Role Of OC Suspect

Question 1

What factor might influence a setting of investigation priorities?

Answer 1

• likelihood of suspect leaving the area

- relative weight of evidence against a person

Question 2

Why should OC suspect debrief their team?

Answer 2

So they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences between other members of the suspects team and other investigation staff. Priority information must be brought to the attention of the OC Investigation as necessary.

Question 3

Medical with suspect, the doctor must?

Answer 3

• Note any injuries, scratches, bruises
• take samples identified as necessary by OC investigation using a specialist medical examination kit including: blood, saliva, head hair, pubic and body hair if relevant, fingernail scrapings, swabs of suspects hands or other relevant areas
• swab suspects hands fir firearm residue using specialist firearms detection kit as soon as possible where a firearm has been involved in an offence. Such residue may persist on the hands or clothing for up to 3 hours

Question 4

During an investigation into multiple suspects for a serious offence, what steps can investigators take to mitigate or eliminate the possibility of forensic cross contamination between the suspects?

Answer 4

Where more than one suspect is involved an appreciation must be made regarding which staff are assigned to seize clothing from suspects. It is vitally important officers involved are fully aware of cross contamination issues and where possible, separate officers should be assigned to each suspect. Suspects must be kept apart including during travel in vehicles and when in cells. All clothing should be packaged, labeled and sealed in accordance with standard procedures before transfer to OC exhibits.

Question 5

When you locate exhibits in a SW, what are the questioning procedures with the suspect?

Answer 5

Seek explanations from the suspect regarding any exhibits found, record the explanations provided and ask them to sign the notes and add a declaration certifying the notes as a true and accurate record of what was said.

Question 6

What general matters should be covered during the debriefs of OC suspects to their team members?

Answer 6

First they should analyse the information available such as witness statements, police reports and info from the scene.
Briefing should encompass:
- Circumstances of offence(scene/witness/evidence)
- Full details of all POI/suspects
- Descriptions of suspects provided by witnesses
- Whether any modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified

Question 7

Interviewing a suspect, the OC suspect must ensure the interviewer what?

Answer 7

• The interview is conducted in accordance with the ‘Investigative interviewing suspect guide’
• The interview is monitored by a supervisor or experienced Detective to ensure that all key points and areas are covered
• Ensure an explanation is sought from the suspect in relations to any exhibits found.