Initial Action

Question 1

Whilst most offences of homicide are identified as a result of a body being found or by a person responsible for the offence making admissions, some incidents notified to the police are not initially identifiable as a homicide. Such instances may include?

Answer 1

• report of a missing person
• sudden unexplained death of an infant
• unexplained death
• report of an abduction
• report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
• crime scene without a body present
• hit and run vehicular collision
• suicide
• fatal fire
• drug related deaths.

Question 2

The actions of first responding Police have a critical effect on an investigation and on the potential for capturing evidence. Enquiries will vary depending on specific circumstances. What is the general investigation model that should be applied in all cases.

Answer 2

Victim
Appreciation
Witnesses
Scene
Exhibits
Ingredients
Powers
Offenders

Question 3

What is an Appreciation?

Answer 3

An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.

Question 4

Applying an appreciation technique can provide the following key benefits?

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

A full written appreciation may be used for protracted situations. However in most urgent or pressing situations where immediate initial action is required, what would you do?

Answer 5

Do a shortened form of appreciation is usually conducted mentally i.e. not in writing, for speed.

Question 6

An aim is a short (one line) statement which succinctly demonstrates a single objective. What are the techniques?

Answer 6

• The aim must be clear, accurate and concise. It must be chosen carefully as the wrong aim will produce the wrong result.
• The aim of the appreciation process should be borne in mind at all times, particularly when making decisions.

Question 7

A factor is any circumstance or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome. What are the techniques?

Answer 7

• Ask the question: “So what?
• The answer to this question leads to a logical conclusion or conclusions;
• Any deductions made, must in turn be examined themselves, to see whether they in turn will yield further deductions, and so on.

Question 8

Courses open are a list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from those factors. What are the techniques?

Answer 8

Advantages, disadvantages and risks of each alternative must be carefully examined and evaluated.
• What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative?
• Which alternative is the most appropriate way to reach the objective?
• From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.

Question 9

A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action in order to achieve the desired aim. What are the techniques?

Answer 9

• the logical outcome of the Appreciation
• clear, concise and leaves no room for
misinterpretation
• designed to avoid introducing matters
not previously considered by the appreciation
• consistently considerate of safety issues
• recorded
• delivered to staff using the ‘SMEAC’
format, ie. Situation, Mission,
Execution, Administration & Logistics
and Command & Signals.

Question 10

No matter what the circumstances of a death are (e.g. an accident, suicide, apparent natural causes, work place accident or unexplained death) Police’s purpose is always to?

Answer 10

Investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death.

Question 11

The person reporting an incident is a critical witness in an investigation and it is a priority to obtain all available information from them. Until Police are able to attend the scene, the complainant/informant may be the only source of information available and accurate information can lead to sound decisions. Every effort should be made to obtain?

Answer 11

• identity and location of the suspect
• a first hand account of what the complainant/informant knows
• precise details of the location of the scene
• circumstances leading to the discovery
• identity of the victim
• details of anyone else at the scene
• full contact details of the complainant/informant
• demeanour of the complainant/informant
• relationship of the complainant/informant, to the victim or suspect
• details of action the complainant/informant has taken and where they have been
• details of any hazards or safety issues that may affect Police approaching the
scene/victim.

Question 12

In some circumstances a delay may occur between the initial report and Police arriving at the scene. During this time, evidence may be lost or contaminated. In order to reduce this risk, the complainant/informant may be asked?

Answer 12

• to return to the proximity of the scene, and guard it, if it is considered safe for them to do so
• not to enter the obvious boundaries of the scene
• not to touch or move anything
• to prevent others from entering or touching the scene
• to await Police arrival and identify themselves to the first Police at the scene.

Question 13

Officers who have initial contact with the complainant/informant should take great care in recording?

Answer 13

What the complainant/informant says, their demeanour and clothing etc. These notes could become critical, particularly if the complainant/informant is later identified as a suspect.

Question 14

The first priority will always be to ensure the?

Answer 14

Safety of the attending Police members.

Question 15

If a victim is injured but alive?

Answer 15

Call an ambulance and consider resuscitation if appropriate. If the victim has to be moved for this purpose, note the original body position and record any previous movements.

Question 16

If it is necessary for the victim to be transferred to hospital by ambulance?

Answer 16

Details of the ambulance crew and their destination must be recorded. If practicable, a detective should accompany the victim to hospital. Otherwise, a detective should attend hospital without delay.

Question 17

If it is anticipated the victim may die, consider recording an immediate statement, whether the victim can sign it or not. The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include?

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

A fundamental responsibility of all Police employees is to preserve life. Police must never assume a person is dead unless no other conclusion is possible, i.e. a badly decomposed or mutilated corpse. Where there is the slightest possibility a person is still alive?

Answer 18

First aid must be commenced and an ambulance requested.

Question 19

The victim should not be moved any more than is necessary to establish whether the victim is alive. If the victim needs to be moved?

Answer 19

The original position should be recorded, ideally by photograph and/or video but a sketch and description should also be completed.

Question 20

Prompt, decisive action to preserve a crime scene will increase the likelihood of recovering?

