Area Canvass

Question 1

Area Canvass Objectives

Answer 1

• Identifying the Offender
• Identifying and locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons etc
• Identifying witnesses
• Gathering information
• Sightings of Victim or offender before or after event
• sightings of relevant property or vehicles
• sightings of potential witnesses
• creating the opportunity for an early arrest through early identification of offender
• obtaining key information to drive the investigation or develop lines of enquiry
• promoting awareness of significant occurrences
• eliminating unidentified vehicles or person reported by other witnesses
• obtaining an accurate record of the local community

Question 2

Team Briefings

Answer 2

1. Summarise the situation and detail the duties and areas of responsibility of each canvass team member
2. Emphasis the need for thoroughness and that every person in every household and visitors must be seen personally
3. Stress the questionnaire is only a guide to ensure questions are asked. information supplied may lead to other questions
4. Advise that evidence of possible probative value must be obtained in a FWS rather than notebook. Questionnaire must be endorsed if FWS taken
5. Consider visiting the canvass area to record vacant sections etc and reconcile map
6. Ensure all forms are completed, and actioned as outlined
7. Reconcile completed locations with the master copy to avoid duplication
8. Advise staff on
   - what action to take if they believe they have ID the suspect
   - what action to take if locate items of evidence
   - what action to take if individuals refuse to assist
   - how to complete the correspondence flow
   - what information can be disclosed during area canvass
   - what information must not be disclosed

Question 3

Area Canvass Checklist

Answer 3

1. Obtain suitable maps of area
2. Visit and inspect the canvass area to record every address including flats and vacant sections. Confer with OC investigation to assess
   - the extent of action taken to date
   - identify the parameters to be covered
   - assess staff, transport and other resources required
3. Reconcile the list of premises with map
4. In conjunction with OC investigation, develop an area canvass strategy
   - objectives
   - location parameters
   - time parameters
   - risk assessment
   - identifying suspects / person of interest
   - identifying witnesses
   - resources
   - use of questionnaires
5. Divide the area into manageable sections and plan progressive canvass, completing priority areas first
   During Canvass
6. Fully brief staff
7. Ensure all forms are completed and actioned
8. Shade in the map as each household is completed
9. Maintain a detailed ongoing record of area canvass results
10. Visit team members regularly to monitor welfare, maintain control, morale, enthusiasm and effciency
11. Attend investigation squad conferences and supply situation reports
    After Canvass
12. On completion OC Area Canvass must:
    - conduct a debrief of canvass staff
    - ensure all questionnaires are reconciled with master list
    - ensure all staff notebooks are accounted for
    - submit a report to the OC investigation, detailing the results of the area canvass