Initial Action Flashcards
What is the importance of initial action?
You ability to work in a logical manner, is important when carrying out initial action at the scene of an incident. The action you take at any scene of a serious offence may be crucial to the prosecution of the offender in the court or high courts. This is especially true with scene contamination, mishandling vital evidence or moving items at the scene.
List the actions you should take when…
On route to the scene
Obtain descriptions of the suspect, victim and informant. Any vehicles or people and their direction of travel. Any weapons.
Discuss areas of responsibility with your partner.
Plan the approach.
Establish a safe forward point.
Consider all options.
List the actions you should take when…
Arriving at the scene
Update comms, give a SITREP, what is happening, who and where.
Park in a safe area.
Discuss approach to the scene.
Check appointments, have radio and torch.
List the actions you should take when…
Obtaining information
Locate informant and obtain brief facts.
Ask the informant/witness to identify the victim and/or offender and his whereabouts.
Find out from the informant the location of the scene and victim.
If possible keep the informant occupied, ask them to remain at a specified place so you can refer to them later if needed and appropriate.
List the actions you should take when…
Checking the Victim
Render first aid.
Call for assistance from doctor or ambulance.
Define a pathway for medical assistance.
Note injuries, don’t move the body.
Stand still and record what you see, all relevant details.
Record the victims position on ground before removal (if time allows draw a sketch plan).
One member accompany the victim to hospital (protect all exhibits, note down the medical staffs details).
List the actions you should take when…
Clearing the scene
Remove all people from the scene.
Ensure they do not take anything or contaminate the scene.
Have a police member contain them, warn them not to discuss.
Obtain their particulars.
Keep warring factions, families and gang members apart.
Define scene Control
Control all movement in the scene, contain the area.
Define scene Freeze
Keep the scene in its original state, touch nothing, move nothing.
Define scene Preservation
Preserve all relevant exhibits.
Outline the responsibilities of a scene guard in controlling, preserving and freezing the scene…
Set scene boundaries BIG and include where the offender entered and left, include vehicles.
Ensure all entry and exit points are controlled.
When staff arrive, check identification and brief them.
Tell them not to discuss the incident.
If you have made a mistake, identify it to superiors.
