Serious Crime Flashcards
What are the two key tasks of any investigation?
Gathering & Preserving Evidence
Documentation
What are some examples of high standards in the investigation process (6)?
Investigative mindset
Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate
Consider how your decisions will be scrutinised under cross examination in Court
Attention to detail
Team work
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
What is the purpose of team conferences (4)?
Keep all team members up to date
Give team members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on important information
Give the 2IC the opportunity to pass instruction
Give the O/C the chance to brief the team on important investigative topics
Who are team conferences usually chaired by?
O/C
What are the four types of conferences
Initial conference
Regular conference
Debriefing conference
Phase team conference
What are the benefits of positive action during the initial stages of an investigation?
Minimise any loss
Maximise opportunities to secure relevant information i.e., intelligence and admissible evidence
What are some examples of incidents that may not initially be identifiable as homicide
Missing persons
SUDI
Unexplained death
Abduction
Report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
Crime scene without a body present
Hit and run 1V
Suicide
Fatal fire
Drug-related deaths
What does VAWSEEPO stand for
Victims: identify and locate the victim(s)
Appreciation: make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the lives of others
Witnesses: locate and contain witnesses
Scene: preserve the scene (e.g. set boundaries)
Exhibits: note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed
Elements: consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established
Powers: identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them
Offenders: identify and apprehend suspect(s)
What four aspects should you do regarding initial action at a scene?
Freeze
Control
Guard
Preserve
What are the 6 basic principles underpinning all serious crime investigations?
Appreciation process
Preserve life
Preserve scene
Identify and apprehend suspects
Secure evidence
Identify victim
What is the definition of appreciation?
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.
Good decisions are not a matter of luck or guesswork; they are the outcome of a process of logical reasoning and careful consideration
What are the benefits of applying an appreciation technique (8)?
Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
Increases the chances of success i.e., the investigative aims/objectives being met
Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
Manages risk
Reduces uncertainty
Eliminates duplication
Ensures nothing is overlooked
Effective use of resources
What steps should be followed to conduct an appreciation?
AFCO: Aim, Factors, Courses Open, Options/Plan.
What is the definition of ‘Aim’?
An aim is a short (one line) statement which succinctly demonstrates a single objective.
What is the definition of ‘Factors’?
A factor is any circumstance or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome e.g., resources available, the environment and weather conditions, and history of the relevant parties.
“So what? What does this mean?”
“Therefore…”
What is the definition of “Courses Open”?
Courses open are a list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from those factors.
What questions must be asked when considering Courses Open?
What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative?
Which alternative is the most appropriate way to reach the objective?
From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.
What is the definition of “Plan”?
A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action in order to achieve the desired aim.
What must a plan be?
Clear, concise and leaves no room for misinterpretation
Designed to avoid introducing matters not previously considered by the appreciation
Consistently considerate of safety issues
Recorded
Delivered to staff using the GSMEAC format
What are the three categories when establishing the physical condition of the victim?
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life
What steps should you take on arrival to hospital when a victim is alive but injured (11)
Medical opinion of the victim’s current medical condition
Seize the victim’s clothing and other possessions as evidence
Establish the victim’s identity
Obtain a pre-transfusion blood sample using Police Toxicology Kit containers
Seize any discarded bandages and record the position
Arrange firearms residue samples
Note and photograph any injuries
Arrange DNA swabs to be taken from the victim’s skin
Obtain details of any and all persons who visit or contact the victim
Conduct a scoping interview with the victim
Conduct a prelim with ambulance and emergency staff who treated the victim
What is outlined in s18 of the Evidence Act 2006?
(1) A hearsay statement is admissible in any proceeding if –
(a) The circumstances relating to the statement provide reasonable assurance that the statement is reliable; and
(b) Either –
(i) The maker of the statement is unavailable as a witness; or
The Judge considers that undue expense or delay would be caused if the maker of the statement were required to be a witness6?
When considering a hearsay statement as admissible evidence, what circumstances should you also consider regarding reliability?
The nature of the statement
The contents of the statement
The circumstances relating to the making of the statement
Circumstances relating to the veracity of the person making the statement
Circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person
What steps should you take when you discover a body (13)?
