Family Harm

Question 1

Investigation and Crime Scene Examination

Answer 1

• ALWAYS consider FIREARMS/WEAPONS
• Whether PSO OR PO is in place
• If PSO has been issued and firearms license will be SUSPENDED for duration of the order.
• If PO is in force any firearms license will be REVOKED
• Any firearms to be surrendered. Check any licence endorsements and if there are any firearms in secure storage.

CONSIDER sufficient safety concerns to warrant issuing PSO.
Sufficient evidence to arrest, making an application for PO. All firearms must be surrendered to Police or seized pursuant to Section 18 S&S Act 2012.

If you exercise the power to seize, report to Commissioner within 3 days submitting a FIREARMS SEARCH AND SEIZURE form.

Following surrender or seizures of firearms, complete enquiries (including victim views) determine whether licensed firearms holder is considered fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.

Question 2

Interview victims, witnesses and suspects

Answer 2

Interview Early

• Victim Video Statement
  obtain a statement at the time or you may lose the opportunity. Think “How can Police prove this case without the victims participation??

Section 106A of the Evidence Act 2006 allows an adult family violence complainant to give evidence in chief by a video recording made before the hearing.

The video recording must be made by police employee no later than two weeks after the alleged family violence episode.

CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS OR CHILD WITNESSES OF SERIOUS CRIME must be carried out by specially trained child witness interviewers.

This is an agreed guide between Police and OT.

Victims and Witnesses
FOLLOW investigative interviewing witness guide

CHILD
FOLLOW specialist child witness interview guide.

Suspects
FOLLOW the Investigative interviewing suspect guide.