Investigation Flashcards
What is the glossary definition of Admissible?
Evidence allowable and can be accepted by the court. Investigators must establish the relevance of the exhibit to the case under investigation. They must be able to demonstrate the reliability of the evidence through the integrity of the chain of evidence process.
What is the glossary definition of Biological Material, and what are the four categories of it?
Matter of an organic nature that can provide links directly two a person. Four categories:
Body fluids (blood, saliva, semen etc)
Trace biological (epithelial cells, trans. through contact)
Hairs (Hair shaft only, hair with root)
Toxicology (drugs in blood, urine, hair)
What is the glossary definition of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis?
Reveals much information for crime scene reconstruction by providing vital information about an assault. Can be found on victim, assailant or surface. Many types including: cast-off, pooled, dripped, spattered, arterial spurting, backspatter, latent. Must be undertaken by ESR at scene examination - cannot be completed retrospectively from photographs.
What is the glossary definition of Chain of Evidence?
A chain of evidence is the record of all the people who have had custody of an exhibit since it was first discovered, to it’s presentation at court and it’s security in Police records. O/C Exhibits is appointed to safeguard this during serious criminal investigation.
What is the glossary definition of a cold zone?
The area in the outer cordon of the scene. From here, O/C Scene manages scene examination and staff involved, eg briefings/debriefings, meals, maintaining records etc.
What is the glossary definition of contamination?
When material is added to an exhibit post incident, such as when humans or animals enter the scene. For example, a police officer leaving their fingerprints on a surface.
What is the glossary definition of a control sample?
Samples of known origin that can be compared with materials found on items being examined. Otherwise known as a reference sample.
What is the glossary definition of cross contamination?
Contamination that occurs through the exchange of traces of forensic material between the offender, the crime scene, the victim and other people. Can also occur through secondary transfer.
What is the glossary definition of degrade?
Over time, all biological material will break down naturally, however technological developments mean it could still be possible to retrieve fingerprints and DNA from decomposed samples. ESR experts must be the people to examine/uplift/analyse degraded biological material.
What is the glossary definition of DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid - the genetic material carried by all living things. DNA samples are used to distinguish between individuals.
What is the glossary definition of a DNA profile?
A profile generated from the analysis of an individual’s DNA, stored on a national DNA database at ESR. There is another database, the “crime sample” database, which contains DNA profiles from unsolved crimes.
What is the glossary definition of an elimination sample?
Elimination samples are samples taken from people who are not connected with the offence but who may have come into contact with the evidence - to separate out the subject’s DNA from the suspect’s.
What is the glossary definition of entomological samples?
Samples of insects collected from a scene that can assist with objective scientific evidence.
What is the glossary definition of forensic material?
Material of a biological or physical nature collected as evidence. Must be analysed to provide both objective and data determining it’s relevance to the investigation.
What is the glossary definition of the Golden Hour?
The period immediately after an offence when material is abundant and readily available for collection.
What is the glossary definition of the Hot Zone?
The hot zone is the part of the scene requiring examination and evidence protection. It is closely controlled by O/C scene. Exhibits are collected and packaged for forensic analysis in the hot zone.
What is the glossary definition of Impressions?
An impression is evidence of a biological or physical nature left at a crime scene. It is a key example of “every contact will leave a trace”. Should be photographed in situ before an attempt is made to lift it. Generally require specialised collection and packaging.
What is the glossary definition of Intangible?
Not able to be touched, not having physical presence. Example - email address or information held on an internet data storage facility.
What is the glossary definition of Integrity of Evidence?
The integrity of evidence is protected through ensuring access to scene is controlled and documented, forensic examination is done by personnel with knowledge of scientific method and who are suitably trained/qualified and the chain of evidence is secure.
What is the glossary definition of Latent Samples?
Latent samples are those that are hidden or concealed - for example fingerprints or bloodstains that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
What is the glossary definition of the Order of Examination?
Means the preferred sequence of analysis, determined by investigative need. Experts determine which examination should occur first.
