Part 9 - Area Canvass Flashcards
What are the objective of OC Area Canvass?
(1) Identifying the offender
(2) Identifying and locating evidence
(3) Identifying witnesses
(4) Gathering information
What are some other benefits of conducting an area canvass?
(1) Sightings of the victim or offender before or after the arrest
(2) Sightings of relevant property or vehicles
(3) Sightings of potential witnesses
(4) Creating opportunity for early arrest through ID of offender
(5) Obtaining key information to drive the investigation and develop lines of enquiry
(6) Promoting awareness
(7) Eliminating unidentified vehicles or persons
(8) Obtaining an accurate record from the local community
What is involved in a reconnaissance?
Attending the scene as soon as practicable to make a reconnaissance, conduct an appreciation, set the parameters and objectives of the canvass
What are some considerations for an appreciation of an area canvass?
(1) Reasons enquiries were made
(2) Locations involved
(3) Parameters covered
(4) Questions asked
(5) Staff involved
(6) Records kept
(7) Who was / was not spoken to
(8) Statements obtained
What might influence the setting of parameters for an area canvass?
(1) Scenes i.e. where the victim/offender/witnesses have been present, where offences took place, where vehicles or exhibits have been found
(2) Premises within line of sight of scenes
(3) Access routes to and from scene
(4) Area where offender may have lain in wait
(5) Location of where victim last seen alive
(6) Locations frequented by the victim
(7) Locations of similar or previous incidents
What time parameters should be set for an area canvass?
(1) Offence - Times when the offence is thought to have occurred
(2) Scene - Times when people visited the scene
(3) Sightings - Times when victim/offender/witness was seen at location
(4) Previous residents/visitors at scene
(5) Consideration of people’s various work times
Who might be identified as a witness in an area canvass?
People who witnessed
(1) Events connected to an incident under investigation
(2) Sightings of victim/offender before or after event
(3) Sightings of other potential witnesses
(4) Sightings of relevant property or vehicles
What are the key points for team briefings?
(1) Summarise the situation, detail the duties and responsibilities
(2) Emphasise the need for thoroughness
(3) Emphasise that the questionnaire is a guide only - be flexible and ask further questions
(4) Evidence of probative value should be obtained by formal written statement
(5) Visit canvass area to record every address and then reconcile address with the map
(6) Ensure all forms are completed and actioned
(7) Reconcile completed locations with master copy
(8) Advise staff on action to take if believe suspect ID’d, items of evidential value located, individuals refuse to assist, what information can be disclosed etc
What is the purpose of the area canvass map?
(1) Evaluate quality of completed work (quality assurance)
(2) Identify lines of enquiry
(3) Monitor progress
(4) Facilitate the detailed recording of progress
What should the master record show?
(1) Addresses that have been visited
(2) Which occupants interviewed
(3) Documentation completed
(4) Any relevant comments made
What points may assist an area canvass?
(1) Use of experts - i.e. areas of diverse ethnic culture
(2) Use of aid memoir/script - for ready access to all relevant information
(3) Leaflets - with details of investigation and contact details
(4) Other options - i.e. media, mail drop, high profile Police presence
What information should be obtained from an area canvass debrief?
(1) Key locations where enquiries have been undertaken
(2) Parameters of Police activity
(3) What questions were asked and any perceived issues from respondents
(4) What records have been completed
(5) Who has been spoken to and what address
(6) Relevant information provided
(7) Any intelligence obtained
(8) Whether any witness statements/interviews completed
What information should be included in the OC Area Canvass report to OC Investigation?
(1) Summary of all action taken
(2) Any significant findings
(3) Any action undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy
What is involved in Part A of the canvass questionnaire?
Completed when a person first visits an address.
Records:
(1) Street name
(2) House number
(3) Flat number
(4) Personal details of people who reside there
(5) Personal details of all other people visiting at time of offence
(6) Vehicles used by all residents/visitors at address
What is involved in Part B of the canvass questionnaire?
This is the questionnaire used in the investigation. Completed for each person who is interviewed during the canvass.
Records the:
(1) Personal details
(2) Home details
(3) Work details
(4) Answers to specific questions
OC Area Canvass retains completed Part B forms.
Person (witness) with relevant information must complete a formal written statement
