Bully Flashcards
When should OC body strip the body of clothing or personal effects?
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
The OC exhibits has a responsibility to maintain an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be available. What other specific matters regarding each exhibit must the OC exhibits determine?
The OC exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish it’s relevance to the investigation.
Upon the completion of the area canvass phase the OC area canvass must submit a report to the OC investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation. What matters must the report contain?
- ) summary of all actions taken
- ) any significant findings highlighted
- ) attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy
During the course of some criminal trials it is necessary for police to consider that witness intimidation may occur. By maintaining contact with a witness who may be the subject of intimidation, what information can the OC case or OC witness ascertain?
By maintaining contact with witnesses, police will be more likely to become aware of any threats, intimidation or interference and arrange for appropriate action to be taken; such as initiating the witness protection program.
The first duty of the OC suspects is to brief their suspects team members. What four matter must the OC suspects cover in the briefing?
- ) the circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available
- ) the full details of all persons of interest and any suspect, where the identity is known
- ) details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses
- ) whether any particular MO/crime signatures have been identified
S10(4) of the CDA 2008 governs the disclosure of material to the defence. What obligation is imposed by this subsection on the person providing disclosure?
That disclosure may be supplied in whatever form, including electronically, that the person disclosing the information holds it in at the time of the request, provided this will readily be accessible to the defendant. Consideration must be given to whether a defendant has ‘ready’ access to a computer with which to access electronic disclosure, particularly if remanded in prison.
Describe four of the benefits of applying an appreciation technique when problem solving.
Informs all police what they are expected to achieve
Increases the chances of success i.e. the investigative aims/objectives being met
Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
Manages risk
Reduces uncertainty
Eliminates duplication
Ensures nothing is overlooked
Effective use of resources
Describe why it is important for the FLO to identify cultural origins of the victims family and to ensure they are familiar with relevant cultural beliefs and protocols?
To enhance relations with the family and to contribute to the victim’s profile
What requirements must the file manager ensure are completed when setting up the investigation headquarters in a serious crime investigation?
Location Office support staff Transport Equipment Communications ICT requirements
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for the examination of exhibits?
Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation
What are the two main purposes for Police attending the scene of any death?
To investigate thoroughly
To gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of any death
What action must police attending a scene where the body has been disturbed take?
Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition. Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required
What matters should the OC area canvass record in the detailed master record of ongoing progress?
Which addresses have been visited
Which occupants interviewed
Documentation completed
Any relevant comments made
In the case of a homicide, who takes the VIS from family?
Homicide trained victim support volunteers are trained to assist police by taking VIS from surviving family members
A VIS must be available for sentencing of the defendant. The statement should be no older than how many days?
28 days
Initial response staff who have arrived at the scene of a stabbing have found the victim in a serious condition. The victim is anticipated to die of the injuries and a verbal statement is recorded by police. In order for the statement to be admissible under s18(1)(a) of the EA 2006, how can police satisfy the court that the statement is admissible?
In order for the verbal statement to be considered as admissible under s18(1)(a), the court must be satisfied that both the content of the statement and the person who made it are reliable.
How can OC area canvass ensure the staff moral remains high?
The OC area canvas should ensure moral 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.
Describe the method of investigation that may be used to assist in identifying the victim where the body is decomposed, dismembered or otherwise unsuitable for visual identification?
Fingerprints
DNA profiling
Dental records medical examination; including scars, birth marks, prostethics, xrays, surgical wounds, amputations and tattoos.
Some witnesses may have been so proximate to events that it is likely evidence was transferred to the witness, from the victim, suspect, or the scene itself.
a) what action must the interviewing police officer take regarding the witness prior to an interview taking place?
b) state the types of physical evidence that may be present on the witness.
a) before the witness is interviewed, a plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness.
b) DNA, fingerprints, clothes, footwear, fibres, bodyfluids, glass, or other material
Describe the initial actions the disclosure manager must take when appointed to the role in a serious crime investigation?
Read the disclosure managers desk file
Access the current serious crime temple downloaded to the local district shared drive, 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
What action must the OC exhibits take when becoming aware that further enquiries are required in relation to a particular exhibit?
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.
Explain what a common approach path is used for at serious crime scenes?
A common approach path is an approach path for all movements into and out of the scene, using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to or from the scene by the suspect or victim
At the conclusion of the post mortem, the OC body must hand all exhibits to the OC exhibits. List the other three things that the OC body must also provide.
The post mortem scene exhibit schedule
Copy of notebook entries by the OC body
Formal written statement
When a crown solicitor directs police to interview an alibi witness, what actions must the police take?
Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
Conduct enquiries 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
In a serious crime investigation it may be necessary for a police doctor to examine a suspect. Apart from taking samples and noting injuries on the suspect, what other matters can the doctor attend to?
Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect
Record any explanations comments made by the suspect about the offence or the cause of any injuries
Describe what is meant by the chain of custody and the purpose?
The chain of custody includes 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 the admissibility of exhibits.