What is the glossary definition of Persistence?
Length of time forensic material is able to be detected following a crime. Can be affected by natural causes (eg weather) or intervention by humans or other animals. Key reason why prompt and effective action is required by the investigators.
What is the glossary definition of Physical Evidence?
Materials examined to establish links between things, by way of physical fit, impressions, composition, residue they may leave. Example - Piece of broken indicator light left at a hit-and-run.
What is the glossary definition of Physical Fit?
Involves fitting together two or more objects to see if they were originally part of the same item.
What is the glossary definition of Primary Transfer?
The direct transfer of forensic material from one party to another, generally requiring contact between the parties. Example - offender’s blood on victim’s clothing.
What is the glossary definition of Relevance?
It is a fundamental principle that relevant evidence is admissible - forensic evidence does not rely on what people said or observed. Provides links and unbiased objective scientific information to confirm it’s own relevance.
What is the glossary definition of Secondary Transfer?
Indirect transfer of evidence to a third party. Example, shirt fibres from one person to another via a third person, without any contact between the two persons with shirt fibres on them.
What is the glossary definition of Significance?
The evidential value of the material sample for the evidence collection. Example - where an exhibit was found in relevance to the investigation.
What is the glossary definition of Tangible?
Perceptible by touch. For example, a physical exhibit such as a knife.
What is the glossary definition of Toxicology?
The analysis of body samples for alcohol, drugs or poisons. Includes detection in blood, urine, hair and fingernails.
What is the glossary definition of Trace Evidence?
Microscopic or minute samples of evidence. Can include things such as epithelial (skin) cells, or other things like fibres, glass, paint, firearm discharge or pollen.
What is the glossary definition of Transfer?
In a forensic context, transfer means the exchange of material traces between the offender, crime scene and victim that can occur during and post incident.
What is the glossary definition of Warm Zone?
Transition area where:
Scene examiners put on and take off protective clothing.
Scene examiners access equipment.
The O/C exhibits recieves and records exhibits.
What is the glossary definition of the Zone Model?
Also referred to as Decontamination Zones. Contains Cold, Warm and Hot Zones. Zoning helps avoid contamination of scene and exhibits.
What action should be taken when en route to a serious crime by the attending unit in terms of initial action?
Obtain all available information, including descriptions. Plan approach, discussing with your offsider.
What action should be taken when arriving at the scene of a serious crime by the attending unit in terms of initial action?
Note and stop any vehicles attempting to leave, park in a clear safe area. Take note of what is happening and where. Identify an SFP. Approach scene and locate informant, obtaining basic circumstances. Arrange for detailed interview/statement. Identify any interference to the scene, and record/mark out a clear approach - do not use the path taken by the suspect and take care not to contaminate or destroy evidence.
What is the first thing that should be seen to at a serious crime scene, after it is established that the scene is safe?
The victim/any other injured person at the scene. You must preserve life (first aid, ambulance) and protect them from further injuries, conducting a brief preliminary interview if possible. Note or record the victim’s position before they are moved. Accompany to hospital if transported there, preserving clothing and obtaining details of Doctor and ambulance personnel.
What action should be undertaken by the initial attending unit at a crime scene, when the victim is not showing any signs of life?
Check for signs of life but do not move the body unless absolutely necessary. Attempt to resuscitate as and where appropriate. If you have to move the body do not attempt to return it to the original position. Record everything that you can see. Note condition of clothing. If possible sketch a plan of the scene.
What are the summarising points of actions to be taken by the initial attending unit at a serious crime scene?
Victim: Assess risks on information available.
Plan your response and approach. Preserve life. Preliminary interview.
Scene: Set path in and out. Clear. Boundaries. Guard. Freeze. Control. Preserve. Observe. Note and record.
Witnesses: Separate. Contain. Preliminary interview.
Suspects: Separate. Contain. Preliminary search. Note demeanor. Consider preliminary interview. Record comments.
