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HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION > B > Flashcards

B Flashcards

1
Q

The general investigation model VAWSEIPO:

A

VICTIM - identify and locate the victim

APPRECIATION- Make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the lives of others

WITNESSES- locate and contain witnesses

SCENE- preserve the scene (e.g set boundaries)

EXHIBITS- note evidence and preserve any that would be otherwise lost or destroyed

INGREDIENTS- consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established

POWERS- identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them

OFFENDERS- identify and apprehend suspects

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2
Q

Benefits of the appreciation technique (4)

A
  1. Manages risk
  2. Reduces uncertainty
  3. Eliminates duplication
  4. Ensures nothing is over looked
  5. Effective use of resources
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3
Q

2 main purposes for police attending the scene of any death- investigative mindset

A

No matter what the circumstances of a death are (e.g an accident, suicide, natural cause, work place accident or unexplained death), Police purpose is always to investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death

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4
Q

Discuss ‘risk assessment’ when at the scene ( this is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene)

A

Initial action at the scene is crucial but may also present physical risks as well as a risk of contamination to the scene.

Before initial actions can be safely undertaken, those in charge at the scene must conduct an appreciation on the known information, to dictate how, why and what form initial action should take.

Subject to the appreciation of risks, a reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender.

The first priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members.

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5
Q

Discuss ‘establish the victims medical status’ at the scene (3)

A

Having ensured the safety of those present, the next priority is to establish the physical condition of the victim.

This falls into one of three categories:
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life

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6
Q

Discuss interviewing victim at the hospital

A

Conduct a scoping interview with the victim using appropriate open questioning (i.e. TEDS) to establish what happened and who was involved; where this would not adversely affect the medical welfare of the victim.

If it is anticipated the victim may die, consider recording an immediate statement, whether the victim can sign it or not. If the victim subsequently dies, their statement may be admissible in proceedings as hearsay evidence, under section 18(1) of the Evidence Act 2006.

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7
Q 
Legislation in relation to interviewing dying victims at hospital 
Sec 18(1)(a) and Sec 16
A

In order to be considered admissible evidence under 18(1)(a), the court must be satisfied that both the content of the statement and the person who made it, are reliable.

Police taking the statement must therefore record any factors which demonstrate the reliability of the statement or its maker.

The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include:
the nature of the statement;
the contents of the statement;
the circumstances relating to the making of the statement;
circumstances relating to the veracity of the person; and
circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person.

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8
Q

5 initial action steps to preserve a scene

A
  1. Identify
  2. Secure
  3. Preserve
  4. Consider
  5. Record
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9
Q

Discuss the 1st step of initial action to preserve a scene. IDENTIFY - in relation to common approach paths

A

Consider possible approach paths and establish a Common Approach Path (CAP) for all movements into and out of the scene; using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim.

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10
Q

Discuss 3rd step in initial action of preserving a scene PERSERVE (5)

A
  1. Consider the best path into the scene.
  2. Record any movements/action taken in the scene
  3. Preserve what is there and leave it ‘in situ’. Ensure nothing is touched or moved. The scene must be kept in its original state.
  4. If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates.
  5. Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and/or record evidence that may change if nothing is done. For example, rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain
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11
Q

Discuss the 4th step in initial action to Preserve a scene. CONSIDER

A

Consider if initial photographs of the scene and persons present are necessary

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12
Q

Discuss the 5th step in initial action of preserving a scene. RECORD (6)

A
  1. The integrity of the scene by establishing and maintaining a crime scene log of movements, names, times and reasons for entry and exit
    to the scene.
  2. Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the victim.
  3. Complete a sketch of the scene.
  4. Photograph the scene and consider using video recording.
  5. Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions.
  6. Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC Investigation at an early stage.
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13
Q

Suspects at a scene- what is your first priority? (PRISON)

A

If homicide or serious crime is suspected, the identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect are a priority.

  1. Preliminary interview with the suspect
  2. Record all comments made and action taken with suspect
  3. Isolate suspect from other suspects/witnesses/victim
  4. Search and surveillance powers of detention/ search or arrest of possible- caution
  5. Obtain cooperation and ask them to remain if no powers
  6. Note and consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special considerations
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14
Q

What action must police take if media are present at a scene?

A

If members of the media are present at the scene, keep them away from the immediate crime scene cordon and make no comment about the incident. Consult with the OC Investigation on arrival and explain what has happened, identify media members and where they are located.

