Part 9 - Area Canvass

Question 1

What is the objective of an area canvass

Answer 1

ID the offender
ID or contacting significant witnesses
ID or locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons, and other articles
gathering information.

OAWEE

Question 2

Why should OC investigation, area canvas and OC suspects return to the scene

Answer 2

To make a reconnaissance of the area and conduct an appreciation and to set the parameters and objectives of the canvass.
This will provide clear perspective of the area when it is referred to subsequently in statements and or briefings

RAPO
PSB

Question 3

Why is the timing of the canvass phase important?

Answer 3

It should be conducted at the same time as the original offence occurred to capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day eg-homicide of a person in the park in the early hours of the morning

Question 4

What are relevant locations that may influence the setting of location parameters: (4 examples)

Answer 4

• Scenes for example: sites where victims, offenders or witnesses have been present. Sites where offences have taken place. Sites where vehicles property or exhibits have been found
• premises within the line of sight of scenes
• access and where routes to and from the scene
• areas where offender may have lain in wait
• location where victim was last seen alive
• locations or premises frequented but the victim

Question 5

What can specialist police units suck as criminal profiling unit or criminal or geographic profilers be consulted to assist with

Answer 5

Setting parameters

Or

Identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or to reside

Question 6

Once parameters are set, what are some of the risk assessments they should be aware of: 4 things

Answer 6

• Violent offenders
• Persons wanted by police for other crimes or WTAs
• groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
• local incidents or issues which residents may raise with police

Question 7

What resources and tools can be used by OC area canvass

Answer 7

Street maps
Aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections
Geological information
Local council records
Other applicable references 

SAGLO

Question 8

How can the OC area canvass keep morale high

Answer 8

By providing regular feedback on the way the canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation together with updates on the progress brings made with other phases of the enquiry.
Regularly visit canvass staff to check welfare. Make sure they have adequate toilet, meal and refreshments

Question 9

What should be recorded in the master record and updated by OC area canvass?

Answer 9

Which addresses have been visited
Which occupants interviewed
The documentation completed
Any relevant comments made

Question 10

Other than door to door enquiries what else can be done during area canvass

Answer 10

Media
Poster campaign
Mail drop
High profile police presence, using a caravan

Question 11

Under completion of the area canvass phase, the OC area canvass must submit a report to the OC investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation. What matters must the report contain?

Answer 11

Summary of all action taken
Any significant findings highlighted
Attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken which was outside the original phase strategy

Question 12

What should be done if a person spoken to in the area canvass has relevant information to offer

Answer 12

Arrange for them to provide a FWS which is provided to the 2ic
Record on their part b form they provided a FWS and add their description
Ensure the witness info is conveyed to OC area canvass and 2ic investigation as soon as possible
Give part B form to the OC area canvass

Question 13

4. What is the purpose of the area canvass enquiries?

Answer 13

A methodically conducted area canvas increases the chances of identifying or contacting the offender, associate of the offender, witnesses, evidence or exhibits and establish facts. A canvass can further identify witnesses to the offenders movements before, during and after the offence.

Question 14

48. What key points should be covered when briefing a team for an area canvas? “SAFAREE C”

Answer 14

1. Summarise the situation and detail duties of each member
2. Advise staff what to do if they have id a suspect, locate items of interest, individuals refuse to assist, how to complete correspondence, what information can/can’t be disclosed
3. FWS - Advise that evidence of probative value to be obtained on FWS
4. All forms to be completed and actions noted
5. Reconcile completed locations with master to avoid duplications
6. Emphasise thoroughness
7. Emphasise that the questionnaire is a guide only and is flexible
8. Consider visiting areas to be canvassed and record any vacant properties, flats etc. Reconcile this information on the map.

Question 15

ways to keep Area canvass team motivation high

Answer 15

Providing - regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation
Updates - on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry
Regularly - visiting staff during the area canvass to monitor welfare, maintain control, morale, enthusiasm and efficiency.
Pay - Attention to the facilities provided for those involved including toileting, meals and refreshments.