A priority at a serious crime incident is to establish the physical condition of the victim. What are the three categories of the victim’s medical status?
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life
The OC body is responsible for arranging the formal identification of the victim. What instructions must the OC body provide to the family or friends who are to make the identification?
It is important those carrying out the 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.
Why is it important in some cases to conduct an area canvass at the same time as the original offence occurred?
To capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day.
State two reasons why it is important to conduct a risk assessment relating to a witness to a serious offence?
A risk assessment must be conducted to establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of:
Intimidation
Physical harm
Describe the primary function of a FLO?
The primary function of a FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However, in performing this rile, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.
In relation to safe storage of exhibits what three matters should be addressed before the exhibit is received by OC exhibits and placed in the exhibits room?
- ) the exhibit label contains the exhibit number, the name of the operation and other details relating to exhibit description, details of person finding it, time, date and location are recorded on the exhibit schedule
- ) the property is correctly packaged and sealed, and the label is visible and secured on the outside of the package
- ) any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken i.e. drying wet or bloodstained items in dry room
What matters is the OC suspects responsible for when supervising members of the suspects team?
Obtaining information about suspects and person’s of interest as they are identified
Thorough profiling and investigating all suspects and person’s of interest to enable the OC investigation to establish their involvement in the offence or eliminate them from the enquiry
Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of the offence
Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised where appropriate
Providing a basis for further investigation
What specific instructions must be given to the witness relating to the conduct at court?
Ensure that the witnesses do not:
Have any contact or communication with jurors
Discuss the case in public areas while waiting to give evidence
Discuss the case with witnesses waiting after they have given evidence
In addition to door to door enquiries during the area canvass phase, what other approaches can also be used to obtain information from the public?
Media
Poster campaign
Mail drop
High profile police presence using a caravan
Prior to moving the body from the scene what specific action must the OC body take?
The body must not be moved without specific authority/approval from the OC investigation
When dealing with a suspect at the scene of a serious crime, what specific physical matter relevant to the suspect must you consider?
Consider the condition of the suspect
Whether they are injured
Under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration
The primary reason for conducting a post mortem is to establish the cause of death. List 4 other matters how the pathologists findings may assist the investigation?
Determine, where possible, the mode and time of death
Establish how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
Determine the nature and size of weapons used
Determine the approxiyheight and stature of the suspect
Provide areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
Negate possible defences
Identify the victim where identity has not been established
Describe two types of information that can be obtained from Police intelligence systems when carrying out a risk assessment during the planning phase for an area canvass?
Establishing whether there are people or events in the area which those carrying out the enquiries should be aware of ibcluding:
Violent offenders
Person’s 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
Prior to a criminal trial relating to a serious offence who makes the decision as to what exhibits are to be prepared and produced at trial?
The OC investigation (in conjunction with the OC exhibits and other relevant investigation team members) must decide which exhibits are considered relevant and the significance of any forensic examinations and establish the most appropriate manner in which exhibits and examination results are to be presented at trial
List the duties of the FLO in the role of an investigator?
Responsible for profiling the victim
Preparing a family tree
Gathering all relevant information from fsmily
Taking statements to identify the victim
List 3 key responsibilities of the disclosure manager?
Ensure all relevant discoverable material is provided to defence counsel
Ensure all relevant and non-discoverable material is identified, listed and defence advised
Continually assess the risk to ensure that non-discoverable material is identified and not disclosed
Describe who is responsible during an investigation and determinibg the status of a person as a suspect, person if interest, witness or victim?
Responsibilityfor determining the status of a person within the investigation whether as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim rests with the OC investigation.
Initial response police at a serious crime incident must make a risk assessment. What is the key priority of this risk assessment?
The first priority will always be the safety of attending Police and other responders
Detail the responsibilities of the OC body regarding exhibits taken from the body at the mortuary?
The OC body is responsible for:
Recording
Labelling
Sealing
Securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the post mortem
All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary without exception and will be recorded in a scene exhibit schedule
In smaller investigations the OC exhibits in conjunction with the OC investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit. What is the purpose of this procedure?
To establish:
The evidential value of each exhibit
Investigation opportunities presented by each exhibit
Further enquiries that are needed
During a briefing for an area canvass what is the appropriate instruction to give staff who may speak to a witness who has evidence of possible probative value?
Advise staff that evidence of probative value must be obtained in a FWS rather than notebook.
The OC body is responsible for preparing the sudden death file and submitting it asap. What are the four documents that must be included on the file?
Statement relating to the victim’s formal identification
Copy of POL47 or POL47A in the case of a child
Copy of deceased person certificate
Copy of deceased person identification form
Once a family liaison plan has been formulated it must be reviewed in consultation with the FLO at regular intervals. Describe four matters that the plan should consider?
Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
Exit plan for the FLO
Objectives of the family liaison
Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers, where appropriate
Information to be released to and withheld from the family
When skeletal remains are found what information can the pathologist provide?