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15
Q

Appointment of the OC body

A

The OC Body should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues. Where this is not possible, the OC Body may require additional support and/or mentoring.
The appointment of an additional deputy to assist the OC Body as ‘Scene Exhibits Officer’ specifically during the post-mortem examination, should also be considered.

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16
Q

Responsibilities of the OC body (15)

A
  1. Note and record observations relating to the body
  2. Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
  3. Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body
  4. Note details of medical staff or others who have attended the victim
  5. Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect
  6. Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post mortem
  7. Ensure the body is photographed in situ and consider using video recording
  8. Arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
  9. Attend the post mortem examination
  10. Obtain historic medical records of the victim for the pathologist
  11. Attend the debrief with the pathologist and record the findings
  12. Complete sudden death procedures
  13. Arrange formal identification using Pol265
  14. Ensure death has been certified by doctor or qualified paramedic using deceased person certificate pol 265
  15. Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed
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17
Q

Responsibilities of the OC body at the post mortem (5)

A
  1. attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OC Investigation, and contribute as required
  2. ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs of the body before clothing is removed, again after the body is disrobed, and during the post-mortem examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer
  3. preserve evidence from the body
  4. record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
  5. arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken, if required
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18
Q

What to do if the body has been disturbed (2)

A

(1) Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition.
(2) Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required.

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19
Q

Preparing for removal of the body - 11 steps

A
  1. Record position of body by sketch plan and direct photographer to take photos. Consider video imaging
  2. Consider marking and recording exact body position e.g outling or triangulation
  3. Record all details of the position of the body (6)
  4. Consider health risks of touching body
  5. Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags. Use plastic if needed. Use wide tape not in skin
  6. Ensure clothing isn’t contaminated with foreign objects
  7. Wrap body in plastic sheet and place in body bag
  8. Search under where body lay
  9. Retain as exhibits all sheets etc used to move body
  10. Obtain OC investigation permission to move body
  11. Arrange contracted undertaker
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20
Q

Primary role of OC body during post mortem

A

To observe document and deal with exhibits associated with the body, in a structured, methodical manner

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21
Q

In cases involving a Maori victim the appointment of an ILO will provide what assistance?

A

Involving an ILO will enhance relations with the family throughout the investigation by providing an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions, protocol and beliefs.

By developing an awareness of the needs of the Maori culture and accommodating these wherever practical, the FLO will contribute to building a positive relationship between the investigation team, family of the deceased and the Maori community.

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22
Q

Discuss Formal Identification on arrival at the mortuary

A

The OC Body is responsible for arranging formal identification of the body and for obtaining a statement of formal identification.

Identification will only take place at the direction of the OC Investigation.

This should occur before the post-mortem examination, however this may not be possible due to a risk of contamination or location.

Identification will also be impractical after the body has been sealed in a body bag.

It is important those carrying out the formal identification are fully informed what is required of them and what they should expect to see when they view the deceased, particularly after a post-mortem examination has taken place.

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23
Q

Other methods of body identity identification (7)

A
  1. Fingerprints
  2. DNA profiling
  3. Dental records
  4. Medical records
  5. Eye examination records
  6. Facial reconstruction
  7. Personal effects
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24
Q

Discuss re: the OC body taking notes at the post mortem

A

The OC Body must not make any notes of discussions concerning the post-mortem examination, unless specifically directed to by the OC Investigation and/or the

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25
Q

What photographs should the OC body make sure the police photographer takes at the post mortem?

A

The OC body must ensure that the photographer take sufficient and appropriate photos of:

  • the body, before it is stripped
  • the body, after is it stripped
  • close up photos of wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features.

These photos must include a measuring scale placed in proximity of the feature to make a permanent record of the dimensions of the feature.

Consider X-RAY or CAT scans

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26
Q

OC Body’s action after the post mortem in relation to the exhibits

A

At the conclusion of the post-mortem examination the OC Body must take possession of all exhibits, including all samples and specialist kits.

Any wet or damp exhibits must be sealed and dried Ina controlled environment e.g police drying room, having been regard for the integrity of the exhibit. Once dry they can be repackaged and re sealed.

All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary and recorded in scene exhibit schedule

The OC Body must hand all exhibits to the OC Exhibits, in order to maintain an unbroken chain of exhibit continuity and security.

They should also provide the OC Exhibits with:
- the post-mortem Scene Exhibit Schedule
- copy of the OC Body’s notebook entries
- formal statement.

