Responding to an Assault Flashcards
What are the two notable elements of a primary investigation that are particularly relevant to assaults:
Golden hour principle: this is particularly relevant in the case of assaults, not least because some evidence of injury may be lost if not captured immediately, e.g. photographs of injuries or items used by paramedics at the scene of an assault.
Crime Scene: Minimum standards for responding to GBH assaults will always require the establishing of a crime scene (and the commencement of a Crime Scene Log). This is because GBH is a very serious offence which will often require specialist Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) attendance. A sad reality of GBH offences is that they often have the potential to become a murder if the patient’s health deteriorates further.
When getting a request for a violent incident, what important things should be checked on the Police National Computer (if the person is known)?
Risk factors for physical violence include a history of violent or disturbed behaviour, substance or alcohol abuse, and previously expressing an intention to harm others.
Once at the scene, what should happen?
A reassessment of victim and officer safety should be made, including immediate risked posed by availability and possible use of weapons.
The need for First Aid or other medical assistance (such as an ambulance) for anyone present.
Parties may need to be separated, especially if children are present.
Look out for visual threats from suspect.
Accurate records of anything thats happening.
