Questions Flashcards
After charging a shoplifter with Theft and lodging her in the cells, you receive information leading you to suspect her of further thefts.
According to Chief Justice Practice Note Guideline 2 you should:
Interview her again on video, caution again and question her about the new allegations.
“The truth may be elusive, so you may need to be persistent”. What should you keep in mind when asking persistent questions?
You should ask questions in a manner that will stand up to the scrutiny of the court - not cross-examination.
Persistent questioning is generally acceptable interviewer behaviour while cross-examination can be regarded as inappropriate interviewer behaviour?
True
Guideline 5 directs that after the completion of an interview the suspect should be given opportunity to review the interview record and:
Make any additions. AND Sign that they have read it and agree with it. AND Correct any errors
The Investigative Interviewing Suspect guide provides direction on how to introduce a challenge.
It suggests a process of using a sequence of phrases starting with key words -
You said……. We have…….. Explain that…..
When interviewing a person suspected of committing an offence, when should the caution be administered?
When you have sufficient evidence to charge a person with an offence.
All suspect interviews should preferably be recorded by video recording unless that is impracticable or unless the person declines to be recorded by video?
True
An interviewer may be persistent in their questioning when the account given by the suspect is inconsistent and contradictory.
True
When investigating an offence you may ask questions of any person of whom it is thought that useful information may be obtained but they are under no obligation to answer your questions.
True
When cautioning a suspect you are not obliged to inform the suspect that:
They can decide with a lawyer whether to go on video or not.
The preference to video record an interview with a suspect only applies when they are suspected of committing a category 1 or 2 offence.
False
You are interviewing a male suspect about a number of offences and after you begin to probe the inconsistencies in his account he says he is not prepared to say anything else but continues to answer your questions.
Is the complete statement / video record admissible?
No, only the part before the suspect claimed their Right to Silence is admissible.
In relation to cross examination, the following is correct:
Questions aimed at establishing further facts from answers given are acceptable.
Correctly informing a suspect of the caution at the beginning of an interview ensures that the interview record will be admissible.
False
At interview you are under no obligation to advise the suspect of everything known before asking the suspects version of events
True
The Chief Justice Practice Note on Police Questioning:
Directs the conduct of Police interviewing practice as guided by the judiciary.
If a suspects right to “consult a lawyer with delay and in private” cannot be facilitated immediately by Police, what action is required first?
Advise the suspect of that fact and the reason for the delay.
According to CJPN Guideline 4, when you are questioning a suspect about statements made by a witness you should:
Explain the substance or nature of the witness statements to them.
At interview a suspect is cautioned for a second time when he reveals his involvement in another crime. He contacts his lawyer and then says he has been advised to claim his right to silence and will not answer any more questions.
You should:
Inform him of the allegations against him and record any response he may make.
A serious assault has occurred at a private party. When you arrive at the scene you wish to speak to the patrons about the assault.
In the given circumstances Police behaviour must reflect Guideline 1 of the Chief Justice Practice Note which is:
You must not suggest through words or actions that a person must answer your questions.
If during an interview you make an unconditional undertaking not to use an “off the record” statement in evidence it is likely the court will:
Make you honour the promise and rule the evidence as inadmissible.
At the engage and explain stage of a witness interview the interviewer established the “ground rules”.
Name and explain the ground rules.
You say they should do all the talking as you don’t know what happened and they should correct you if you misunderstand - TAKE CONTROL
You say they should tell you all they know in as much detail as possible, everything that comes to their mind - REPORT EVERYTHING
You say you understand considerable focussed effort is required and that this may be difficult so they can take time to remember - CONCENTRATE
If a suspect has signed your notebook that they agree with your record of the events that occurred prior to interview, then there is no need to refer to these events on video:
False
Which of the following behaviours demonstrated by a lawyer at a suspect interview would be deemed unacceptable?
Answering the interviewer’s questions on behalf of their client.
When a witness has provided a description that matches the suspect the best way to present this as a challenge during the suspect interview is to say:
“A witness has provided details of an offender that fits your description”
According to the Investigative Interviewing doctrine which of the following statements about probing questions is correct?
An interviewer should avoid asking probing questions beginning with “why”.
A 16yr old male, arrested for an indictable offence, elects his mother as his nominated person. She asks about the charges her son may face, is she entitled to an explanation?
Yes. The Enforcement Officer should inform her of the nature of the charges as soon as possible.
When a video tape of an adult witness interview is to be used as evidence-in-chief then the O/C case must ensure:
The witness has viewed the video and given their signed consent for it to be used.
An investigative interviewer knows when to use and when to avoid certain types of questions.
