Misc Serious Crime Flashcards
When should OC Body strip the body of clothing:
- Immediately before the post-mortem examination commences.
- Under specific direction of the OC Investigation.
- Generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.
- Comment- Before entering the post-mortem examination room or handling the body, the OC Body and any other persons present must dress in protective clothing i.e. foot-coverings, latex gloves, overalls and face mask. It may be convenient to wear more than one pair of gloves so that as a pair becomes soiled or worn, the outer pair can be removed to reveal a fresh pair beneath.
Appointment of O/C Body. Considerations:
The OC Body should be:
- An experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues.
- Where this is not possible, the OC Body may require additional support and/or mentoring.
- Appointment of an officer to assist OC Body as ‘Exhibits Officer’ during PM, should also be considered.
Alibi Witnesses - Steps:
Alibi witnesses notified under section 22 of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008 must only be interviewed under the direction of the Crown Solicitor.
When particulars of alibi witnesses are notified concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced, the investigator must:
- Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi.
- Conduct inquiries as directed by the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witness
- Forward the results of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, including any statements
Ailibi - Offender
It is the responsibility of the OC Suspects to make thorough enquiries to:
- Determine the veracity of the alibi and
- Fully report the result of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, via the 2IC.
Describe chain of custody and state the purpose
- The chronological document recording the custody or transfer of custody of an exhibit.
- It includes every individual who has had custody or control of an exhibit, from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court.
- It is used to demonstrate the integrity, and therefore admissibility, of exhibits.
Following a Forensic Strategy meeting - What must O/C Exhibits do in relation to the exhibits register?
Following any Forensic Strategy meeting, the OC Exhibits must record on the Exhibits Register,
- All decisions taken about the types of examinations to be conducted.
- Priority allocated to the examination of each exhibit.
Hearsay Evidence.
Under S.16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006 what things should be considered?
- The nature of the statement
- The contents of the statement
The circumstances:
- of the statement
- relating to the veracity of the statement
- relating to the accuracy of the statement
What advice is to be given to those carrying out a formal ID?
They are to be informed as to:
- What is required of them
- What they should expect to see when the view the deceased. Particularly after a PM.
What actions should the OC Area Canvass take to ensure morale remains high?
Providing regular feedback on the:
- Way the canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation,
- Together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.
What items of physical evidence are available from a witness?
- DNA
- Fingerprints
- Body fluids
- Clothes
- Footwear
- Fibres
- Glass or other material
What aspects might influence the setting of priorities in relation to suspect enquiries?
- Relative weight of evidence against an offender.
- Likelihod of their leaving the area.
- Influence by a particular urgency in solving the case.
- Availability of staff.
Define a common approach path.
A CAP is established for all movements in and out of a crime scene, using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to or from the scene by the offender or victim.
What is the purpose of developing a forensic strategy?
- Allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.
Why is it important to debrief officers who have had first contact with the informant at a serious crime?
They should be debried and a full record made of their contact.
This record could become crucial if the informant is later identified as a suspect.
These officers may become investigatively important witnesses.
With respect to an interviewing officer of a witness. What four aspects should be considered in deciding who is best for the job?
- Level of training - level 3 for sensitive situations otherwise level 2)
- Experience the officer has in interviewing witnesses in major investigations and any additional skills that may be advantageous
- Suitability of the officer. Includes: welfare issues and any previous experience that the officer has had with the witness that may inhibit rapport building or challenging..
- They must be informed of their role early and given a chance to plan the interview.
Purpose of a Crime Scene Examination?
Verify confessions and admissions.
Identify complainants, offenders, witnesses, exhibits and scenes.
Corroborate or contest Witness & Victim accounts and other evidence.
Establish offences, key elements, provide a basis for the inquiry.
Exonorate the innocent.
Exclude possible defences.
What are the two keys tasks of any investigation?
- Gathering and preserving evidence.
- Documentation.
What is the purposes of holding team conferences when investigating a serious crime?
- Keep all team members up to date with developments in the enquiry.
- Give members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on important information.
- Give the 2IC the opportunity to pass on instructions to staff on file management and other administrative matters.
- Give the O/C the chance to brief the team on important investigative topics, priorities and which lines of enquiry to follow.
4 Types of Conference:
- Initial conference
- Regular conference
- Debriefing conference
- Phase team conferences
Two teams in a serious crime investigation:
- Investigation
- Support (Operation HQ Team)
Both equally important.
Everyone is responsible for the investigation.
Conference considerations:
- Venue must be secure.
- Confidentiality of information is very important. (eg. CHIS and info for future corroboration).
- Staff conference notes not generally disclosable but should be identifiable as such for future redaction by Disclosure Officer.