What actions should be taken in order to freeze, control and preserve a scene?
Remove people and separate if possible. Obtain details and conduct prelim interviews. Find out if anyone has left. Stop all movement to and from the scene and all activity within the contained area. Keep scene log. Ensure nothing is touched or moved - make a sketch and take notes. Protect all exhibits. Establish boundaries and appoint scene guards. Be prepared to take immediate action with regard to preserving evidence.
What are the duties of a scene guard?
Prevent unauthorised entry, maintain a register, ensure anyone entering is directed through common approach path, record all movement and vehicle details to and near the scene, communicate information to OC scene, not personally enter or interfere or contaminate the scene, be vigilant of animals. remain on duty until relieved, brief oncoming scene guard, do not discuss crime with witnesses or bystanders, use tact and courtesy when dealing with civilian witnesses and crowds, report any actions taken to OC scene.
What are the points that should be recovered by the initial attending unit at a serious crime scene regarding SITREPs?
What you know What action has been taken What assistance you need Provide SFP Keep Comms informed Be prepared to brief senior officer.
What should be covered off with regard to dealing with the suspect by the initial attending unit at a serious crime scene?
Ensure they do not leave but only arrest if absolutely necessary.
Separate from witnesses/other suspects.
Note appearance, conduct and demeanor.
Caution if necessary.
Conduct preliminary search and prevent disposal of evidence.
Consider conducting preliminary interview. Record everything the suspect says.
What action should be taken by the initial attending unit at a serious crime scene when help and support arrives?
Uniform staff: Brief, strengthen scene guards.
CIB members: Advise what has been, is being and what needs to be done.
OC Scene: Informed of any action taken that may adversely affect the scene.
What are the initial actions that should be taken by an OC scene?
Before arriving, ensure: Sufficient staff dispatched, necessary equipment sent/requested, specialists contacted, roadblocks/cordons set up, employees briefed, OC’s appointed.
Upon arrival: Obtain briefing, ensure scene cleared and witnesses/suspects taken to station, check scene boundaries, ensure scene guards briefed, refer media personnel to OC investigation, brief all staff at scene, establish scene log and common approach path, make prelim recon, liase with OC investigation RE OC exhibits, establish zoning method, make SITREPs, brief crime scene examiner taking over from OC scene.
What are the three primary functions of initial Police responders to homicide or serious crime?
Attending the scene at an early stage, taking control of the situation, and co-ordinating tasks.
What are some examples of incidents that are notified to Police that could later be discovered to be a homicide?
2M, cot death, unexplained 1S, abduction, violence where no fatalities are anticipated, crime scene with no body, hit-and-run 1V, 1X, fatal fire, drug related deaths.
What is the general investigation model that should be applied to all cases of initial response?
VAWSEIPO.
What are the 6 basic principles that underpin all serious crime investigations?
Appreciation process, Preserve life, Preserve scene, Identify and apprehend suspects, Secure evidence, Identify victim
What are the benefits of applying an appreciation when conducting an initial response to homicide or serious crime?
Informs all Police of what they are expected to achieve.
Increased the chances of success with regard to aims/objectives.
Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out.
Manages risk
Reduces uncertainty
Eliminates duplication.
Ensures nothing is overlooked.
Effective use of resources.
What are the 4 steps that should be followed to conduct an appreciation during an initial response to homicide or serious crime?
Aim, demonstrating a single objective.
Factors, any circumstance that could have an effect on manner in which you will achieve the aim.
Courses open, list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved.
Plan, a proposed course of action designed to achieve the desired aim.
When initially going to the scene of a homicide or serious crime, what action should be taken with regard to the complainant/informant?
Any and all information the informant knows about the suspect, circumstances, victim, witnesses, location, contact details, relationships, demeanor, action taken, hazards and safety issues. They should also be instructed to ensure that the scene is not interfered with and to ID themselves to arriving Police.
What action should be taken with regard to initial response to homicide or serious crime, when the victim is alive but injured?
