6. O/C Suspects

Question 1

What is the purpose of the O/C suspects role?

Answer 1

• Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest, as they are identified
• Profiling and investigating all suspects and POI’s to establish their involvement in the offence or eliminate them from the inquiry
• Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of the offence
• Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised
• Providing a basis for further investigation

Question 2

Management of suspects falls into what three categories?

Answer 2

• Identification and profiling
• Arrest/termination
• Interviewing

Question 3

What is a suspect?

Answer 3

a person of interest who has gained added status because of a direct or indirect connection to the circumstances of the crime. Such a connection might relate to motive, opportunity or means.

Question 4

What should be included within the initial briefing to the suspects team members?

Answer 4

• The circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available
• Full details of all POI’s and any suspect
• Details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses
• Whether any particular modus operandi have been identified

Question 5

What are some possible ways to identify suspects?

Answer 5

• area canvas
• intelligence analysis
• Police notings
• fingerprints
• DNA samples
• witness evidence
• CCTV
• CHIS info
• response to publicity and media reports

Question 6

What should be done prior to interviewing a suspect?

Answer 6

• Liaise with the OC Investigation regarding selection of the interviewer
• Identify the most appropriate mode of recording the interview
• Establish the status of the person as a witness, POI, or suspect
• Consider whether the person requires special consideration
• Consult with other interviewing experts or legal advisors if required
• Ensure the interviewer is fully briefed
• Discuss with the interviewer the ingredients that need to be established
• Ensure the interviewer has prepared a detailed interview plan

Question 7

What must be ensured during an interview of a suspect?

Answer 7

• the interview is conducted in accordance with the procedures
• the interview is monitored by a supervisor or experienced Detective
• ensure an explanation is sought from the suspect in relation to any exhibits found

Question 8

What must a doctor do when examining the suspect?

Answer 8

• Note any injuries, such as scratches or bruises
• Take samples identified as necessary e.g. blood, saliva, head hair, pubic/body hair, fingernail scrapings
• Swab the suspects hands for firearm residue
• Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect

Question 9

What must be done when investigating an alibi?

Answer 9

• make enquiries of people other than the persons whose particulars have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the alibi.
• complete enquiries to establish where the suspect was at the time of the offence, who they were with and what they were doing
• corroboration of the alibi should be sought from forensic or other sources that are independent of the suspect.

Question 10

What are sources of info on a suspect?

Answer 10

• bank records
• vehicle gps
• phone info
• cctv

Question 11

What should a photographer be directed to take of a suspect?

Answer 11

• front face and profile
• full body length
• any injuries
• distinctive or identifying features