Role Of OC Suspects Flashcards
The OC Suspects is responsible for supervising the members of the suspects team for the purpose of:
MOST
Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised
Obtaining information about suspects/persons of interest
Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of offence
Thoroughly profiling and investigating all suspects/persons of interest
What are the three categories that management of suspects falls into?
- identification and profiling
- arrest/termination
- interviewing
What is a suspect?
Person of interest who has gained added status because of either a direct or indirect connection to the circumstances of the crime
What should an initial briefing of the suspects team encompass?
- circumstances of the offence
- details of any suspects/POIs when the details are known
- suspect description
- MO/crime signatures ID’d
Possible suspects may be indicated from/by?
- area canvas
- DNA samples
- fingerprints
- CHIS
- witness evidence
- Police notings
Where the place of residence of a suspect who has yet to be identified is known, consider:
- monitoring address through surveillance
- NIA enquiries
- council enquiries to ID property owner
- taking photos of persons as they enter/leave
What are TIE enquiries?
Trace
Interview
Eliminate
- Identifying the types of groups that may contain the offender
- Selecting a common characteristic shared by the group of people, which may include the offender
Research should aim to collect all available information and attempt to establish or find the following information about the suspect:
- the suspects previous history/MO
- places of residence/work
- details of vehicles owned
- details of landline and cellular telephones
- full description of the suspect
- recent photograph of the suspect
- medical records
Potential sources of information about suspects may be obtained by:
- financial information/bank records
- CCTV and other images
- Telco information
- cellular telephones
- internet websites
- vehicle GPS
What should be considered before arrest/termination?
- investigator appointed to each suspect
- Police position on bail
- engage Crown solicitor
- family of deceased are updated via the FLO
- prompt preparation of the prosecution file
- compliance by the disclosure manager
Preparing to interview a suspect:
- selection of interviewer
- appropriate mode of recording interview
- status of witness - caution necessary?
- interviewer fully briefed
- ingredients that need to be established
- interview plan
During an interview of a suspect, the OC Suspects must ensure that:
- the interview is conducted IAW the Investigative Interviewing suspect guide
- the interview is monitored by a supervisor or experienced Detective to ensure the key points are covered
- ensure an explanation is sought from the suspect in relation to any exhibits found
After an arrest is made the OC Suspects should:
- ensure suspects are isolated from each other
- ensure suspects have been advised of BOR/rights
- 1J suspects - Police obligations under the CYPFS Act are met
- consider executing a search for evidence of the suspects person, home and work place
On executing a search warrant:
- establish strategy for the search
- ensure legal authority exists for the search to be conducted
- arrange photographer/fingerprint officer
- ensure OC Exhibits attends
- if practicable, suspect is present while a search is conducted
- assess all the evidence found and ascertain it’s relevance
- seek explanations from the suspect regarding any exhibits found
- issue a receipt for any property seized
- ensure all exhibits seized are sealed before removal
The OC Suspects will arrange, in consultation with the OC Investigation, for a Police Dr to examine the suspect. The Dr must:
- note any injuries (e.g. scratches/bruises)
- take samples identified as necessary by the OC Investigation using a specialist MEK including: blood/saliva/head hair/pubic/body hair(if relevant)/fingernail scrapings/swabs of the suspects hand or other relevant areas/swab hand for firearms residue
- provide a professional opinion re: suspects condition
- record any explanations or comments made by the suspect about the offence or cause of injuries.
- photos of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries must be taken