Call an ambulance, consider resuscitation. Note original body position if they have to be moved. If they are transported to hospital, ambo’s details must be taken. Upon arrival, obtain medical opinion RE condition, seize clothing, establish ID, obtain pre-transfusion blood sample, seize any dressings, arrange firearms residue samples, note and photograph injuries, arrange DNA swabs where relevant, conduct scoping interview and consider recording immediate statement if likely to go 1S. Conduct prelim interview with ambo’s/staff who treated victim.
What action should be taken with regard to initial response to homicide or serious crime, when the victim shows no signs of life?
Never presume dead unless obvious (i.e. decapitated). Note body position and record if moved for attempted resuscitation. Remain with body until relieved by CIB/Supervisor. Arrange with doctor to pronounce life extinct. Treat the victim as a “scene”. Instruct medical staff to leave clothes on and any equipment in situ. If possible conduct scoping interviews with medical staff and establish actions, apparent cause of death and injury types. Ascertain if the victim spoke to anyone before their death. Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing, as well as anything else observed. Record all exhibits and sketch a plan. Provide full information to OC investigation at an early stage.
What are the 5 steps that should be taken with regard to preserving the scene when conducting an initial response to homicide or serious crime?
Identify (assessment, powers, establish, CAP, related scenes, what’s happening, observation, HQ, SITREP)
Secure (Powers, removal, cordons, guards, logs, prevent entry, prevent evidence loss)
Preserve (Best path, movements, leave in situ, stepping plates, prepare for immediate action to preserve evidence)
Consider (Necessity of photographs of scene/persons)
Record (Integrity via log, details of scene, sketch, photograph or video, anything moved, report to OC investigation)
What is a Crime Scene Log and what is it’s purpose?
Records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the scene, as well as other relevant activity. The purpose is to ensure that there is no unauthorised entry to the scene, integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured, intelligence opportunities are maximised and contamination issues are managed. It is vital that the Log is initiated at an early stage.
What points should be covered off in an initial witness interview during the initial response to a homicide or serious crime?
What happened Where exactly the incident happened Who was involved What the witness did Where the witness went What the witness touched Who touched the witness Who else was present Descriptions of those present What those other people present said or did
The potential to obtain forensic evidence from these witnesses if they had been in close proximity should also be considered, as well as any evidence that may be contained in electronic devices.
What steps should be taken during the initial response to a homicide or serious crime to assist in obtaining key material from witnesses?
Full details.
Assemble in clear area, supervised.
Isolate from one another and explain why.
Identify and conduct brief scoping interview.
Establish if anyone’s left.
Establish if any phone calls have been made from scene.
Record registration numbers of nearby vehicles.
Seize any CCTV relevant to vicinity/routes.
What procedure should be followed for suspects at the scene when conducting an initial response to homicide or serious crime?
Separate from other persons.
Consider their condition.
Ask them to remain and co-operate, then remove ASAP by consent or with lawful justification.
Consider grounds to arrest if uncooperative.
Prevent cross contamination by using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect.
Caution the suspect.
Consider searching the suspect and their vehicle/belongings to prevent disposal of evidence and for searcher’s safety.
Consider searching the vicinity of the suspect and the area or route they are thought to have taken.
Note appearance and behaviour.
Record everything they say, consider prelim interview if appropriate.
Whenever possible interview should be done on video.
Brief OC investigation on their arrival.
What action should be taken during the initial response to homicide or serious crime with regard to the media?
Keep them away from the immediate cordon and make no comment. Consult with OC investigation, identify media members and where they are located.
What action should be taken when responding to initial response to homicide or serious crime before leaving the scene?
Coordination with Snr CIB member or GDB supervisor who is likely to assume control, which will help consider what evidence has been gathered or identified and help focus on prioritising any investigative issues. The OC investigation will expect a briefing from the initial officer in charge of the incident, covering what has happened, what action has been taken, what has not been done and what needs to be done. All police who initially attend must record all information relating to their attendance.
