Initial Action

Question 1

What does VAWSEEPO stand for?

Answer 1

VICTIM/INFORMANT — APPRECIATION — WITNESS — SCENE — EXHIBIT — ELEMENTS — POWERS — OFFENDER

Question 2

In regards to VAWSEEPO, Victim, what details should you obtain of the victim?

Answer 2

Full name — Address — DOB — Mobile # — Occupation — Employer — Email address.

If they are the victim, assess their status, do they need ambulance or victim support? Obtain details of incident and seek corroboration.

Question 3

Define “Appreciation”, in regards to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 3

Appreciation; can be at any stage of the enquiry and is about determining what you want to achieve, courses of action open to you, considering factors like do you have enough staff and is the weather deteriorating.

Question 4

Define “witness” in regards to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 4

Preliminary witness interview, obtain full details, ask TEDs, 5 WH+H questions and when appropriate take statement.

Question 5

In relation to asking questions, what does the acronym TEDs stand for?

Answer 5

T - Tell me
E - Explain to me
D - Describe to me

Question 6

In relation to asking questions, what are the 5WH+H questions?

Answer 6

• Who
• What
• Where
• When
• Why
• How

Question 7

Define “scene” in regards to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 7

This means securing the scene if necessary, looking for blood or footprints and drawing a sketch or taking photos of the scene.

Think BIG

Question 8

Define “exhibit” in regards to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 8

This is for when you need to seize exhibits. Look for anything which is foreign to the victim. It involves sketching, photographing, wearing gloves when you bag evidence, seal and label, secure, form POL 268 and ensure lodges in evidence store.

Question 9

Define “elements” in regards to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 9

This is putting all the elements of the incident together to tell a story…what happened?

Question 10

Define “powers” in regard to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 10

This is when you decide what powers you will utilise, e.g, power to arrest, detain, search and seize. Searching and entering a premises both require legislation.

Question 11

Define “Offender” in regard to VAWSEEPO.

Answer 11

The offender is always the last person you talk to. Ensure that they are separated from others, advise them of their rights/caution, conduct a preliminary interview, obtain an explanation for their actions, obtain full particulars and arrange a formal interview later.

Question 12

What are the 3 basic principles when establishing control of a scene?

Answer 12

CONTROL - All movement to and from the scene.
- All activity on the contained area.
FREEZE - Keep the scene in its original condition.
- Nothing is to be touched or moved.
PRESERVE - All relevant exhibits

Question 13

What must you ensure when clearing the scene and removing all people?

Answer 13

• They do not take anything or contaminate the scene
• If possible, have a police member; contain them in a clear area, warn them not to discuss what has happened, obtain their full details, keeps warring factions/families/gangs apart.

Question 14

What should you consider when setting boundaries of a scene?

Answer 14

• Think BIG

- Remember to include the area from which the offender approached, entered and left the scene, including vehicles.

Question 15

What are the duties of a scene guard?

Answer 15

CONTROL

FREEZE

PRESERVE