?
Circumstances of the offence
Details of any POI or suspect (when details known)
Suspect descriptions
MO or crime signature identified
Possible suspects may be indicated from or by?
Area canvas DNA samples Fingerprints CHIS Witness Evidence Police noting’s
What are TIE Enquires?
Trace, interview and eliminate
ID the types of groups that may contain the offender
Select common characteristic shared by the group of people which may include the offender
Research should aim to collect all available information and attempt to establish or find the following information about the suspect?
The suspect’s previous criminal history (MO)
Home address and place of work
Details of vehicles owned
Details of landline and cellular telephones
Full description of the suspect
Recent photography of the suspect
Medical Records
Potential sources of information about suspects may be obtained by?
Internet websites
Vehicle GPS
Financial information- Bank records
CCTV & other images
Before Arrest / Termination what to consider?
Investigator appointed each suspect
Decision to prosecute, choice of charges & prosecution processes are conducted in accordance with solicitor general’s prosecution guidelines
Clarity of police position on bail
Engage the crown solicitor
Family of deceased are updated via FLO
Prompt preparation of the prosecution file
Compliance by the disclosure manager
During an interview of a suspect, the OC suspect must ensure that?
- The interview is conducted in accordance with the investigating suspect guide
- The interview is monitored by a supervisor or experienced Detective to ensure the key points are covered
- Ensure an explanation is sought from the suspect in relation to any exhibits found
After an arrest is made the OC Suspect should?
Ensure suspects are isolated from each other
Ensure suspects have been advised of BOR
Juvenile suspects- Police obligations under CYP act
Consider executing a search for evidence of the suspect’s person, vehicle, home and workplace
On executing a search warrant?
Establish a strategy for the search
Ensure legal authority exists for the search to be conducted
Arrange photography / Fingerprints
Ensure OC exhibits attends
If practicable suspect is present when search is conducted
Asses all evidence found and ascertain its relevance
Seek explanations from the suspect regarding exhibits found
Issue a receipt of any property seized
Ensure all exhibits are sealed before removal
The OC suspect will arrange, in consultation with OC investigations, for Police Doctor to examine the suspect. The Doctor must? #
- Note any injury, such as scratches or bruises
- Take samples identified a necessary by the OC investigation using a specialist MEK, including – blood, saliva, head hair, pubic hair & body hair, nail scrapings, swabs
- Swab suspects hands for firearm residue
- Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect
- Record any explanations or comments made by the suspect about the offence or the cause of any injuries
- Photographs of suspect and any relevant marks of injuries must be taken
Obtaining identifying details, to confirm the identity of the suspect?
- Fingerprints, footprints, palm prints, blood and DNA analysis
- Arrange photographs of the suspect (Face profile, fully body length, injuries, tattoos/scars
- Sample of suspects handwriting
- Record physical description of the suspect
- Record details of the offender report
What are the requirements of the file manager in relation to setting up the investigation headquarters?
The file manager must liaise closely with the 2IC to establish the requirements of the investigation headquarters including: Location, office support staff, transport, equipment, communication, ICT requirements
What are the main functions/ Role of the file manager?
- Establishing and maintaining the investigation headquarters
- Operate the paper flow and associate structure in accordance with the serious crime documents management system
- Manage the electronic and physical files relating to the investigation
- Support the 2IC reading all documents for the purpose of highlighting important information to the 2IC
- Assist with the preparation of the prosecution file
- Assist with management for the trial
What are the two systems used to manage information and documents in a homicide or other serious crime investigation?
- Serious Crime Template
2. Crime investigation database
To ensure an effective communication flow within the investigation the file manager must?
Advise staff to set up an email folder within their own email directory
Set up and manage electronic staff folder from within the investigation folder
Generate a NIA file manager
Source necessary stationary
Set up trays
Provide investigation staff with new notebooks
Public communication methods?
Key responsibilities of file manager is to manage the process for the collection of material from the public and to ensure subsequent timely assessment and to ensure the information in followed up promptly.
Document handling process?
- Document meets the expected standard
- Ensure any attachments are attached
- Plastic sleeves
- Allocate document number
- Document number on label attached to sleeve
- Read document, initial assessment, bring critical info to the attention of the 2IC
The file manager, under the direction of the 2IC, must REVIEW the file in order to?
