Part 9 Area canvass enquiries in homicide or serious crime investigations

Question 1

Points to consider that may benefit an area canvass:

S/A

Answer 1

1. Use of experts in areas with diverse ethnic cultures
2. Use of an aide memoir
3. Leaflets
4. Other means such as:
   - Media appeals
   - Mail drops
   - Poster campaigns

Question 2

The main objectives of an area canvas include:

Answer 2

1. Identifying the offender
2. Identifying and locating evidence
3. Identifying witnesses
4. Gathering information

Question 3

Risk assessments:

Once the location parameters are set (line of site, victim last seen, access routes, locations frequented by the victim), intelligence systems should be analysed to establish whether there are any people or events in the area which those carrying out the enquiries should be aware of.

This may include:

S/A

Answer 3

1. Violent offenders
2. Persons wanted by police for other crimes
3. Groups with particular cultural needs
4. Local issues which residents may raise with police

Question 4

Area canvas appreciation process:

In consultation with the OC investigation, you should make an initial appreciation to determine whether a full area canvas phase is required.

The appreciation will take into account all available information including:

Answer 4

1. Questions asked
2. Staff involved
3. Locations involved
4. Alibi details

Question 5

People residing or working in the area may have relevant information. These witnesses may be peripheral or significant to the investigation and may include people who have witnessed:

S/A

Answer 5

1. Events connected to an incident under investigation
2. Sighting of the victim or offender before or after the event
3. Sightings of other potential witnesses
4. Sightings of relevant property or vehicles

Question 6

Time parameters are used by area canvas staff to verify the presence of individuals at an address or area, and to interview potential witnesses.

Time parameters should be set for:

M/C

Answer 6

1. The offence
2. The scene
3. Sightings
4. Previous residents and visitors at the scene

Question 7

On completion of area canvass, the OC area canvass must:

Answer 7

1. Conduct a debrief
2. Ensure all questionnaires are reconciled with the master list
3. Ensure all staff notebooks submitted
4. Submit a report to the OC investigation

Question 8

The OC area canvas must submit a report to the OC investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation.

This report should include:

Answer 8

1. Summary of all action taken
2. Any significant findings
3. Any action taken outside of the original phase strategy

Question 9

Monitoring progress:

The OC area canvass should continually review completed canvass forms as they are submitted in order to:

Answer 9

1. Facilitate the detailed recording of progress
2. Identify lines of enquiry to be highlighted to the 2IC
3. Monitor progress of the canvas
4. Provide quality assurance

Question 10

A detailed master record of ongoing process should be continually maintained and updated by OC area canvas showing:

Answer 10

1. Which addresses have been visited
2. Which occupants interviewed
3. Documentation completed
4. Relevant comments made

Question 11

At the conclusion of an area canvas, a thorough debrief must be carried out, this may include confirming aspects such as:

Answer 11

1. Whether persons have a credible alibi
2. Identity of any suspects
3. Any intel obtained
4. Key locations where enquiries have been completed