Whether the remains are actually bones
Whether the bones are human
The age, gender, height and racial origins of the person
Describe the reasons for the OC investigation, OC area canvass and OC suspects visiting the external or general scene of a serious crime prior to conducting the area canvass?
To make a reconnaissance of the area
To conduct an appreciation
To set parameters and objectives of the area canvass
What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?
Every person who undertakes a course of action at a serious crime scene must first consider what risk(s) may exist
List 6 responsibilities of OC body?
Ensure the death has been certified by doctor/qualified paramedic
Maintain security and custody of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post mortem
Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect
Note and record observations relating to the body
Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
Ensure the body is photographed in situ and consider using a video recording
On authority of the OC investigation, arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
Complete sudden death procedures
What specific experts must be notified and their attendance requested for a post mortem?
Police photographer
Fingerprint officer
ESR specialist
List 4 resources or tools that the OC area canvass can use to assist the canvass?
Suitable street maps
Aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections
Geological information
Local council records
Police intelligence systems
Open source internet application
Public library resources - electoral rolls
What is the purpose of a forensic strategy meeting?
Forensic strategy meetings are held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations
What are the primary functions of the initial police responders at a serious crime scene?
Attending the scene at an early stage
Taking control of the situation
Co-ordinating tasks
Describe 4 matters that must be recorded in a crime scene log to maintain the integrity of the scene?
Identity of the keeper of the record
Movements from the scene
Names and times of persons entering
Reasons for enter and exit to the scene
What is a exhibit?
An exhibit is any item which comes into the possession of Police during the course of an investigation, whether or not it is eventually tendered in formal evidence
Define family
Family includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau 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
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 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
What does part A and part B questionnaires relating to an area canvass entail?
Part A
Area canvass staff should complete the Part A when they first visit an address. A copy is needed for each dwelling.
Part A records the:
Street name
House number
Flat number
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 of the address
Part B
The part B form is the questionnaire used in the investigation. The OC investigation and OC Area Canvass decide on the wording in the questionnaire, depending on what they wish to establish. Part B forms are completed for each person who is interviewed during the canvass.
Part B records the: Personal details Home details Work details Answers to specific questions
Any evidential information provided by the witness must be recorded by way of FWS
What briefing would the OC Investigation expect to receive from the officer in charge of a serious crime incident?
What has occurred
What action has been taken
What has not been done
What needs to be done
What are the responsibilities of OC body during a post mortem?
Attend the briefing of the pathologist and OC investigation and contribute as required
Ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photos of the body before clothing is removed, again after body is disrobed and during the post mortem examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer.
Preserve evidence from the body
record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
Arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken if required
Attend the debrief of the pathologist and record the findings, on direction of the OC and/or pathologist
Ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
List factors to consider in the appreciation prior to body removal?
Notification to and response from the Coroner
Views of the pathologist, ESR and Crown Solicitor attending the scene
Consultation with other relevant experts
Requirement of any examination of action needed before the removal, based on known facts of the case
Best method and route for body removal, causing least disturbance
Supervision of the body removal
Chain of custody of the body from the scene to the mortuary
Safe custody of exhibits
Family and/or cultural considerations
The appreciation should record the SOP for what and how items of protective clothing must be used in relation to the scene and the body
What details should the OC Body record in relation to the position of a body prior to it being moved?
Position of the limbs Appearance of the body Wounds and clothing Direction of any trails of blood Lividity, if present Extent of rigor mortis
What is the primary role of OC body during a post mortem?
To observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body, in a structured, methodical manner.
Who may be present at a post mortem?
The pathologist
The coroner
Any other pathologist assisting
A doctor who treated the deceased
A doctor, nure, or funeral director representing the deceased
A doctor representing the interests of a suspect (if authorised by the Coroner)
Any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by the Coroner)
police
Any other person authorised by the coroner
Any other doctor or trainee
Before meeting the family, which should occur as soon as possible, the FLO must:
Liaise closely with the OC investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with and/or held back from the family
Familiarise themselves with the enquiry
Familiarise themselves with all info established concerning the family, including known dynamics, cultural and lifestyle considerations as well as religious and communication requirements
Familiarise themselves with available information and intelligence which could impact on the liaison role
Establish what contact the family has had with police since the incident/death
Establish what information has been given to the family
Establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain
Relevant locations which may influence the setting of location parameters include:
Scenes
Premises within line of sight of scenes
Access and egress routes to and from the scene
Area where an offender may have lain in wait
Location where the victim was last seen alive
Locations or premises frequented by the vixtin
Locations of similar or previous incidents identified by intelligence as having occurred in the same locality as the offence under investigation
In investigating any alibi offered, the OC suspects must:
Make enquiries of other people other than the person whose particulars have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the alibi
Complete enquiries to establish where the directions at the time of the offence, who they were with and what they were doing
Wherever possible, corroboration of the alibi should be sought from forensic or other sources that are independent of the suspect
Exhibit number ranges
Admin - 10000 Victim - 15000 Witnesses - 20000 Area Canvass - 25000 Scenes - 30000 Suspects - 70000