Establish if any enquiries remain outstanding
Enquiries underway still relevant
Prepare for any external reviews
Chain of command?
The file manager is appointed by and responsible to the 2IC
What are the file manager set up tasks? #
- Become familiar with the file management desk file
- Become familiar with the serious crime document management system
- Access preloaded serious crime template
- Set up CID and serious crime template
- Ensure all documents submitted have a file path name display
- Once CID operation and serious crime template have been established for the investigation – load staff QID into CID – Secure folder enterprise system
Disclosure managers should be guided by these principles?
- The governing principles of disclosure is relevance
- There is no obligation to acquire material that’s is not already in Police possession or control or not held in any record.
- Disclosure is an ongoing process and reason for withholding documents should be continually assessed
- The disclosure process must be auditable
- Effective file management systems are critical to the success of the disclosure process
On appointment to the role, the disclosure manager must? (Initial Action)
Read the disclosure manager desk file
Access the current serious crime template downloaded to the local district shared drive for using during the investigation
Report to the 2IC to receive a briefing, tasking, establishing what information is not disclosable
The rationale for applying sequential page number to disclosure material is?
- It provides effective auditing of disclosed material
- Provides reference material that does not fall within the document numbering system
- Any illegitimate claims made by the defence counsel that particular material was not disclosed can be promptly resolved by providing an exact copy of the number page required
- It enables accurate records to be maintained
What is outlined in section 10(4) of the criminal disclosure Act 2008? #
Information required to be disclosed under this Act may be disclosed in whatever form (including electronically) that the person disclosing the information holds it in at the time the obligation to disclose arises and that is readily accessible to the defendant.
Crown Disclosure? #
The crown should be provided with an identical copy of all material that is disclosed to defence counsel. The Crown should also review an unedited copy of the material, where appropriate.
Who is responsible for disclosure decision making?
In consultation with the 2IC the disclosure manager will identify documents that may need to be withheld or have deletions made.
What is the practice in relation to disclosure of documents containing CHIS info?
Text should be blacked, printed, blacked, photocopied and then repeatedly blacked and photocopied. A peer review must be under taken by an experienced investigator. In any event no disclosure of documents containing CHIs info should be undertaken without the approval by D/S/Sergeant.
Briefing experts and interested parties, key areas of consideration for OC body include? #
- Photographs
- Video recordings taken at scene
- Actions of first responders
- ID of body
- History of body- medical history, drugs at scene etc
- Timeframes- when was last seen alive
- Environmental factors at the scene
What factors should be considered in the appreciation of removing the body from the scene? #
- Notification & response from the coroner
- Views of the pathologist & Crown about attending the scene
- Consult other experts
- Requirements of other examinations required before removal
- Best method-route to remove body
- Supervision of body removal
- Chain of custody of the body from scene to mortuary
- Safe custody of exhibits
- Family/cultural considerations
- Disposal of protective clothing
Samples at the scene – what evidence may be lost or contaminated by moving the body? #
Larvae & Insect Potential fingerprints- evidence from the skins on the body DNA swabs Firearms residue samples Loose hairs, fibers, glass, paint
Establishing if the body has been moved, where the body has been disturbed?
- Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition
- Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required
Recording details and removing body from the scene? #
Record body position by sketch, direct photographer to take photos
Consult with CSC and OC scene and consider:
• Marking/recording position of body
• Position of limbs
• Appearance of body
• Wounds and clothing
• Direction of any trails of blood present on the body
• Lividity, if present
• Extent of rigor mortis
• Health risks
• Cover feet, hands & head in bags
• Ensure clothing not contaminated by foreign objects
• Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place in body bag
• Carefully search underneath where body lay
• Retain all sheets, bags used to remove body
• Obtain authority from OC scene to remove body from scene
• Arrange under taker to remove body from scene
What is the primary role of OC body during a post-mortem?
To observe, document, and deal with exhibits associated with the body in a structured methodical manner
Appreciation prior to post-mortem?
- ID body
- Authority from coroner to conduct PM
- Consult pathologist
- Safe custody of exhibits
- ID who should attend PM
- Appropriate resources arranged
- Family/ cultural considerations
- Any likely requirements for a second PM
The pathologist findings may provide other information such as? #
- Mode and time of death
- How injury-events contributed to death
- Nature and size of weapons used
- Determining stature and height of suspect
- Negating possible defences
- ID victims if ID not already established
Police who should attend post mortem are?
