Part 1(2) Initial Response to homicide or serious crime

Question 1

Where the victim shows no signs of life:

S/A

Answer 1

1. Consider calling an ambulance and resuscitation, if appropriate.
2. Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing
3. Obtain verification of death
4. Establish victims identity
5. Make a sketch/photographs

Question 2

Duties of a scene guard include:

Answer 2

1. Secure scene - Deny entry to unauthorised persons.
2. Record details - Name, rank, authority, purpose, time in/out
3. Control movements - Use a common approach path
4. Record movements - All movement and vehicle details
5. Brief others - Communicate info to OC scene
6. Protect scene - Lookout out for animals which may disturb scene

Question 3

Adopting an investigative mentality:

S/A M/C

Answer 3

Police purposes are to investigate thoroughly and gather evidence to satisfactory explain the circumstances of the death.

Question 4

Check list for initial action at serious crime scene

Witnesses

Answer 4

1. Contain, isolate, and seek witness co-operation
2. Conduct scoping interviews
3. Photographs witnesses/ injuries
4. Prioritise interviews by investigative importance

Question 5

The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should obtain where applicable:

Answer 5

1. DNA swabs of areas the suspect may have touched
2. DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness
3. Forensic medical examination, i.e fingernail scraping
4. Seizure of clothing and footwear

Question 6

When seizing forensic medical evidence form a witness you must consider the following points:

Answer 6

1. Avoid any potential cross contamination issues, i.e use different vehicles
2. Photograph the witnesses at the scene to enable future identification of witnesses
3. Photograph any injuries suffered by the witness

Question 7

Procedure for suspects at the scene.

Follow these steps if suspects have been identified at the scene:

S/A

Answer 7

1. Separate suspects from other persons at the scene
2. Caution the suspect
3. Consider the condition of the suspect, (SA)
   - whether they are injury
   - under the influence of drugs/ alcohol
   - mentally impaired, or
   - other special consideration
4. Note suspects appearance and behaviour
5. Consider searching suspect to prevent disposal of evidence

Question 8

Check list for initial action at serious crime scene

Before leaving the scene you must:

Answer 8

1. Brief the O/C investigation
2. Cover off what has been done, being done and needs to be done
3. Provide comms centre with a strep
4. Remind all initial attending staff to provide notebook entries, statements, photographs etc

Question 9

What does a crime scene log ensure?

Answer 9

• No unauthorised entry to scene
• Integrity of evidence
• Opportunity to gain intel
• Contamination managed

Question 10

What are the two most important things when dealing with media?

Answer 10

1. Make no comment

2. Keep media away from immediate crime scene cordon