Part 9 - Area canvass enquiries in homicide

Question 1

What matters should the OC canvass record in the detailed master record ?

Answer 1

• Address have been visited
• occupants interviewed
• documentation completed
• any relevant comments

Question 2

How can OC Area Canvas keep morale up to staff ?

Answer 2

• Providing regular feedback on the way canvas are contributing to the progress of the investigation

• Updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.

Question 3

Why is it important in some cases conduct area canvass at same time as offence ?

Answer 3

Capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day

Question 4

The main objective of an area canvass

Answer 4

• ID the offender
• ID and locating evidence (vehicle, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles)
• ID witnesses
• Gathering information
• sighting of victim and offender before and after the event
• sighting of potential witnesses
• sighting of relevant property and vehicles

Question 5

How can specialist Police units such as the Criminal Profiling Unit assist the OC area canvass during the area canvass planning stage?

Answer 5

• Assist with setting parameters
• Identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or to reside.
• Once parameters are set, able to establish whether there are any people or events which those carrying out the enquiries should be aware of

Question 6

OC Area canvass submit final report. What matters should it contain ?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What are the purposes of methodically conducted area canvas?

Answer 7

Highly likelihood of identifying or contacting the offender, an associate of the offender, significant witnesses, identifying evidence of exhibits and establishing significant facts