IN01 Initial Action Flashcards
What is the systematic approach?
Victim Appreciation Witness Scene Exhibits Elements Powers Offender
What is appreciation?
Is a method of problem solving that uses a set pattern, so that all possible factors and alternatives are considered. It is used to assess any given situation or incident to decide on the best course of action to take.
what factors should be considered when carrying out an “appreciation”?
- what you want to achieve
- factors relevant to your aim
- alternate courses of action
- a plan outlining the best course of action open to you
Consider:
- any safety issues
- what assistance is required
- time constraints
- resources eg other staff, lighting, barriers, comms, protective equipment
Victim/Informant
- obtain full particulars
- use TEDS
- use 5W + H
seek corroboration
Appreciation:
- compare what witnesses/victim has told you. Do the accounts support each other?
- was it physically possible to see/do what they have said?
- is there evidence to corroborate what they say?
- are there safety issues for them, eg blood, dangerous scene?
- are they at risk from offender?
Scene
- identify the scene, keep boundaries BIG
- Freeze, Control, Preserve
- do scene examination
- identify exhibits
Appreciation:
- do you need help to protect the scene?
- does the scene match the account of victim/witness
- are there any safety issues?
Exhibits
look for articles that:
- anything used in offence, weapons, crowbars, gloves
- can help reconstruct what happened eg blood trails, damaged clothing, disturbed furniture
If offence is not serious or there is risk of exhibits being destroyed seize them.
Appreciation:
- do you need assistance?
- are there safety issues?
- are exhibits likely to deteriorate if conditions change?
Elements
Identify what offence has been committed and establish that all the elements for that offence are present.
Appreciation:
- how will you prove each element?
- do other enquiries need to be made?
Powers
In most situations you can:
arrest, detain, search and seize
search pursuant to legislation
enter premises pursuant to legislation
Appreciation:
- what powers do you have for the offence?
- if you dont have sufficient powers, do you have enough details to report the matter?
- what assistance do you need?
- what are the tactical safety issues if you use nay powers?
Offender
Decide on action, will you: warn, report or arrest offender?
If warning ensure you verify particulars
If arresting tell them what they are being arrested for, advise caution rights, conduct preliminary search
Appreciation:
- what are the safety issues?
- does transport need to be arranged?
- are there other enquiries that urgently need to be done?
- do you need notify your supervisor?
- do you need assistance?
Why do police gather information?
To: locate people confirm/corroborate evidence prosecute offenders keep up with crime trends enhance patrol planning use problem solving technique
Define Control, Freeze, Preserve
Control:
all movement to/from the scene
all activity within the contained area
Freeze:
keep scene in its original state
nothing is to be touched or moved
Preserve:
all relevant exhibits