What are the main points on the checklist for initial action at a serious crime?
Before attending: Make decisions driven by circumstances, obtain all available info. Consider requesting complainant to assist, make appreciation, develop plan. Freeze/control/preserve, assess safety and preserve life. ID and apprehend suspect, contain and control witnesses and preserve scene.
En route: Look out for suspect. Note and consider stopping vehicles. Prioritise tasks and assign duties - VOWES.
On arrival: 10-7. Gather information and make appreciation. Ensure safety, SITREP. Establish CAP. Record relevant info. Take control of scene. Clear scene (use S&S if necessary). ID complainant & prelim interview, arrange full interview. Commence victim procedures dependent on status. ID and preserve scene. Contain and isolate witnesses. ID routes suspects used to enter/leave. Ask suspect to remain and cooperate. Manage media.
Before leaving: Brief OC investigation. Record all action taken at scene and provide to OC investigation.
What is the role of an incident controller of an on-road incident scene?
Responsibility for employee safety and other responders creating a safe working environment for everyone at the scene. Involves controlling and protecting the scene, particularly the traffic (closing the road if necessary and deploying traffic control devices until traffic control management is taken over by the RCA), dealing with hazards and ensuring that employees and other responders adhere to safe work practices.
Ensuring that personnel are wearing appropriate clothing and protective equipment. Ensure that OSH regulations are complied with. Carry out risk assessments, and make sure that provision is made for support and welfare. The role of incident controller is assumed by the senior first responder to arrive at the scene regardless of the agency, and is assumed by more senior staff as they arrive.
What are the guidelines regarding closures of roads in terms of investigating roadside incidents?
If a road is closed as a result of an incident, it must be reopened promptly after any forensic evidence has been collected, but Police protocol does not cover planned road closures and for these an incident controller is not required.
What are the general guidelines around agency responsibility for specific priority functions at a roadside incident?
Safety - Usually fire will take the lead, with Police providing wider scene protection and traffic management. If the crash does not involve fire or hazardous chemicals, Police are the general lead agency.
Life preservation - Usually ambulance will take the lead for medical assistance, Police will take the lead for protection against criminal acts.
Evidence preservation - Police will take the lead for securing the scene, exhibits, witnesses and the like.
What are the incident controllers that may be appointed by other services at a roadside incident?
Ambulance service may appoint a commander to coordinate ambulance and medical resources if a person is in distress or danger. A member of the fire service may assume the role of incident controller where any vehicle or object is on fire or there is a threat of hazardous chemicals until that threat is neutralized or removed, and Police assume responsibility for managing the incident and conducting all further enquiries. Good communication with all other agencies is essential.
What are the duties and responsibilities of an incident operations manager, when appointed by an incident controller to manage the operational aspects of any road incident?
Ensure the scene has been identified correctly.
Consider whether additional Police resources are required for investigation.
Ensure first officers on the scene have been given an adequate briefing.
Consider the continuity of enquiries and evidence trails.
Allocate and prioritise scene management tasks.
Identify any specialist support required.
Liaise with media and where appropriate use media for immediate witness appeals and traffic management.
Ensure event log maintained.
Ensure all staff logged in and out of the scene.
What are some other incident-related roles that may be appointed at a roadside incident?
OC Exhibits, OC Body, OC Alcohol, OC Victim Support, and other OC’s to take over allocated parts of a crash investigation as required.
What initial action procedures should be followed upon arrival at a roadside incident?
Ensure scene is safe, appreciation, SITREP, attend to victims, reassess scene safety, consider additional resources. If a crash involves a death it should be treated as a crime scene involving an unlawful death until proved otherwise.
What should be evaluated when considering traffic control at a roadside incident?
Balancing the demands of the investigation with keeping the road open - close it only if necessary and try to minimise the closure and notify comms.
Road Controlling Authority must be contacted to provide traffic control in non-emergency situation.
Always better to initiate a broader roadside incident control then deescalating as the circumstances allow.