“Was the car you saw driving off a station wagon?” could be what type of question?
Leading
Can a written statement from a witness interview include slang, swearing, or colloquialisms as it is a legal document?
Yes
Probing or closed questions are ones that encourage only a relatively small range of responses, usually a short word or phrase.
According to the material in the Investigative Interviewing doctrine, which of the following statements about probing questions would be incorrect?
Probing questions are the preferred way to start a suspect interview.
What is generally true of the Free Recall model?
It does not include a challenge phase
The Investigative Interviewer must be knowledgeable about question types and when they should be used or avoided. Name and describe three types of questions.
A question that can be answered with a yes or no - CLOSED
A question that seeks to clarify information given - PROBING
A question that can influence the witness’ answer - LEADING
An investigative interviewer knows when to use and when to avoid certain types of questions as they may affect the quality and quantity of information given.
“Was it a green car?” is what type of question?
Closed
On being shown to the station’s interviewing room to consult with her client, a lawyer complains that a video machine is on and can be monitored from an adjacent room. She refers to the client’s rights to consult in private and requests the video machine is turned off.
What response should she receive?
The machine will be turned off immediately, as requested.
During an interview the suspect alleges another officer has been stopping them unnecessarily and wants to make a complaint.
Should a suspect’s complaint affect the interview progress in any way?
Yes, the complaint should be noted on video and the suspect told that they will be referred to a senior officer following this interview.
A suspect declines the services of a lawyer but although he agrees to an interview he says “if you keep that video running I won’t say anything.”
What should you do?
Explain the advantages of a visually recorded interview and say he has the option of preparing a written statement.
Which of the following behaviours demonstrated by a lawyer at interview would be unacceptable?
Challenging the interviewer on the validity of the allegations made.
When determining the correct charge for an “assault” offence an offenders intent may be identified by: (4)
- The extent of the harm inflicted on the Victim
- Words a witness heard spoken by the offender
- The offender’s admission of intent to injure the Victim
- The weapons or degree of force used by the Offender
Section 10 of the Summary Offences Act 1981 is the only offence that specifically deals with “Assault on Police”
False
Gary sees Bert walking along the road with Gloria his ex-girlfriend. Gary is upset because he thinks that Bert stole Gloria from him. Gary picks up an empty plastic rubbish bin and throws it at Bert it misses Bert but hits Gloria.
This type of assault on Gloria is classed as an “indirect assault”.
False
Jo has an argument with his neighbour and is so enraged that he burns his cigarette into his neighbours face repeatedly causing in excess of 10 burns.
However, 12 months later and before the jury trial in relation to the incident, the burn marks have faded so much that they are no longer visible.
Which charge is the most appropriate?
With intent to injure anyone, disfigures
Stan sees Nigel walking along the road with Gloria, Stan’s ex-girlfriend. Stan is furious. He steps in front of them and says menacingly, “Get off my street or you’ll get this”. Gloria and Nigel are frightened. Stan raises a fist and demonstrates a punching movement.
Can Stan be charged with Assault?
Yes - because Nigel and Gloria have reason to believe Stan can harm them.
John and Harry attend the same party. John dislikes Harry as he now goes out with Harry’s ex-girlfriend.
John approaches Harry, forms a fist and says, “Leave now or you will get this fist in your face”. Harry quickly leaves and you investigate the incident.
This is an offence of “Assault” as Harry was threatened by John by his words and gesture and the placing of a condition on the threat does not negate the offence.
What is the appropriate term for each of the following injuries?
- loss of consciousness by punch to the head
- Facial scarring
- Fractured skull
- Gash to leg
- Loss of an index finger
- Injury
- Disfigure
- Grievous bodily harm
- Wounds
- Maim
Harry sees Melanie and her 15 year old son walking in the mall. Harry approaches and begins arguing with Melanie. Melanie’s son intervenes and Harry punches him the chest.
Harry should be charged with Assault on a Child?
False
You are dealing with a Suspect who has caused an injury to a person.
The term “to injure” means to cause:
Actual bodily harm to a person
Josephine is walking along the road when she takes an instant dislike to Mary who is jogging in the opposite direction. Josephine picks up a rock, turns around, and throws it at the back of Mary’s head. The rock misses and Mary fearing for her safety runs away.
Josephine should be charged with the offence of “attempted assault” in relation to her actions?
False
During a fight at a very crowded local bar, Steve grabs a pool cue and starts swinging it around. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone but gets carried away and hits a bar patron around the head. The injuries to the bar patron consist of a fractured eye socket and fractured skull.
