Initial Action

Question 1

Responding to the Victim

Answer 1

Irrespective of the above steps, your first responsibility and priority, after ensuring the scene is made safe, is the victim or any other injured person at the scene. You must:

 preserve life

 protect them from further injuries

 conduct and record a brief preliminary interview, if possible.

Question 2

Dealing with Suspects

Answer 2

1. Identify routes the suspect used to arrive/leave.

 Isolate from other people.

 Ask the suspect to remain and co-operate.

If the suspect refuses to co-operate then consider whether grounds exist to arrest, and consider if it is necessary to caution the suspect.

If the suspect is arrested, make sure you caution them.

2. Consider searching the suspect pursuant to the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.
3. Note the suspect’s appearance, demeanour, and condition.
4. Record comments made by the suspect.
5. Consider conducting a preliminary interview where appropriate, and return to a police station as soon as possible.

Question 3

Examples of Post Event History

Answer 3

Some examples of ‘post-event history’ are:

 staff moving through a house to assist a victim
 a body being moved to ascertain signs of life
 a scuffle with an offender in making an arrest
 the uplifting of an exhibit to ensure it is preserved
 the attendance of other emergency services.

Question 4

What is a reconnaissance?

Answer 4

This is to enable you to ensure all initial action has been completed and the scene preservation and security have been established.

It will also form the basis for your crime scene plan / strategy on how you intend to examine the scene.

This process is explained fully in the Crime Scene Examination lesson note.