Synchronise tasks for investigators so they are conducted as quickly as possible.
Consider utilizing bystanders, but replace any volunteers as soon as practicable.
What should an incident controller consider the benefits of if a road or lane is closed?
A reduction in response times and rapid removal of crash victims to improve survival opportunities and reduce trauma and mortality.
A reduction in the duration of incidents, incident-related delays and congestion costs, as well as improving the reliability of the network (but not at the expense of forensic evidence collection).
Rapid recover to reduce exposure of all motorists, crash victims and incident responders (thus reducing the risk of secondary incident)
Additional investigation resources to reduce the duration of the closures.
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to tracks and impressions?
Shoeprints in the dew/lawn/paths/gardens/mud.
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to entrances to the scene?
Anything in these areas that may have been dropped or thrown away by the offender?
Any bloodstains or fingerprints on paths or in yards?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to motor vehicles?
Are the motor vehicles serviceable, locked, warm or cold?
Have they been used recently? Record their mileage.
Have any parked vehicles been driven away?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to the letterbox?
Who are the letters addressed to?
What are the dates on the envelopes and newspapers?
Were all the newspapers and mail delivered, or are deliveries for one day missing?
Have letters been interfered with?
Have papers been unfolded?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to deliveries?
Have there been any deliveries of items?
What are the dates on them?
Have empty bottles been put out?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to rubbish and compost?
What has been thrown out?
Have there been any collections of rubbish, rags or newspaper?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to animals?
Are there any animals?
Have they been fed and watered?
Are there any signs that they have been routinely cared for?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to the roof?
Has anything, such as a weapon, been thrown onto the roof, including gutters?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to outbuildings?
Are there any outbuildings, such as a garage or garden shed?
Has any property been stored in them? Is any property missing?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to neighbouring properties?
Have any weapons or property been disposed of or dropped onto the neighbouring properties?
Are there any bloodstains?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to outer doors?
Are the doors locked or bolted?
What is the type of lock?
Are there any marks suggesting someone has broken in?
Does the doorbell work?
What is the position of each door?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to windows?
Are the windows bolted?
What is the position of the catch?
Are there any marks suggesting someone has broken in?
Is it possible to see into the premises through the window?
What is the position of the curtains and blinds?
Are there any marks on the outside of the windows?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to the hall entrance?
Are there any objects or items of clothing that do not belong in the house or to the occupants? Look especially for outer clothing such as coats, hats and scarves.
Are there any bloodstains or fingerprints on passages or stairs?
Has the offender dropped or thrown anything away in any of these areas?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to lighting?
What lights were on when the first witness arrived? (This could indicate the time of day the crime occurred)
What are the gas and electricity meter readings?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to the inside doors?
Are the inside doors locked or bolted? What side is the key on?
What is the position of each door?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to appliances?
Are there any radios, heaters or televisions going?
What are the positions of the plugs?
Appliances may need to be turned off for safety reasons - take care not to disturb fingerprints or DNA evidence.
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to electronic devices?
Consider computers, cellphones, tablets etc and other storage media as potential sources of evidence.
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to disorder?
Do the premises show signs of disorder?
If so, are they typical of the occupant or are they signs of a struggle?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to weapons?
Are there any weapons?
Where were they found and in what position?
What types of weapons are they?
What state are they in?
Do they carry bloodstains or fingerprints?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to signs of a party?
How many bottles and glasses are there?
What are the labels on the bottles?
Are the labels on the correct bottles?
What are the contents of the glasses?
Is there any spilt liquor?
Are there any cigarette butts and matches?
What are the character and number of the guests?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to ashtrays?
How many brands of cigarette butts are there?
How were they extinguished?
Is there any lipstick on the butts?
Are there matches in the ashtrays? What types?
What should be looked for at scenes when conducting a crime scene examination, with regard to smells?
Is there a smell of cannabis/gunpowder/tobacco/alcohol/perfume/burning/food or vomit?
Is there an unknown smell?
