Area Canvas Enquiries Flashcards
Area canvas enquiries purpose
Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victims and witnesses.
A methodical area canvas therefore presents a high likelihood of identifying or contacting the offender, an associate of the offender, significant witnesses, identifying evidence or exhibits and establishing significant facts.
Objectives of an area canvas
Objectives
Identifying the offender
Identifying and locating evidence(veh/clothing/weap/otx items)
Identifying witnesses
Gathering information
Area canvas reconnaissance
OC investigation, OC area canvas and OC suspects should attend the external/general scene ASAP, to make a reconnaissance of the area and conduct an appreciation, and set the parameters and objectives of the canvas. This will also provide a clear perspective of the area when it is referred to subsequently in statements and/or briefings.
Timings of a canvas phase
An initial area canvas will normally be conducted when police first attend the incident. A formal area canvas will normally follow and re-visits are frequently required to capture persons who were not present during the earlier canvas enquiries.
In some cases the area canvas should be conducted at the same time of the initial offence.
Identifying location parameters
Parameters for the area to be covered by the canvas must be adequate and relevant to achieving the investigation objectives.
The OC area canvas should ensure all available information has been analysed to identifying locations which are significant to the investigation, and the users of those locations. Police employees or trusted organisation and members of the community who have knowledge of the local area may be consulted.
Identifying location parameters
Relevant locations-
Relevant locations which may influence the setting of location parameters include;
Scenes -
Victims/witnesses/ offenders have been present
Where offences have occurred
Vehicles/property/exhibits have been found
In line of sight of scenes
Routes to and from scenes
Areas where an offender may have lain in wait
Location where victim was last seen alive
location frequented by the victim
Locations of similar incidents
Location parameters
Specialist Police Units
Behavioural science unit or criminal or geographic profilers may be consulted to assist with setting parameters or identify locations where suspects are likely to frequent or reside.
Risk assessment
Once location parameters are set, intelligence systems should be analysed to establish whether there are any people or events in the area which those carrying out enquiries should be aware of.
- violent offenders
- persons wanted by police for other matters
- groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
- local incidents or issues which residents may raise with police
Resources and canvas tools
OC area canvass should seek to obtain suitable street maps, aerial photographs showing homes and sections, geological information, local council records and other applicable references.
Team motivation
It is essential staff remain focused and alert to the possibilities that the person they are speaking to could be a vital witness, or even the offender.
OC area canvas should ensure staff morale remains high and this can be achieved by providing regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation, together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.
Attention should be paid to the facilities provided for those involved, and should be included in the main briefing held for enquiry teams. Canvass team members should be visited regularly to monitor welfare, maintain control, morale and efficiency.
Monitoring progress
OC area canvass should review completed work to-
Evaluate quality of completed work
Identify LOI to be highlighted to the 2IC
Monitor Ongoing progress of the canvass
Facilitate detailed recording of progress
A master record should be maintained and show- Which addresses have been visited Which occupants interviewed Documentation completed Any relevant documents made
Area canvas, other options
Consideration can be given to using the below approaches to complement door to door enquiries- Media Poster campaign Mail drop High profile police presence (caravan)
Final report
At the conclusion of the area canvas the phase OC Area Canvass must submit a report to the OC investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation.
The report should include a summary of all action taken, any significant findings highlighted and attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy.
