OC Suspects

Question 1

Purpose of suspects team

Answer 1

• Obtaining information about suspects and POI’s
• Profiling and investigating suspects to establish involvement or eliminate them from the enquiry
• Seeking evidence to cover all elements of the offence
• Mitigating possible defences

Question 2

Three categories of suspect management

Answer 2

• Identification and profiling
• Arrest/termination
• Interviewing

Question 3

Suspects team briefing should include

Answer 3

• Circumstances of offending including and analysis of the scene and witness evidence
• Full details of all suspects and POI’s
• details of suspect descriptions
• Whether an MO has been identified

Question 4

Possible suspects may be indicated from:

Answer 4

• Area canvass
• Intel analysis
• Fingerprints or DNA samples
• CHIS
• Response to publicity and media reports
• Enquiries with external agencies

Question 5

Where the place of residence of a suspect who is yet to be identified is known, consider:

Answer 5

• NIA enquiries
• Enquiries with council
• Conduct reconnaissance
• Surveillance
• SDW
• Enquiries with utility providers

Question 6

Intel sources

Answer 6

• Financial information
• CCTV
• Telecommunications info
• Customer/subscriber info
• Vehicle GPS
• Social networks

Question 7

Arrest strategies ensure

Answer 7

• An investigator is responsible for each suspect and has had time to prepare for interview.
• The decisions to prosecute/choice of charges in is line with SG guidelines
• Clarity on Police position regarding bail
• The family of the deceased are updated via FLO
• Prompt prep of prosecution file

Question 8

Prior to interviewing a suspect, the OC suspects should

Answer 8

• Liaise with OC investigation regarding selection of interviewer
• Consult on most appropriate mode of recording (usually video)
• Establish status of person as a witness, POI, or suspect.
• Consider whether the person requires special consideration
• Ensure the interviewer is fully briefed
• Discuss elements that need to be established, offenders background, possible alibis etc
• Arrange monitor

Question 9

During an interview the OC suspects must ensure

Answer 9

• The interview is conducted in accordance with the “Investigative Interviewing suspect guide”
• the interview is monitored by a supervisor or experienced detective
• Ensure an explanation is sought in relation to any exhibits

Question 10

After an arrest is made, the OC suspects should:

Answer 10

• Ensure suspects are isolated from each other
• Ensure rights are given
• Consider obligation of CYP
• Consider searching for evidence on person, in vehicle or at home

Question 11

When executing search warrants

Answer 11

• Establish strategy for search and whether premise is to be subject to forensic examination
• Ensure legal authority exists
• Arrange for a photographer and fingerprint officer to attend
• Ensure OC exhibits is appointed
• Assess all evidence found and ascertain its relevance
• Photograph evidence in situ
• Issue receipt for Prop seized

Question 12

When executing search warrants

Answer 12

• Establish strategy for search and whether premise is to be subject to forensic examination
• Ensure legal authority exists
• Arrange for a photographer and fingerprint officer to attend
• Ensure OC exhibits is appointed
• Assess all evidence found and ascertain its relevance
• Photograph evidence in situ
• Issue receipt for Prop seized

Question 13

Medical examination of suspects, the doctor must

Answer 13

• Note any injuries I.e scratches or bruises
• Take necessary samples using MEK, including blood, saliva, hair, fingernail scrapings, swabs
• Gun residue swabs where appropriate
• Provide professional opinion regarding condition of the suspect

Question 14

To confirm the identity of the suspect:

Answer 14

• obtain fingerprints, foot prints and blood for DNA analysis
• Arrange photographs
• Obtain samples of handwriting where relevant
• record description
• Record details

Question 15

Where a suspect is arrested for Homicide , the following documentation must be completed:

Answer 15

• NIA entry
• Message to the Operation DC by completing update of the serious incident report database
• Cancel related NIA wanted alerts

Question 16

To include in report re psychiatric referral

Answer 16

• Circumstances of the arrest
• Summary of the offence
• Previous criminal history
• Mental history
• Symptoms and duration of any current mental illness

Question 17

When investigating any alibi offered, OC suspects must:

Answer 17

• Make enquiries into person other than the person name to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the alibi
• Complete enquiries to establish where the suspect was, who they were with and what they were doing at the time of the offence
• Seek any forensic corroboration