area canvass enquiries in homicide or serious crime investigations Flashcards
what is the purpose of an area canvass
Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victim and witnesses.
A methodically conducted area canvass 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
what is required in a reconnaissance
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 parameters and objectives of the canvass. this will also provide a clear perspective of the area when it is referred to in statements and/or briefings
when should an area canvass be conducted
in some cases, the area canvass should be conducted at the same time as the original offence occurred, to capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day eg a homicide of a person early hours of the morning
who might you consult to assist with area canvass
specialist police units such as the criminal profiling unit or criminal or geographic profilers may be consulted to assist with setting parameters or identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or to reside
Risk assessment:
intelligence systems should be analysed to establish whether there are any people or events in the area which those carrying out area enquiries should be aware of, who do these include
- violent offenders
- persons wanted by police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
- groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
- local incidents or issues which residents may raise with police
what resources and canvass tools can be utilised by oc area canvass
the area canvass oc should seek to obtain suitable street maps showing houses and the location of sections, geological information, local council records and other applicable references
why is staff morale important and how can the oc area canvass ensure it remains high
it is essential staff remain focussed and alert to the possibility that the person they are speaking to could be a vital witness or even the offender
the oc area canvass can ensure morale remains high by providing regular feedback on the way canvass is contributing to the progress of the investigation, together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry
how would the oc area canvass monitor progress
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
what are other considerations or other options that can be used to complement door to door enquiries
- media
- poster campaign
- mail drop
- high profile police presence, using a caravan
what must be completed at the conclusion of the area canvass
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:
- 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
