Initial action Flashcards
Primary function of initial Police responders
- Attending the scene early
- Take control of the situation
- Coordinating tasks
Why is initial action important
Initial action is vitally important and will frequently affect subsequent enquiries. Reasoned positive actions during the initial stages of an investigation can minimise loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information i.e intel, admissible evidence. The actions take and how they are prioritised will be critical to the success of the investigation
Cases not readily identifiable as homicides
- Missing person
- Fatal Fire
- Drug related death
- Hit and run
- Kidnapping
- child sudden death
- suicide
What is the general investigation model ?
VAWSEIPO V- identify and locate victims A- make an initial appreciation assessing risk W- Identify and contain witnesses S- Preserve the Scene E- Preserve and note exhibits I- What ingredients exist for the offence P- what powers exist consider using O- Identify and apprehend offender
What is an appreciation
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. It follows a series of steps ensuring that the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all factors weighing up the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions allowing sound decision making. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each piece of information as it is uncovered.
Benefits of an appreciation
- Increase chance of success
- Gives Police clear expectations
- reduces uncertainty
- eliminates duplication
- effective use of resources
- minimise loss
- manages risk
Steps of an appreciation
Aim - A short simple statement which demonstrates a single objective
Factors - A factor is a fact or circumstance which effects the manner in which the aim will be achieved
Courses open - Courses open are different ways in which the aim could be achieved weighing up the benefits and risks of each potential course of action
Plan - A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action to achieve the desired aim.
Police purpose ?
To investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of death
Complainants/informants. Every effort should be made to obtain ?
- Identity and location of the suspect
- first hand account of what happened
- details of the location
- full contact details
- what actions they took
- circumstances leading to discovery
- relationship to victim
- relationship to suspect
- hazards for Police
Complainants may be asked to
- return to the proximity of the scene
- not to enter the scene
- protect the scene
- not to touch anything
Those in charge to conduct appreciation of ?
Risk assessment of the scene. A reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. The first priority is always to ensure safety of the attending Police members
Victims condition (3 categories)
- alive and injured
- alive and uninjured
- shows no signs of life
5 steps for Alive and injured
- obtain medical opinion on victims condition
- seize the victims clothing
- establish the victim identity
- pre transfusion blood sample
- seize bandages etc
5 steps for no signs of life
- consider ambo for resuscitation (note original body position)
- remain with the body until CIB or supervisor arrive
- Arrange doctor to pronounce life extinct
- Treat victim as a scene
- instruct medical staff to leave clothes on
Initial action to preserve a scene
Identify - make initial appreciation, consider the best approach, provide sitrep, consider what powers exist, note observations
Secure - Consider 116, set up cordons, scene guards, remove persons from the scene, prevent unauthorized entry
Preserve - consider best approach path, consider stepping plates, prepare to take immediate action to preserve, note and preserve exhibits, record movements
Consider - initial photos
Record - location of the victim, the position of victim, crime scene log, observations, scene sketch, photos
