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