OC investigations OC body Fingerprint officer Police photographer A member especially designated as exhibit officer of PM
Use of other experts – Who may OC investigations consult regarding the PM?
Biologist Medical illustrator Toxicologist Ballistic Expert Anthropologist
Particular authority should be sort from the coroner for the following parties to attend the PM?
ESR Scientist
Crown solicitor
On arrival at the Mortuary the OC body must ensure? #
Mortuary staff do not wash the body
Ensure body is labelled and secured in Mortuary secure fridge
Retain Key used to secure the body
Ensure body remains in its present condition until PM commences
Arrange formal ID of the body
What are methods of body Identification? #
DNA
Fingerprints
Dental records
Scar, birthmarks, tattoos
Photographing the body? #
- Body, before its stripped
- Body, after its stripped
- Close up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features, including measuring scale
Action after a PM?
The OC body must hand all exhibits, in order to maintain an unbroken chain of exhibit continuity and security.
They also have to provide the OC exhibits with
1. Exhibit schedule
2. Formal Statement
3. Notebook entries
Sudden Death file must include? #
POL47/POL47A Deceased person Certificate Deceased person ID Formal Statement relating to deceased person formal ID OC investigations must send ASAP
When skeletal remains are found, a pathologist with the assistance of a forensic anthologist can provide the following information? #
Whether the remains are actually bones
Whether they are human’s bones
The age, gender, height and race of the person
Briefing the pathologist, they must be supplied with the relevant information and materials including?
Copy of pol 47 MEK kit Toxicology kit Medical Records of the deceased – where available Scene photographs and recordings
The OC Body must follow the steps outlined in this table to ensure the body is stripped in the required manner? #
- Body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist
- Remove body from secure mortuary fridge and take to PM examination room
- Remove the body from body bag
- Seize and secure the body bag and any sheets used to transport the body
- Direct Police photographer to take additional photos of body
- Remove items of clothing and possessions
- Make an inventory of clothing and possessions
- Label each item of clothing and possession
- Seal each items in separate paper bag or container
- Ensure exhibits don’t get cross contaminated
- Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits taken from the body until PM commences
- Consider trace evidence – use fine sieve in sink hole
Maori Culture/ Iwi Liaison Officer? #
In the case of homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victim, an iwi liaison officer must be engaged as early as possible. This will support an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions, protocol and beliefs, and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Maori community.
What is the primary function of a Family Liaison officer? #
The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) involves the day-to-day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation.
The primary function of an FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However, in performing this role, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.
The Flo is responsible for?
Profiling the victim
Preparing a family tree
Gathering all relevant info from family
What should the family liaison plan consider? #
- Selection of the FLO & criteria for selection
- Exit plan for the FLO
- Objectives of the family liaison
- Appropriate methods of family interview
- Information to be released or withheld from the family
- Request that have been made by the family which have not been agreed to, and reasons
- Complaints made by the family & OC investigations action to progress and resolve the issue raised
- Family members consider suspect
- ## Liaise with victim support & other support services
Before meeting the family which should occur ASAP the FLO must?
- Liaise with OC investigations regarding parameters of information to be shared with/held back from family
- Familiaries themselves with the enquiry
- Familiaries themselves with the family (lifestyle, religion, culture)
- Establish what contact the family has had with the police since the incident / death
- Establish what info has been given to the family
- Establish what info is already in public domain
Victim Impact statement? #
The statement must be available for sentencing and should be no older than 28 days at the time of sentencing.
Homicide trained Victim support volunteers are trained to assist police by taking VIS from surviving family members.
Understanding cross-contamination In relation to suspects? #
Any potential for cross-contamination must be eliminated by conducting an appreciation and applying stringent standard procedures for managing exhibits throughout the investigation.
Where more than one suspect is involved, an appreciation must be made regarding which staff are assigned to seize clothing from suspects.
Determining status of suspects? #
Responsibility for determining the status of a person within the investigation whether as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim rests with the OC Investigation. It would be incorrect for the OC Suspects to make a decision to attribute an individual with the status of a ‘suspect’ where time was available for the OC Investigation to make that determination, in consultation with the OC Suspects.
