Area canvass enquiries in homicide or serious crime investigations

Question 1

What is the purpose of an area canvas?

Answer 1

Often links exists between the scene of crime and the offender, victim and witnesses. A methodically conducted area canvass presents a high likelihood of catching or contacting the offender, an associate of the offender, significant witnesses, evidence or exhibits

Question 2

What are the main objectives of an area canvass

Answer 2

• Identifying the offender
• Identifying and locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles
• Identifying witnesses
• Gathering information

Question 3

What kinds of things would be included in a risk assessment of area canvass

Answer 3

• Violent offenders
• Persons wanted by police
• Groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
• Local incidents or issues

Question 4

Time parameters are used by area canvass staff to verify the presence of individuals at an address or area, and to interview potential witnesses. Time parameters should be set for:

Answer 4

• The offence
• The scene
• Sightings
• Previous residence
• Peoples work times

Question 5

Who is responsible for authorising a questionnaire before it can be used?

Answer 5

OC Investigation

Question 6

**The OC are canvass should ensure staff morale remains high. How are some ways this can be done?

Answer 6

• Providing regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation
• Updates on the progress being made with the other phases of the enquiry
• Attention paid to the facilities provided for these individuals
• Have them included in main briefings
• Canvass team members should be regularly visited during the area canvass to monitor welfare, maintain control, morale, enthusiasm and efficiency

Question 7

**At the conclusion of the area canvass the phase OC must submit a report to the OC investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation.
The report should include:

Answer 7

• A summary of all actions taken
• Any significant findings
• Any action that has been undertaken that was outside the original phase strategy

Question 8

What does Part A record?

Answer 8

Full address
Personal details of all residents
Personal details of all other people who were visiting the address at the time of the offence
Vehicles used by all residents and visitors to the address

Question 9

**What does Part B record?

Answer 9

• It is for each person who is interviewed during the canvass. It records
• Personal details
• Home details
• Work details
• Answers to specific questions