The most appropriate way to describe Steve’s actions in the bar is that he
Acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Steve and John are “play fighting” when Steve tells John to punch him in the stomach to prove how hard and toned his abdominal muscles are.
John punches Steve twice in the stomach with a closed fist causing minor bruising.
John should be charged with Common Assault
False
Joe and Steve break into a vehicle parked up a residential driveway. They rip the GPS system from the dashboard and take a mountain bike from the boot of the vehicle.
As they run down the driveway they are confronted by the owner who attempts to stop them getting away. Steve punches the homeowner in the face causing him to fall to the ground and Joe and Steve run away.
What is the most appropriate assault offence?
Aggravated Assault (Section 192 Crimes Act 1961)
During a game of rugby there is some pushing and shoving between the two front rows. Steve falls to the ground and is then trampled by one of the opposing players as the scrum moves forward.
The opposing player cannot be charged with assault as Steve has given implied consent to undergo the reasonable risks associated with the game of rugby.
True
A person can be charged with “aggravated assault” if that person punches a Police officer attempting to execute a warrant to arrest in relation to failing to appear in the District Court.
True
Susan lives with Karen. They have an argument over who is going to eat the last piece of chocolate cake resulting in Susan plunging a knife into Karen’s chest and lacerating Karen’s lung
In relation to Section 188 of the Crimes Act 1961 the most appropriate description in relation to the puncture of Karen’s lung would be:
A Wound
Steve goes to his local pub where after a few drinks he gets into an argument with his friend Gerry. Gerry becomes so enraged with Steve that he yells out “you really deserve this” and smashes his glass twice into Steve’s face causing the glass to shatter. Steve suffers severe lacerations to his cheek and lip and a fractured eye socket.
What is the most appropriate Crimes Act 1961 assault offence?
Wounding with Intent (Section 188(1))
Bill is tagging a fence with a pen. When confronted by the owner Bill reacts by stabbing him in the chest. Bill flees the scene as he is fearful of arrest.
The most appropriate charge in relation to Bill’s actions would be under Section 191 Crimes Act 1961 - “aggravated wounding or injury”
False - Neither vandalism or intentional damage under the Summary Offences Act 1981 are a crime.
When leaving a house with a set of golf clubs Mary is confronted by the property owner. Mary holds up a screwdriver and yells “if you try and stop me I’ll get you with this”
The threat made by Mary may be sufficient for a charge under Section 191 of the Crimes Act 1961 in relation to the term “by any violent means render any person incapable of resistance”
True
John holds a knife to the throat of a dairy owner while his mate steals cigarettes from behind the counter. In his haste to get away John’s knife causes a small cut to the dairy owner’s neck.
For a charge to be successful under Section 191 of the Crimes Act 1961 and with reference to R v Tihi (1989) 2 NZLR 29 (CA) it must be shown that John:
Foresaw that the actions undertaken were likely to expose others to the risk of suffering the harm
AND
Meant to cause the specified harm to the dairy owner
Jo intends to cause grievous bodily harm to Steve. He attacks him with a knife but only manages to make one shallow cut across Steve’s forearm.
Jo cannot be charged under Section 189 of the Crimes Act as the cut would not be classed as grievous bodily harm.
FALSE - The lack of harm is not an issue. It is sufficient that there was intent to cause GBH.
Jane punches Kathy. The punch connects with Kathy’s nose and there is a great deal of blood as a result of the bleeding nose.
As there is a flow of blood from the nose Kathy has suffered a “wound”.
FALSE - A wound requires proof of a breaking of the skin.
To come within the definition of assault the force used must be intentional applied. Which of the following falls within the specific requirement of “intentional application”
A person hits one person and force is inadvertently applied to another - TRUE
A person is reckless and consequently force is applied to another - FALSE
A person tries to strike one person but misses and hits another - TRUE
An accidental pushing of one person into another person - FALSE
Jo gets into an argument with Steve at a local bar. The argument escalates and in her anger Jo grinds her cigarette twice in to the face of Steve. The resulting injury consists of two burns.
Jo is charged with disfiguring Steve under Section 188(2) Crimes Act 1961. Shortly after the incident the two burns are no longer visible. The Section 188(2) charge can proceed despite the burns having healed.
True
Harry and Ben argue on the street outside a local bar. Harry grabs a glass bottle from the rubbish bin, shouts “I hope this hurts” and swings the bottle at Ben’s head. Ben ducks, the bottle shatters against the bar wall and the glass fragments cut the hand and face of a passing pedestrian, Jennifer.
Harry could be charged with “assault with intent to injure” in relation to Jennifer:
True
“To injure” is defined in Section 2 of the Crimes Act 1961 as to cause actual bodily harm.
