Area Canvass Enquiries

Question 1

What is the purpose of an area canvass?

Answer 1

Presents a high likelihood of:

• ID or contacting the offender, an associate, or significant witnesses
• ID evidence or exhibits
• establishing significant facts

Question 2

Responsibilities of O/C area canvass

Answer 2

• reports to the O/C investigation
• ensures the canvass is conducted thoroughly and recorded accurately
• ensures the team remain focused and results in efficient use of resources.

Question 3

What are the main objectives of an area canvass?

Answer 3

• ID the offender
• ID and locate evidence
• ID witnesses
• gather information

Question 4

What are the other benefits of conducting an area canvass?

Answer 4

• sightings of victim or offender before or after the event
• sightings of relevant property or vehicles
• sightings of potential witnesses
• creating the opportunity for an early arrest through early ID of the offender

Question 5

Reconnaissance

Answer 5

The OC Investigation, OC Area Canvass and OC Suspects should attend the external/ general scene as soon as practicable, to make a reconnaissance of the area and conduct an appreciation and set the parameters and objectives of the canvass.

Question 6

Timing of a canvass phase

Answer 6

An initial area canvass will normally be conducted when Police first attend the incident but can be revisited

Question 7

What relevant locations may influence the setting of location parameters?

Answer 7

• Scenes
• premises within the line of sight of scenes
• access routes to and from scenes
• areas where an offender may have lain in wait

Question 8

What things do staff need to establish before carrying out their enquiries?

Answer 8

• violent offenders
• persons wanted by police for other crimes or warrants
• groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
• local incidents or issues which residents may raise with Police

Question 9

Identifying witnesses - who does it include?

Answer 9

• events connected to an incident under investigation
• sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
• sightings of other potential witnesses
• sightings of relevant property or vehicles

Question 10

Resources and canvass tools

Answer 10

The OC Area Canvass should seek to obtain suitable street maps, aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections, geological information, local council records and other applicable references.

Question 11

What points should be included in a briefing for the area canvass team?

Answer 11

1 - summarise situation and detail duties/areas of responsibility
2 - Emphasise need for thoroughness
3 - Stress questionnaire is only a guide
4 - Advise the evidence of possible probative value

Question 12

Team motivation

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Monitoring progress

Answer 13

A detailed master record of ongoing progress should be continually maintained and updated by the OC Area Canvass, showing:

• which addresses have been visited,
• which occupants interviewed,
• the documentation completed,
• and any relevant comments made.

Question 14

Points to consider that may benefit an area canvass

Answer 14

• use of experts
• use of an aide-memoir and script
• leaflets
• other options ie media or poster campaign

Question 15

What should the final report include to the OC Investigation?

Answer 15

• a summary of all action taken
• any significant findings highlighted
• attention to any action taken outside of original phase strategy