Part 1 - Initial Response Flashcards
Every person who undertakes a course of action at serious crime must consider:
What risks may exist.
Identification of homicide cases: Not all incidents are initially identifiable as homicide cases. Such instances include;
- Missing person
- Infant - Sudden unexplained death
- Abduction
- Suicide
- Fire
- Unexplained death
- Crime scene without body present
- Drug related
- Vehicle collision
MASFUCDV
The general investigation model that should be applied in all cases
VAWSEIPO
Victim Appreciation Witnesses Scene Exhibits Ingredients Powers Offenders
4 benefits of applying the appreciation technique
Reduce uncertainty Overlooked (Ensure nothing is) Manage Risks Eliminate duplication Resources effectively used
ROMER
In the appreciation technique what is a factor
A factor is a circumstance or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome.
What are the two main purposes for the police attending the scene of any death?
Investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death.
What information should be obtained from the person reporting an incident?
Suspect - ID and location Account - 1st hand, what they know Location - Of scene Circumstances - Leading to the discovery of the victim Victim - ID Details - Complainant, informant, anyone at the scene Relationship - To victim or suspect Actions taken - and where they have been Safety/ Hazards at the scene
Name 4 takes the informant/ complainant could do prior to police arrival
- Return to the scene and guard if safe to do so
- Not to enter obvious scene boundaries
- Not to touch or move anything
- Prevent others from entering the scene
- Await police arrival and ID themselves to police
What should officers who have initial contact with the informant take care in recording?
What they say
Demeanour
Clothing
These notes could become critical, especially if they are identified as a suspect.
Victims medical status (x3)
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
If a victim dies you can record a statement whether they record it or not. What must be recorded?
The court must be satisfied that both the content of the statement and the person who made it are reliable.
Include factor that demonstrate the reliability of the statement.
- The nature of the statement
- The contents of the statement
- Circumstances relating to the making of the statement.
- Circumstances relating to the veracity of the person making the statement.
- Circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person.
Preserving the scene. What should be done?
CRIPS P
Consider - best path to the scene
Record - Any movement/ actions within scene
If no immediate risk to life - consider stepping plates
Prepare - to take immediate action to preserve evidence
Scene- Keep in its original state
Preserve what is there and leave it inset, nothing touched or moved.
What is a crime scene log?
Records details, time and purposes of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene.
As well as any activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives may be relevant to the scene.
What must be recorded in each crime scene log?
NAPT Name and designation Authority to enter Purpose of visit Time of entry/exit
Witnesses may have been so proximate to events that it is likely evidence may be transferred to them.
Consider warrantless powers when obtaining evidence.
You will need to preserve and recover forensic evidence such as..
- DNA swabs of the areas on the witness the suspect may have touched.
- DNA swabs of blood on the witness
- Forensic examination - fingernail scrapings/ hair combing
- Seizure of clothing/ footwear
- Seize any items of property touched by the suspect
What are the priorities if a suspect is at the scene
Identification
Apprehension
Isolation
What physical factors should be considered when it comes to a suspect?
- Condition of the suspect
- Injuries
- Under influence of alcohol or drugs
- Medical/ mental impairment
- Other special consideration
Actions if media present at scene
KMCI
- Keep them away from the immediate crime scene cordon
- Make no comment about the incident
- Consult with the OC investigation on arrival and explain what has happened.
- ID media members when located
What is a common approach path?
A common approach path for all movements into and out of the scene which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by suspects or the victim.
Define 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. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of alternate solutions, allowing sound decisions to be made.
An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information.
In an appreciation technique what is a “Plan”
A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action in order to achieve the desired aim.
A plan must be;
- the logical outcome of the appreciation
- clear, concise and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
- designed not to introduce matters not previously considered by the appreciation.
- consistently considers safety issues.
- Recorded
- Delivered using SMEAC format.
If the victim shows no sign of life what steps should police take? (13)
CORPSED SAM
Call - Ambos, commence resus. If victim moved note original body position.
Obtain - Confirmation of life extinct unless obvious.
Record - Everything. Body position, clothes, exhibits, injuries, lividity, see/smell/ here.
Provide - All information to O/C investigation ASAP.
Sketch - Or photograph body and exhibit positions
Ensure - Body is not moved, treat as a scene.
Do not - Leave the body until relieved by a CIB supervisor.
Scoping - Interviews with medical staff noting actions, cause of death and injuries.
Ascertain - If victim spoke with anyone. If so what was said.
Medical - Staff to leave clothes on and any instruments used insitu.
The scene guard log is employed to ensure …
COIN
Contamination - issues managed
Opportunities - Intel opportunities managed
Integrity - of evidence or potential evidence is secured.
No - unauthorised entry to scene.
What steps should you take when dealing with suspects at a scene?
SCAN PRB
Separate - from others at scene
Consider - Searching suspect, vehicle or areas used by the suspect S&S2012
Ask - to remain and co-operate. Arrest/caution where appropriate. Remove asap with consent or lawful justification.
Note - appearance, behaviour and condition - injuries, influence of dugs/ alcohol, medical/ mental condition.
Prevent - cross contamination by using officers who have not entered the scene to deal with the suspect.
Record - What they say, consider prelim, suspect interviews on DVD.
Brief - O/C investigation. Highlight cross contamination risks or movements within scene.
What information should the O/C investigation obtain from initial response officers/
What has occurred
What action has been taken
What has been done
What needs to be done
Initial responders primary functions..
ATC
Attending the scene at an early stage
Taking control of the situation.
Coordinating tasks.