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27
Q

Role of the family liaison officer

A

The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) involves the day-to-day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation.

The primary function of an FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However, in performing this role, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.

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28
Q

Family

- define

A
  • includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whänau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
  • includes ‘chosen’ family
  • should reflect the victim’s culture and lifestyle.
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29
Q

Family liaison officer

- cultural liaison

A

The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victim’s family and ensure they are familiar with relevant cultural beliefs and protocols, to enhance relations with the family and to contribute to the victim profile.

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30
Q

Victim impact statements

A

Victims should be given the opportunity to make a written statement about the impact the crime has had on them, through a victim impact statement

The statement must be available for sentencing and should be no older than 28 days at the time of sentencing.

Homicide trained Victim Support volunteers are trained to assist Police by taking Victim Impact Statements from surviving family members

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31
Q

Purpose of a methodically conducted area canvass

A

Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victim and witnesses.

A methodically conducted area canvass 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.

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32
Q

Timing of an area canvass

A

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, e.g. a homicide of a person in a park in the early hours of the morning.

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33
Q

How can specialist police units such as criminal profiling unit or criminal geographic profilers assist during the area canvass planning stage?

A

assist with setting parameters or identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or to reside.

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34
Q

Discuss your risk assessment when getting ready for an area canvass. (4)

A

Once the 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 the enquiries should be aware of.

This may include:
1. violent offenders
2. persons wanted by police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
3. groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
4. local incidents or issues which residents may raise with Police.

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35
Q

Discuss team motivation/alertness during an area canvass

A

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.

The OC Area Canvass 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.

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36
Q

How to monitor progress during the area canvass

A

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.

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37
Q

What are some other options instead of doing the typical area canvass (4)

A

Consideration can be given to using the approaches outlined below ar a combination of them, to complement door to door enquiries:

• Media
• Poster campaign
• Mail drop
• High profile police presence, using a caravan.

38
Q

Discuss the final report after an area canvass

A

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.

39
Q

Why is it important for police who first deal with the informant to be debriefed after?

A

Officers who have initial contact with the complainant/informant should take great care in recording what the complainant/informant says, their demeanor and clothing etc. these noted could be critical particularly if the complainant/informant is later identified as a suspect.

Police who have first contact with the informant should be debriefed and a full record made of their account.

In some circumstances, consideration should be given to interviewing such officers as investigatively important witnesses.

40
Q

Discuss witnesses as a scene

A

Some witnesses may have been so proximate to events that it is likely evidence was transferred to the witness, from the victim, suspect or from the scene itself.

Before a witness is interviewed, a plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness including DNA, fingerprints, clothes, footwear, fibres, body fluids, glass or other material.

41
Q

Preliminary witness interviews may give some vital info- describe (4) (SECO)

A

On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt, preliminary interview with a witness who possess information or material that is likely to rapidly progress the investigation

ie. information that may lead to:
1. early identification or arrest of a suspect
2. recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence
3. prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
4. prevention of the commission of other offences.

42
Q

Discuss the appointment of an interviewer for witnesses (4) (TESS)

A

The selection of an appropriate interviewer is an important first step in the development of a witness.

These issues should be considered:

  1. the level of Training of the interviewer:
    •level 3 for investigatively important witnesses
    •level 2 for other witnesses
    •SCWIT for child or 1M witnesses
  2. the Experience the officer has in interviewing witnesses in major investigations
  3. any additional Skills the interviewer has which may be advantageous in the circumstances
  4. the Suitability of the officer to undertake the interview. E.g welfare issues it previous dealing with the witness
43
Q

Risk assessment for witnesses giving information to the police

A

A risk assessment must be conducted to establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of intimidation and/or physical harm.

Different forms of intimidation may result from a witness providing information to Police, ranging from fear of going to Court, to life being at serious risk.

Intelligence personnel may be tasked to contribute to the assessment and consultation should take place between the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor where any witness is subject to intimidation.

44
Q

Police responsibilities 4. Witness intimidation

  • who
  • what
A

OC Witnesses and 2IC investigation

Keep in contact with witness and ask about threats, intimidation or interference. Arrange for appropriate action to be taken; such as initiating the witness protection programme

45
Q

Police responsibility 8. Refreshing memory

  • who
  • what
A

OC witnesses and 2IC

Ask witness to refresh memory by reading their signed statements or interview transcript

46
Q

Procedure for alibi witnesses

A

Alibi witnesses notified under section 22 of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008 must only
be interviewed under the direction of the Crown Solicitor.