Briefing the Suspects Team? #
Their initial briefing should encompass:
• the circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available
• the full details of all persons of interest and any suspect, where the identity of suspects are known
• details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses (a schedule of descriptions may be prepared to assist)
• Whether any particular modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified.
Timing of a canvass phase? #
An initial area canvass will normally be conducted when Police first attend the incident. A formal area canvass will normally follow and re-visits are frequently required to capture persons who were not present during the earlier canvass enquiries.
Control people at the scene to gain control of the scene? #
- Take control of the scene.
- Exercise warrantless powers if appropriate, pursuant to the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 .
- Clear the scene of persons and if possible, contain them nearby.
- Identify and locate the complainant and conduct a preliminary interview.
What is the purpose of an area canvass phase? #
Identify witnesses to the movements of the offender before and after the offence occurred, as well as witnesses to the actual offence.
What are the responsibilities of the OC area canvass?
- The OC Area Canvass reports to the OC Investigation and together must ensure the canvass is conducted thoroughly and recorded accurately.
- The OC Area Canvass must ensure the area canvass team remains focused and that the canvass results in efficient use of resources and the return of relevant and manageable information and material.
What are the main objectives of an area canvass?
Identifying offender Identifying and locating evidence Identifying witnesses Gathering information Develop lines of enquiry Eliminate people/ vehicle
What is the purpose of O/C’s attending scene prior to setting parameters of area canvass? #
OC investigation, OC area canvass and OC suspect should attend the external/ general scene ASAP to make a reconnaissance of the area and conduct an appreciation.
What should an area canvas strategy address?
Area canvas objective Location & time parameters Risk assessment ID suspect/ People of interest ID witnesses Resources Use of questionnaires
Area Canvas Final Report? #
At conclusion of area canvas phase, the OC Area Canvas must submit a report to the OC investigation with:
- Summary of all action taken
- Any significant findings
- Anything that was outside original phase strategy
After area canvas, debriefing may include?
Key areas where door to door enquiries have been undertaken
Who has been spoken to at what address
Whether witness interviews have been conducted and/or statements taken for person providing evidence
Identify any suspects
Details of premises where there was no response
Ensure all questionnaires are reconciled with the master list
Ensure all notebooks are accounted for
Purpose of OC exhibits?
Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems
Maintaining physical security and continuity of all exhibits
Provision of an accurately recorded exhibit package
Availability of exhibits as required through the court process
Appreciation of exhibits to establish value, investigative opportunities, further enquires needed.
O/C Exhibits should only accept am exhibit if? #
- Exhibit labelled with unique number and operation name
- Scene schedule contains the exhibit with description, finder name, time date and location of finding
- Property is correctly packaged and sealed.
- Exhibit label is visible and secure on outside of package.
- Any prompt action required to preserve the exhibit has been taken
Developing a forensic strategy?
Developing a forensic strategy for the examination of exhibits allows the OC exhibits to priorities tasks in line with direction of the investigation.
Why are forensic strategy meetings held?
To determine which exhibit or forensic exam is required and the priority of those exams.
What topics are covered in a forensic strategy meeting? #
- What exam ESR and others could conduct on the exhibits
- The priority each exam should receive
- Whether any further work is needed to assist reconstruction
- An agreed reconstruction of events relevant to the crime under investigation
Following Forensic Strategy meeting - where to record decisions of exhibit to be examined and what to record? #
Record in exhibit register, all decisions taken about the type of exam to be undertaken and their priority.
Who makes the decision as to what exhibits should be produced for trial? #
The OC investigations in conjunction with OC exhibits and other relevant investigation team members must decide and consider relevance.
Establish the most appropriate manner to present at trial.
Producing exhibits in occur, this must be conducted in a manner which?
- Clearly demonstrates the evidential value
* Avoids any risk of physical injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage
What is the purpose of the exhibit numbering system?
- Be consistent
- Allow delegation of exhibit numbers to staff who will utilize them
- Cope with multiple scenes
- Be compatible with technology
- Encompass all exhibits
Exhibit number ranges? #
Admin = 10000 Victim = 15000 Witnesses = 20000 Area Canvas = 25000 Scene = 30000 Suspects = 70000 (Serious crime template – 10000 disclosable, 50000 restricted disclosure)
Document handling processes
1) Document meets the expected standard
2) Ensure any attachments are attached
3) Documents ars in plastic sleeves
4) Allocate document number
5) Document number on label and attached to plastic sleeve
6) Read document, initial assessment, bring critical info to the attn of the 2IC
What equipment should an OC Body take to a PM?
