Initial Action: Systematic Approach (VAWSEEPO)

Question 1

Initial Action:
VAWSEEPO
(Acronym)

Answer 1

• Victim or informant
• Appreciation
• Witness
• Scene
• Exhibits
• Elements
• Powers
• Offender

Question 2

Initial Action:
Victim or informant
(Obtain particulars)

Answer 2

• LAST/First/Others
• D.O.B
• Full residential address
• Phone number
• E-mail address
• Occupation
• Employer address and phone number

Question 3

Initial Action:
VAWSEEPO
TEDS
(Obtaining details of the incident)

Answer 3

• Tell me - “everything that happened…”
• Explain - “what you mean by…”
• Describe - “the man…”
• Show me- “what happened…”

Question 4

Initial Action:
VAWSEEPO
5WH + H
(Obtaining details of the incident)

Answer 4

• Who - was involved?
• What - did they say
• When - did it happen?
• Where - were you standing?
• Why - did this happen?
• How - did it happen?

Question 5

Initial Action:
Appreciation
(what to consider)

Answer 5

• Best course of action
  
  • Safety of staff and public
  • What assistance is required
  • time constraints
  • resources (equipment, comms)

Question 6

Initial Action:
Witnesses
(Obtain)

Answer 6

• Full particulars
• TEDS and 5WH+H
• Statement/ Interview (signature where possible)
  
  • Arrange interview (if time constrained)
• Note or seize evidence

Question 7

Initial Action:
Witnesses
(Appreciation)

Answer 7

• Does victim and witness statement support each other?
• Was it physically possible to see or do what they have seen or done?
• Is there evidence to corroborate what has been said?
• Are there any safety issues for witnesses?
• Is anyone at risk from the offender?

Question 8

Initial Action:
Scene
(General gist)

Answer 8

• Identify the scene
• Freeze, control, preserve
• Make appreciation
• Scene guard
• Safety and hygiene

Question 9

Initial Action:
Exhibits
(What needs to be considered?)

Answer 9

• Serious offence - Leave or protect
• Seize if risk of destruction
• Appreciate - Assistance? Safety concerns? Best course of action?

Question 10

Initial Action:
Elements
(Appreciation)

Answer 10

• What offence has been committed?
• How can you prove the elements?
• What other enquiries need to be made?

Question 11

Initial Action:
Powers
(Options available)

Answer 11

• Arrest, detain, search and seizure
• Search pursuant to legislation
• Enter premises pursuant to legislation
• Appreciation (5WH+H)

Question 12

Initial Action:
Offender
(General gist)

Answer 12

• Full particulars
• Warn, report or arrest
  
  • rights caution
  • pat-down search
• Appreciation
  
  • Separate from others - sit in car?

Question 13

Initial Action:
Define ‘Victim’

Answer 13

A person against whom an offense is committed by another person

Question 14

Initial Action:
Define ‘Informant’

Answer 14

The Informant is the person who advises the police of the incident. That person may be also the victim.

Question 15

Initial Action:
Define ‘Offender’

Answer 15

A person who commits an illegal act