Initial Investigation Flashcards
En route to the scene, obtain:
- description of suspect
- description of suspect’s vehicle (if any)
- suspect’s direction of travel
- description of any weapons carried
Watch for any vehicles that may have come from the scene and note registration numbers
When you arrive at an incident:
- park in a safe, clear area
- advise comms of 10/7 (and obtain acknowledgement)
- revise your plan if the scene is different from what you anticipated
- be aware of:
-what is happening
-where it’s happening
-who is involved - ask people nearby:
-what is happening
-where it’s happening
-who is involved - provide a SITREP to Comms
Obtaining information
attending an incident
- locate informant, obtain brief facts
- ask informant/witness to;
1. identify victim and/or suspect;
2. if the suspect is not present, their direction of travel. If suspect has left in vehicle, details of vehicle incl. description and rego - Update Comms, advise them who is present, if suspect has left, their direction of travel and any vehicle details
- ask informant/witness the location of the scene
- if possible, ask them to remain at a specified place and explain to them they might need to be interviewed more fully later.
Victim medical status;
Signs of life
actions
- render immediate first aid
- call for doctor/ambulance
- pathway for medical staff when they arrive
- note any injuries
- determine if possible to obtain an immediate statement
- record position of victim before removal take photos
- if victim being transported, Police Officer must accompany them
Victim medical status;
Signs of life - transport to hospital process
- Police Officer must accompany them
- to continue speaking with them
- ensure clothing and exhibits retained
- record medical staff details
- provide update to Comms and discuss with Sgt
Victim medical status;
No signs of life
actions
- render immediate first aid if slightest possibility still alive
- call for doctor/ambulance
- note condition of clothing (wet/bloody/has it been disarranged)
- treat victim as a scene (do not move the body unnecessarily)
- in your notebook, objectively record everything observed using all senses (sight/sound/smell) take photos
- sketch a plan incl position of the body and position of exhibits. If anything MUST be moved or altered, consider photographing prior to altering scene.
*where possible do not move or touch anything in the scene
CAP
definition and purpose
Common Approach Path
* used for all movements into and out of the scene
using a path which avoids any route possibly taken by the suspect(s) or the victim
Three basic Scene Principles
- Freeze
- Control
- Preserve
Guard
Scene Principle
Ensure the scene maintains its integrity by providing adequate guards for the scope of the scene
Freeze
Scene Principle
Stop movements in and out of the scene.
Prevent further contamination or evidence being lost
Preserve
Scene Principle
Prevent further loss or potential loss of evidentially important items
Control
Scene Principle
Maintain control of the scene by controlling witness/victim and suspect movements
Clearing Scene
Incident actions
Remove all people from immediate scene (using CAP if possible)
Ensure they do not take anything or contaminate the scene
If possible have a Police Officer:
* contain them in a clear area
* warn them not to discuss what has happened
* obtain their full particulars
* keep warring factions, families or gang members apart
SITREPS
definition
Situation Reports
Giving a SITREP to Comms
- information that could help locate the offender
- advise what assistance is needed
- use your radio or mobile phone in private (if possible)
- be wary of giving the victim’s particulars over the radio (in areas of analogue radio anyone with scanners can listen in)
- provide location of SFP to staff who are on their way to the incident
SFP
Safe Forward Point
where you will park your vehicle in relation to the scene.
Purpose of a SFP?
safe location near an incident where staff can meet for final briefings or preparations
Brief to staff
at an Incident
- what you know has happened
- what you have done
- what is being done
- what needs to be done
Scene Guard duties
UNBENT
- Unauthorised entry (allow noone access without authority of the O/C)
- Notebook recording (details of anyone entering scene; name/designation/reason for visit/time of entering & leaving scene)
- Brief authorised people (aware of entry and exit point, route to be taken on scene and hazards)
- Explore and report suspicious activity (record this too)
- No contaminating it yourself (do not use toilet)
- Think of the animals (be aware of animals and removing them from the scene if possible - risk of eating body tissue/contaminating the scene
Offender/Suspect
what to do?
VAWSEEPO
- decide an action**
-(warn/report/arrest)
-safety issues when dealing with suspect
-transport arranged?
-other enquiries urgently need to be done?
-obtain particulars - BOR
- interview
After identifying a suspect you should…
- seperate suspect from others
- talk out of hearing of others
- advise of their caution/rights
- conduct preliminary interview (ensure details of offence (intent) are covered)
Powers?
VAWSEEPO
- situation specific (what power available) you can:
-arrest/detain/search & seize
-search pursuant to legislation
-enter premises pursuant to legislation
Elements?
VAWSEEPO
- what offence?
- how to prove each of the elements?
- do other enquiries need to be made?
Exhibits
what to know?
VAWSEEPO
- articles used:
-to commit offence (weapons)
-can help reconstruct scene (blood, damage to furniture scene etc)
-can show how an offence happened (phones/CCTV or documents)
Scene
what to do?
VAWSEEPO
- identify scene
- freeze/control/preserve
- scene examinations
-considerations? - safety & hygiene
Witnesses
what to do?
VAWSEEPO
- obtain particulars
- obtain details of the incident
- seek corroboration
- considerations
-compare with victim account
-anyone at risk from offender?
Victim/Informant
what to do?
VAWSEEPO
- obtain particulars
- obtain details of the incident
- seek corroboration
- Victim Support
Obtaining details of the incident…
TEDS & 5WH & H
Tell Me…
Explain…
Describe…
Show Me…
What?
When?
Where?
Who?
Why?
How?