When particulars of alibi witnesses are obtained the investigator must:
• make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
• conduct inquiries as directed by the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor including
NIA checks on the alibi witness
• forward the results of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, including any statements
Obtained

47
Q

The first duty of OC suspects is to brief the suspect team members: (4)

A

To enable them to do this, the OC suspects should analyze the information available such as witness statement, police reports and information from the scene.

Their initial briefing should encompass:

  1. the circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness
    evidence available
  2. the full details of all persons of interest and any suspect, where the identity of the suspect is known
  3. details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses (a schedule of
    descriptions may be prepared to assist)
  4. whether any particular modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified.
48
Q

Discuss OC suspects responsibility to provide briefings and debriefings

A

The OC Suspects phase must regularly debrief their team members on the enquiries they have conducted and the results of these enquiries so that they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences, between the members of the suspects team and other investigation staff.

Priority information must be brought to the attention of the OC Investigation as necessary.

49
Q

How do OC suspects determine investigation priorities

A

Investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation with the OC Investigation.

Aspects that might influence the setting of priorites are the relative weight of evidence against a person or the likelihood of them leaving the area.

You may also be influenced by a particular urgency in solving the case or the availablity of staff.

50
Q

Understanding cross contamination amongst multiple suspects

A

Any potential for cross contamination must be eliminated by conducting an appreciation and applying stringent standard procedures for managing exhibits throughout the investigation

Where more than one suspect is involved, an appreciation must be made regarding which staff are assigned to seize clothing from suspects. Separate officers should be assigned to each suspect.

Suspects must be kept apart including during travel in vehicles and in cells. All clothing should be packaged, labelled and sealed in accordance with standard procedures before transfer to OC exhibits

51
Q

During a suspect medical examination, the doctor must: (4)

A
  1. Note any injuries, such as scratches or bruises
  2. Take samples identified as necessary by the OC Investigation using a specialist MEK, including:
    - blood
    - saliva
    - head hair
    - pubic and body hair, if relevant
    - fingernail scrapings
    - swabs of the suspect’s hands or other relevant areas
  3. Swab the suspect’s hands for firearms residue using a specialist Firearms Detection Kit, as soon as possible where a firearm has been involved
  4. Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect.

In addition they may record explanations and comment made by the suspect about the offence or the cause of any injuries. Photographs of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries must be taken

52
Q

Procedure when offender offers an alibi after being charged

A

It is the OC suspect role to make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi and report these findings to the crown via the 2IC

53
Q

Setting up the investigation headquarters. The file manager must liaise with the 2IC To establish the requirements of the headquarters, including (6) (LOTECI)

A
  1. Location
  2. Office support staff
  3. Transport
  4. Equipment
  5. Communications
  6. ICT requirements
54
Q

On appointment of the role of Disclosure Manager, you must (3)

A
  • read the Disclosure Managers desk file
  • access the current Serious Crime Template for use during the investigation
  • report to the 2IC to receive a briefing, tasking, establishing what information is and is not discoverable, and ongoing supervision.
55
Q

Key responsibility responsibilities of the Disclosure Manager (8)

A
  1. ensure all relevant and discoverable material is provided to defence counsel
  2. Ensure all relevant and non-discoverable material is identified, listed and defence advised
  3. Continually assess the risk to ensure that non-discoverable material is identified and not disclosed
  4. Continually review to ensure that ongoing lawful justification to withhold exists for each document that is withheld
  5. Ensure that robust auditable systems are employed to record disclosure decisions
  6. Manage disclosure timeframes within the provisions of the Act, or as otherwise directed by the Courts
  7. Retain and file all correspondence with defence counsel
  8. Create a record in NIA of the fact of disclosure against the charge(s), and make a brief record of delivery of initial disclosure in NIA.
56
Q

Sec10(4) disclosure act

A

Disclosure may be supplied in whatever form the police have it in at the time defence makes its request. Provided it will be readily accessible to the defendant in that form. Eg electronically if they don’t have access to computer

57
Q

Crown disclosure

A

The crown should have an identity copy of the material as has been disclosed. They should also be able to access the unedited version where appropriate. Material should remain under file managers control during this review though

58
Q

Describe four of the many responsibilities of the OC exhibits

A
  1. To maintain the physical security of exhibits (safe storage)
  2. To maintain the continuity of exhibits (chain of custody))
  3. To submit exhibits for examination
  4. To produce exhibits in court
59
Q

Arrange forensic strategy meetings in consultation with the OC investigation. Ensure an appreciation is conducted to ensure: (3)(VOE)

A

In smaller investigations the OC Exhibits (in conjunction with the OC Investigation) may also conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish the:

  • evidential value of each exhibit
  • investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit

• further enquiries that are needed.

