Initial Action Checklist At A Serious Crime

Question 1

Enroute to scene

Answer 1

Look out for suspect

Note and consider attempting to stop any vehicles leaving the scene

Prioritize tasks and assign duties (VOWES)

Question 2

VOWES

Answer 2

Victim
Offender
Witnesses
Exhibits
Scene

Question 3

Arrival at scene

Answer 3

• Log arrival
• Gather information and conduct risk assessment/appreciation
• Sitrep to comment and provide SFP if required
• Establish common path
• Record relevant information

Question 4

Control people and scene

Answer 4

Take control

Exercise warrantless powers if appropriate

Clear scene of persons and contain them nearby

ID and locate complainant and conduct preliminary interview

Arrange detailed interview and statement

Question 5

Victim - if injured

Answer 5

• Commence first aid, call ambulance if required
• Conduct preliminary interview
• If expected to die, consider taking statement, whether signed or not. (May be admissible hearsay statement S18(1) Evidence Act 2006.
• Treat victim as a scene, do not move unnecessarily.
• Take DNA swabs from skin if appropriate.
• Record and photograph any injuries
• If taken to hospital must be accompanied by Police to ascertain condition, preserve clothing, debrief medical staff, update OC

Question 6

Victim if apparently dead

Answer 6

• Call ambulance, attempt cpr if appropriate (record original body position)
• Obtain life extinct confirmation unless death is obvious.
• Establish ID
• Do not move body (Record previous movements).
• Record exhibits, body position, lividity (gravitational setting of blood), injuries and clothes.
• Make a sketch plan/photos
• give early update to OC

Question 7

Scene

Answer 7

• Identify and preserve scene (Freeze, control, guard and preserve)
• Carry out initial assessment
• Use common approach path
• Clear the scene
• Arrange and brief scene guard (ensure Crime scene log used).
• Establish adequate cordon
• Consider stepping plates (if no immediate risk to life)
• Protect fragile exhibits/protect from elements
• Call for assistance/resources
• Make appropriate records
• Sketch plan/initial photographs of scene.
• Make accurate records and report to OC ASAP

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Question 8

Witnesses

Answer 8

• Contain, isolate and seek co-operation
• Prioritize interviews
• Conduct scoping interviews
• Photograph witnesses/injuries
• Consider whether witnesses are scenes

Question 9

Suspects

Answer 9

• ID routes suspect used to arrive/leave
• Isolate from other people
• Ask suspect to remain/cooperate
• If refuses, consider grounds to arrest/necessity to caution.
• Consider search pursuant to S&S Act
• Note appearance
• Record comments
• Consider preliminary interview/return to a police station

Question 10

Managing media

Answer 10

Keep from immediate Crime scene and make no comment.

Advise OC

Question 11

Before leaving scene

Answer 11

• Brief OC before handing on responsibility for scene (what’s done,being done, needs to be done)
• Provide sitrep to comms
• Update OC, include details if any changes to scene.
• All initial staff to provide notebooks, documentation, copy of footwear if entered scene before completing duty.