1) MEK
2) Toxicology kit
3) Body label
4) Notebook/pens solely for use during PM
5) Scene exhibit schedule
6) Copy of completed Pol47
7) Deceased person certificate
8) Deceased person ID
9) Protective clothing
10) Photographs from the scene
11) Range of exhibit numbers from OC exhibits
12) Firearms residue kit
What is an exit plan?
- Must be developed before an FLO is deployed
- Must be communicated to the family at the commencement of the appointment
- Determined by OC investigation
- Include plans for reactivation
Before being stood down, the FLO should ensure that victim support services are on-going, where this has been taken up by the family
What must the FLO consider around record keeping?
- Must commence a dedicated notebook to record all contact with family/NOK
- Notebook reviewed at regular intervals by the OC Investigation
Disclosure of info to the family - the family should be notified of?
1) Programmes, remedies or services available through Police to the family as victims in their own right
2) Progress of the investigation
3) The family’s role as witnesses in the prosecution of the offence
What must the FLO do when an offender is arrested?
1) Inform family of the Victim Notification Register + provide with POL1065
2) Views the family have on bail of accused
3) Inform the victims family of:
- charges laid/reasons not laid
2) - court appearance details (date/time)
- release on bail of the accused
- any application made by the accused for name suppression
- details of bail conditions
Return of property considerations;
- what property does the family wish to be returned?
- how do they want the property returned?
- are there likely to be any delays in the return of the property?
- property should be inspected to ensure all the court exhibit tags have been removed
How is area canvas progress monitored?
As each household is completed, the OC Area Canvas should shade in a map to maintain a quick, up to date record
In addition, the OC Area Canvas should continually review area canvas forms as they are submitted, in order to:
- evaluate the quality of completed work and provide quality assurance
- ID lines of enquiry to be highlighted to the 2IC
- monitor ongoing progress of the canvas
- facilitate a detailed recording of progress
What is the process for submission of exhibits for examination? #
1) Ensure exhibit exam discussions are confirmed through FSM
2) Record in the exhibit register all decisions taken about the types of exam to be conducted and the priority allocated to each exhibit
3) Ensure OC Investigation had authorised the proposed exam
4) Prepare POL143 forms
5) Prepare exhibits before being delivered
- all items are separately wrapped
- all parcels are sealed
- all items or their packages are labelled and numbered
- a list of all items is attached to the POL143
- the POL143 is consistent with the labels on the items
- items are in an appropriate condition
THE OC EXHIBITS MUST ENSURE THE POL143 CONTAINS SUFFICIENT INFORMATION, INCLUDING:
- brief circumstances of the case
- purposes of the examination
- location of where each item originates (scene/witness/suspect)
- whether any exhibits are damp and require special attention
- authorisation from the appropriate supervisor
At hospital - dying declaration:
May be admissible as hearsay evidence under section 18(1) Evidence Act 2006.
To be admissible under section 18(1)(a), the court must be satisfied that both the content of the statement and the person who made it, are reliable.
The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) Evidence Act 2006, include:
- the nature of the statement
- the contents of the statement
- the circumstances relating to the making of the statement
- circumstances relating to the veracity of the person
- circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person
Safe storage of exhibits
- no exhibits should be taken into the Investigation HQ
- a secure room should be available for exclusive use by the OC exhibits
In addition, the OC Area Canvass should continually review completed canvass forms as they are submitted, in order to? #
- evaluate the quality of completed work and provide quality assurance
- identify lines of enquiry to be highlighted to the 2IC
- monitor ongoing progress of the canvass
- facilitate the detailed recording of progress.
Maintaining contact with witnesses #
By maintaining contact with witnesses, Police will be more likely to become aware of any threats, intimidation or interference and can arrange for appropriate action to be taken; such as initiating the witness protection
program.
Aim Techniques
- The aim must be clear, accurate and concise. It must be chosen carefully as the wrong aim will produce the wrong result.
- The aim of the appreciation process should be borne in mind at all times, particularly when making decisions.
Courses Open Techniques
Advantages, disadvantages and risks of each alternative must be carefully examined and evaluated.