60
Q

The OC exhibits is responsible for the evidential value of each exhibit and what else?

A

The OC Exhibits is responsible for establishing required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits and ensuring these processes are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the OC Investigation and the Serious Crime Template.

The OC Exhibits must communicate required standards to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.

61
Q

Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for exam of exhibits?

A

Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.

The strategy must be approved by the OC Investigation and continually reviewed throughout the investigation to keep abreast of any developments.

62
Q

Topics covered during a forensic strategy meeting: (5) (only need 2)

A
  • What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
    • The priority each examination should receive.
    • Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction.
    • A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
  • An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.
63
Q

Results of exhibit examinations and the OC exhibits responsibility

A

The OC Exhibits must update the Exhibits Register with the results of exhibit examinations.

The OC Exhibits should bring such information to the attention of the OC Investigation and not assume that they are aware of it by any other means.

Where the OC Exhibits becomes aware that further enquiries are required in relation to a particular exhibit, this must be highlighted to the 2IC so that follow-up enquiries can be initiated.

64
Q

Chain of custody

A

The chain of custody included every individual who has had custody of an exhibit from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity and therefore admissibility of exhibits.

While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate:
• when they received custody of the exhibit and from whom
• where and how the exhibit was securely stored
• when, why and how the exhibit was moved from one place to another
• how the exhibit has been treated, safeguarded and preserved
• when and why they transferred custody of an exhibit to another person, and to whom.

This is called maintaining the ‘chain of evidence’.

65
Q

Discuss the protection of the exhibit register

A

To protect the integrity of the electronic Exhibits Register, only the OC Exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it, although every member of the investigation should be able to view it.

An Exhibits Register template can be downloaded from the Serious Crime Template.

66
Q

Examination of exhibits- What other specific matters regarding each exhibit must the OC exhibits determine?

A

The OC exhibits will determine, plans and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation

67
Q

The file manager must assist the 2ICto carry out a number of duties. Describe these duties:

A

Communication flow.

The file manager must assist the 2IC to prepare daily bulletin/sitreps, Police and special notices, organisation charts and daily rosters and ensuring these are well displayed within the investigation headquarters I.e on notice boards

68
Q

When should the OC body strip the body of clothing before the PM?

A

Stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post-mortem examination commences, but must only be undertaken on the specific direction of the OC Investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.

Before entering the post-mortem examination room or handling the body, the OC Body and any other persons present must dress in protective clothing i.e. foot-coverings, latex gloves, overalls and face mask. It may be convenient to wear more than one pair of gloves so that as a pair becomes soiled or worn, the outer pair can be removed to reveal a fresh pair beneath.

Must be stripped in front of the pathologist

69
Q

The main objectives of an area canvass (4)

A
  1. Identifying th offender
  2. Identifying witnesses
  3. Identifying and locating evidence such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles
  4. Gathering information
70
Q

What information to get from informants/complaints which will assist the investigation? (11)

A
  1. Full contact details of the informant
  2. A first hand account of what the informant knows
  3. Circumstances leading to the discovery
  4. Details of action informant has taken and where they have been
  5. Demeanor of the informant
  6. Details of the victim
  7. Identity and location of suspect
  8. Anyone else at the scene
  9. Relationship of informant to victim/suspect
  10. Precise details of the location of the scene
  11. Details of any hazards or safety issues they may affect police approaching the victim/ scene
71
Q

When interviewing a suspect, the OC suspect must ensure… (3)

A
  1. The interview is conducted in accordance with the investigative interviewing suspect guide
  2. The interview is monitors by a supervisor or experienced detective to ensure that all key points and areas are covered
  3. Ensure an explanation is sought from the suspect in relation to any exhibits found
72
Q

As OC exhibits you must attend all investigation team conferences and…

A

The OC exhibits must attend all forensic strategy meetings and investigation breifings to facilitate information sharing and where possible, take responsibility for maintaining liaison between OC investigation, 2IC, crime scene coordinator, ESR and other specialists

73
Q

What to update the OC investigation on as the OC exhibits? (3)

A

The OC exhibits must where appropriate, update the OC investigation and 2IC with relevant information relating to:

  1. What exhibits have been found and their movements
  2. The results of any exhibit examinations
  3. Whether any further enquiries are required
74
Q

What two specialist police unit could help during an area canvass?

