Initial Response to Homicide or Serious Crime Flashcards
Before you undertake a course of action at a serious crime scene, what must you first consider?
Every person who undertakes a course of action at a serious crime scene must first consider what risk(s) may exist.
What are the primary functions of first responding Police?
- attending the scene at an early stage
- taking control of the situation; and
- co-ordinating tasks.
What can reasoned positive action during the initial stages of an investigation result in?
Reasoned positive action during the initial stages of an
investigation can minimise any loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information, i.e. intelligence and admissible evidence.
Not all incidents involving homicide are readily identifiable as such. The nature of
information initially available to indicate an offence has been committed may range from
precise to vague. Whilst most offences of homicide are identified as a result of a body being
found or by a person responsible for the offence making admissions, some incidents notified
to the police are not initially identifiable as a homicide. Such instances may include:
- report of a missing person
- sudden unexplained death of an infant
- unexplained death
- report of an abduction
- report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
- crime scene without a body present
- hit and run vehicular collision
- suicide
- fatal fire
- drug related deaths.
What does VAWSEIPO stand for?
Victim Appreciation Witnesses Scene Exhibits Ingredients Powers Offenders
What is an appreciation?
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken.
What re the benefits of an appreciation?
- Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
- Increases the chances of success, i.e. the investigative aims/objectives being met
- Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
- Manages risk
- Reduces uncertainty
- Eliminates duplication
- Ensures nothing is overlooked
- Effective use of resources.
What questions should be asked when deciding on a course of action?
These questions must be asked:
• What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative?
• Which alternative is the most appropriate way to reach the objective?
• From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.
What must the resulting plan from an appreciation be?
A plan must be:
• the logical outcome of the Appreciation
• clear, concise and leaves no room for misinterpretation
• designed to avoid introducing matters not previously considered by the appreciation
• consistently considerate of safety issues
• recorded
• delivered to staff using the ‘SMEAC’ format, ie. Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics and Command & Signals.
The person reporting an incident is a critical witness in an investigation and it is a priority to obtain all available information from them. Every effort should be made to obtain:
• identity and location of the suspect
• a first hand account of what the complainant/informant knows
• precise details of the location of the scene
• circumstances leading to the discovery
• identity of the victim
• details of anyone else at the scene
• full contact details of the complainant/informant
• demeanour of the complainant/informant
• relationship of the complainant/informant, to the victim or suspect
• details of action the complainant/informant has taken and where they have been
• details of any hazards or safety issues that may affect Police approaching the
scene/victim.
What is the first priority at any crime scene?
The first priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members.
In order to be considered
admissible evidence under 18(1)(a), the court must be satisfied that both:
The content of the statement and the person who made it, are reliable.
The circumstances to consider
under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include:
- the nature of the statement;
- the contents of the statement;
- the circumstances relating to the making of the statement;
- circumstances relating to the veracity of the person; and
- circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person.
Describe what a Common Approach Pate is and how to set one up.
Consider possible approach paths and establish a Common Approach Path (CAP) for all movements into and out of the scene; using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim.
What is a crime scene log?
A crime scene log records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene, as well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case.