Answer 20

Physical evidence

Question 21

What steps would you take to secure a scene?

Answer 21

• Where necessary, exercise powers to secure the scene.
• Remove all persons within the scene
• Establish cordoned parameters using Police emergency tape.
• Arrange and brief scene guards with clearly defined duties using Police employees or civilian security guards, as per local policy.
• Arrange Crime Scene Logs.
• Prevent unauthorised persons from entering or leaving the scene.
• Prevent any further loss or damage to evidence caused by adverse weather or other factors, such as animals.

Question 22

What steps would you take to preserve a scene?

Answer 22

• Consider the best path into the scene.
• Record any movements/action taken in the scene
• Preserve what is there and leave it ‘in situ’. Ensure nothing is touched or moved.
• If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates.
• Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and/or record evidence that may change if nothing is done.

Question 23

What steps would you take to record the scene?

Answer 23

• 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.
• Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the victim.
• Complete a sketch of the scene.
• Photograph the scene and consider using video recording.
• Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions.
• Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC Investigation at an early stage.

Question 24

A crime scene log records the?

Answer 24

Details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene, as well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case.

Question 25

After emergency services have performed initial procedures and a scene has been cleared, no person must be allowed to enter without specific prior authority from the OC?

Answer 25

Investigations.

Question 26

A scene guard and the log maintained by that person, is employed in order to ensure?

Answer 26

• there is no unauthorised entry into the scene
• integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
• intelligence opportunities are maximised
• contamination issues are managed.

Question 27

To avoid confusion, only one Crime Scene Log must be kept at each point of access to the scene. The log must identify?

Answer 27

Keeper of the record as well as the name and time when all persons entered or left the scene and their reasons for entry.

Question 28

A benefit of using crime scene logs is that when utilised?

Answer 28

Pedestrian traffic in and out of a scene is dramatically reduced. This helps to protect the integrity of the scene.

Question 29

It is vital a Crime Scene Log is initiated at an early stage. Therefore, the appointment of an officer to commence a Crime Scene Log?

Answer 29

Should not be delayed until the arrival of the OC Investigation.

Question 30

What must a scene guard record when someone enters the scene?

Answer 30

• name and designation
• authority to enter the scene
• purpose of the visit
• time of entry and time of exit.

Question 31

Initial questioning of a witness at the scene should be directed towards obtaining a brief
account of what the person witnessed, bearing in mind they may be interviewed
subsequently on a more substantial basis. As a minimum, the following points should be
establishing

Answer 31

• What happened
• Where exactly the incident happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• What the witness did
• Where the witness went
• What the witness touched
• Who touched the witness
• Who else was present
• Descriptions of those present
• What did those other people present say/do.

Question 32

At an appropriate stage, witnesses should be taken to a Police station to be formally interviewed. If this is not practical, arrangements should be made for?

Answer 32

An appointment in the near future and a note made of their condition and any special interview requirements.

Question 33

The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should
consider these issues, where applicable?

Answer 33

• Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched.
• Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness.
• Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness.
• Forensic medical examination, i.e. fingernail scrapings, hair combing etc.
• Seizure of clothing and footwear.
• Seizure of any items of property touched by the suspect

Question 34

When dealing with a forensically important witness, consider these points?

Answer 34

• Avoid any potential cross contamination issues by arranging for witnesses who have been present at a crime scene, to use different vehicles and interview rooms to those used by other witnesses, the victim or suspect(s).
• Photographing witnesses at the scene enables future identification of witnesses; for
example to assist CCTV enquiries or for OC Witnesses use at court hearings.
• Photograph any injuries suffered by witnesses.

Question 35

Where witnesses have used electronic recording devices (mobile phones, cameras etc) at the scene of a crime, every effort should be made to?

Answer 35

Obtain and download the images

Question 36

If homicide or serious crime is suspected, what are the priorities?

Answer 36

The identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect are a priority.

Question 37

Locating the suspect quickly can provide?

Answer 37

The investigation with forensic and other evidence that may otherwise be lost.

Question 38

If members of the media are present at the scene?

Answer 38

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.

Question 39

The OC Investigation will generally arrive at the scene following the actions of the initial response members. The OC Investigation will expect a briefing from the officer in initial charge of the incident, as to?

Answer 39

• What has occurred?
• What action has been taken?
• What has not been done?
• What needs to be done?

Question 40

All Police who initially attend the scene must record all information relating to their attendance, including?

Answer 40

Their observations, their actions and any alterations made to the scene. Before finishing their duty shift, they must also submit a report to their immediate supervisor, who will forward the reports to the OC File. If they entered the scene a photograph, photocopy or print of their footwear must be provided and submitted with the other documentation. The OC Investigation may require Police who first responded to the incident, to attend a ‘hot debrief’.

Question 41

Initiated early a crime scene log will provide investigators with an opportunity to?

Answer 41

Carry out a subsequent review of all activity that has occurred since Police arrival.

Question 42

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?

Answer 42

• attending the scene at an early stage
• taking control of the situation
• co-coordinating tasks