“Actual bodily harm” can include:
Any hurt or injury calculated to interfere with the victim’s health or comfort - TRUE
Psychiatric injury to the Victim if it some identifiable clinical condition - TRUE
A black eye as the result of a punch to the face of the Victim - FALSE
Rendering a Victim unconscious for a short period of time - TRUE
A small bruise after the Victim has been grasped around the wrist - FALSE
Tom intentionally drives his vehicle at slow speed at his neighbour after an argument over the tress on the fence line between their two houses.
The vehicle clips the neighbours leg and causes minor bruising and grazes.
Tom’s vehicle could be classed as a “weapon” under Section 202C Crimes Act 1961.
True
Assaults vary in nature and seriousness. Which of the following need to be considered when deciding on the most appropriate assault offence with which to charge an offender.
The intentions of the Offender - TRUE
The degree of harm inflicted on the Victim - TRUE
The surrounding circumstances and the nature of the offence - TRUE
That the Offender attempted to apply force on the Victim - FALSE
John, a respondent of a protection order, rings his estranged wife to tell her that his mother has been injured in a car accident and is critically ill. He says he wants his 12 year old daughter to see her grandmother before she dies.
John has breached the standard non-contact conditions of the Protection Order. He should be arrested and charged with a breach of Protection Order.
False
In relation to domestic (family) violence the term “violence” includes: (4)
- Sexual Abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Threats of physical, sexual or psychological abuse
- Physical abuse
Aaron is “punched over” by his father after staying out overnight and he is badly bruised and shocked. Aaron is 15 years of age.
Aaron’s father should be charged with “common assault” as Aaron is 15
Joanne and Steve are both 16 years of age. They are twins and live in their family home with their parents. You are called to a family violence occurrence at the address where there is sufficient evidence to arrest Steve for assaulting Joanne. Steve has lost his temper and hit Joanne on previous occasions.
A PSO can be issued against Steve to ensure the safety of his sister, Joanne.
False
How long can Police detain a person for the purpose of authorisation, issuing and serving of a PSO?
Two hours only
Mary is the Respondent of a Protection Order in relation to her ex-partner Josephine. Mary hears through the grapevine that Josephine has a new girlfriend so asks a friend to go around and question jospehine to find out some details.
Can Mary be arrested for breaching her protection order when she herself has not approached the protected person?
Yes
The term “Wilfully neglects” in relation to section 195 Crimes Act 1961 (Cruelty to a Child) means:
Deliberate or reckless failure to provide care
Michael threatens to hit Sylvie after they argue about watching a programme on the television. Michael’s threat of physical abuse would not be classed as violence as it is a single threat only and there must be a number of acts of abuse showing a pattern of behaviour.
False
A person is in a domestic relationship with another person if the person:
Is a family member of the other person
Is a partner of the other person
Has a close personal relationship with the other person
Which one of the following Acts contains the most appropriate power to enter a person’s house without warrant to protect their children from injury?
Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989
In determining whether a person has a close personal relationship with another person which of the following factors must be considered?
The duration of the relationship between the two persons
The nature and intensity of the relationship between the two persons
When preparing any opposition to Bail for a F.V offender Police must consider whether there is (3):
A possibility of risk to the safety of the victim’s family
An adequate safety plan in place for the Victim and their family
Need for the offender to have a “cool off” period in Police custody
These two following circumstances in F.V are considered to place a victim at heightened risk of injury:
When attempted strangulation has occurred
When the violence is increasing in frequency and severity
Tai is involved in a fight outside his local bar. He punches Bruce several times in the face and as Bruce hits the ground Bruce’s cellphone falls from his pocket. Tai sees the cellphone, picks it up and then leaves the scene.
The most appropriate charge in relation to the actions of Tai would be “robbery”?
False
Phillip has been watching the movements of the local dairy owner. He bikes past the dairy owner on her way to the bank and snatches the dairy owner’s cash bag from her hand. She is furious but unharmed.
The actions of Phillip would be sufficient to constitute the offence of “robbery”?
False
George is running down a crowded street. He grabs the shoulder bag of a passing female. He twists her arm as she tries to hold on to her bag. The pain causes her to let go of the bag and George takes off. The most appropriate offence in relation to the actions of George is:
“Robbery” as the theft was accompanied by a sufficient level of violence.
John has used violence to obtain property to which he believes he is entitled to.
If a defence of claim of right to a charge of “Theft” is used by John this defence would also negate a charge of “robbery”.
True. If the mental element required for theft cannot be established there can be no robbery.