A

Criminal profiling unit

Criminal geographic profiling unit

75
Q

The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should consider these issues, where applicable- (6)

A
  1. Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched
  2. Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness
  3. Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness
  4. Forensic medial examination, I.e fingernail scrapings, hair combing
  5. Seizure of clothing and footwear
  6. Seizure of any times of property touched by the suspect
76
Q

Initial action at the scene. Step 1 IDENTIFY

A
  • gather information and carry out an initial assessment of the scene
  • consider warrantless powers to secure evidence pursuant to S&S’12
  • establish a common approach path
  • note and record observations
  • provide sitreps to Comms
77
Q

Initial action at the scene Step 2. SECURE

A
  • exercise power under S&S’12 is necessary
  • remove persons from scene
  • set up cordons using police tape
  • brief scene guards
78
Q

Police responsibilities to witnesses

•witness media interest letters

A

If media interest is anticipated, consider advising the witnesses and the victims family of the potential consequences of discussing evidence with journalists e.g jeopardizing the court proceedings

79
Q

Police responsibilities to witnesses

•maintaining contact

A

Ensure the victims next of kin are regularly updated of the progress of both the enquiries and court proceedings as directed by the 2IC

80
Q

Police obligation where defence counsel is reassigned

A

Police obligation is to ensure the replacement counsel is provided with all material previously disclosed.

This is done by either obtaining written confirmation that they have received all material previously disclosed or by providing a fresh copy to the new counsel

81
Q

Police responsibilities to witnesses

• court proceedings

A

Ensure witnesses are fully briefed as to their responsibilities and that they are updated throughout the investigative and court processes

82
Q

Defence counsel relationships

A

All communication with defence counsel should be conducted through the 2IC or crown solicitor, where engaged

83
Q

OC exhibits should be a qualified detective with previous experience in- (6)

A
  1. Methods of exhibit recovery
  2. Forensic principals
  3. Approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
  4. Managing contamination and cross contamination
  5. Mass exhibit handling
  6. Use of standardised documentation as in the serious crime template
84
Q

Police responsibilities to witnesses

• ensuring court attendance

A

Maintain contact with all prosecution witnesses, ensuring they are summonsed and shim able to appear in court as required

85
Q

What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?

A

Every person who undertakes a course of action at a serious crime scene must first consider what risk(s) may exist

The initial police responders must assess the situation quickly yet carefully and decide what the most important things to do are, and how and in what order they should be done.

Their primary functions include:

  1. Attending the scene at an early stage
  2. Taking control of the situation;
  3. Coordinating tasks
86
Q

In investigating any alibi offered, the OC suspects must- (3)

A
  1. Make enquiries of people other than the persons whose particulate have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the alibi
  2. Complete enquiries to establish where the suspect was at the time of the offence, who they were with and what they were doing
  3. Wherever possible, corroboration of the alibi provided by the suspect should be sought from forensic it other sources that are independent of the suspect
87
Q

Exhibits in the investigation headquarters??

A

Whether sealed or not, no exhibits should be taken into the investigation headquarters. A secure room should be available for exclusive use by the OC exhibits

88
Q

Items of mutual interest to the pathologist and the investigative team include: (3)

A
  1. Ballistic projectiles
  2. Foreign items such as hairs, fibers, blood or semen on or in the body
  3. Ligatures- (any knot present on a ligature must not be cut or undone as the knot may be subject to a subsequent knot examination
89
Q

Responsibility of OC body when the pathologist or ESR scientist retains some exhibits to submit directly to the laboratory or analysis during the post mortem (3)

A
  1. Allocate these an exhibit number
  2. Record them in the Scene exhibit schedule
  3. Request a copy of any record created by the mortuary of samples taken during the PM
90
Q

OC Exhibits responsibilities at trial (3)

A

The OC exhibits is responsible for:

  1. arranging the transportation of exhibits to and from court
  2. their security at the venue
  3. Their production, as directed by the prosecution

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION (1 decks)

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