Ambulance and resuscitation. If the victim has to be moved, note the original body position
Remain with the body
Arrange a doctor to pronounce life extinct (unless the death is obvious)
Treat the ‘victim’ as a scene
Instruct medical staff to leave clothes on the body
If medical treatment has been given, request that all medical items are left ‘in situ’
Conduct scoping interviews with medical staff to establish their actions, apparent cause of death and injury type(s)
Ascertain if the victim spoke to anyone before death and record what was said
Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing
Objectively record everything observed using all senses.
Record all exhibits
Sketch the scene
Provide full information to the OC investigation
What five steps should the first Police officers arriving at the scene take?
Identify
Secure
Preserve
Consider
Record
What is a crime scene log?
A log that records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene, as well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case
What is the purpose of a crime scene log?
There is no unauthorised entry into the scene
Integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
Intelligence opportunities are maximised
Contamination issues are managed
What are the duties of a scene guard?
Secure scene
Record details
Control movements
Record movements
Brief others
Avoid disturbance
Protect scene
Remain on duty until relieved by the incoming scene guard
Brief replacement
Respect security
Demonstrate courtesy
Inform others
What approach should be made regarding witnesses (8)?
Obtain full details of all persons present at the scene
Assemble people in a clear area
Isolate witnesses
Identify witnesses and conduct a brief scoping interview
Establish whether any persons have left the area
Record and/or photograph call logs on the witnesses’ phones
Record registration numbers of nearby vehicles
Seize any CCTV relevant to the vicinity/routes to establish who may have been in the area
What steps should be taken regarding suspects at the scene (12)?
Separate suspects from other persons
Observe and record the condition of the suspect
Ask them to remain at the scene and as soon as possible remove them by consent or with lawful justification
If the suspect refuses to cooperate, consider whether grounds exist to arrest
Prevent cross contamination by using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect
Caution the suspect when arresting, detaining, or questioning
Search the suspect and suspect’s vehicle
Search the vicinity of the suspect and the area or route they are thought to have taken
Note the suspect’s appearance, behaviour and demeanour
Record everything the suspect says
Interview on video
Brief the OC investigation on their arrival, highlighting any significant risks surrounding cross-contamination or movement within or near the scene
What are the three key elements of a homicide?
The victim
The suspect
The location
What role is the deputy of OC Body assigned
Scene Exhibits Officer
What are the responsibilities of OC Body (13)?
Ensure death is signed off
Maintain security of the body from the scene to the PM
Secure and guard the body
Note and record observations
Note details of medical staff
Record what actions have been taken by anyone in respect of the body
Arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
Complete sudden death procedures
Arrange formal ID
Obtain historical medical records
Attend the PM
Attend the debrief of the pathologist and record the findings
Ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
What is involved in the PM for OC Body and OC Investigation
Attend the pathologist briefing
Ensure the Police photographer photographs the body before and after clothing is removed, and during the PM
Preserve evidence from the body
Record, label and secure all samples and exhibits
Arrange for fingerprints
What is the OC Investigation responsible for (3)?
Contact the coroner
Arrange the PM, in consultation with the coroner
Consult the pathologist before the PM commences considering X-ray/CT/CAT scans of the body
Who can certify death?
Suitably qualified medical practitioner
Suitably qualified paramedic
What factors should be considered prior to removing the body from the scene (9)?
Coroner’s advice
Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist, and Crown Solicitor attending the crime scene
Consultation with other relevant experts
Requirement for any other examination
Best method and route for body removal
Supervision of the body removal
Safe custody of exhibits
Family and/or cultural considerations
The appreciation should record the SOP regarding protective clothing. The SOP is recorded once and adhered to from here (rather than recording every use or change of clothing)
What should occur if it is established the body has been disturbed prior to arrival?
Do NOT attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition
make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required
Who should be consulted regarding taking specimens from the body at the scene?
Attending ESR staff
The pathologist
The OC Investigation
Crime Scene Coordinator (or OC Scene)
Fingerprint Officer
What are examples of specimens that may be taken from the body at the scene?
Larvae and insects
Potential fingerprint evidence
DNA swabs
Extraneous items such as loose hairs, fibres, glass, paint or other fragments
Firearm residue samples
What steps should be followed regarding removal of the body (11)?
Record the position of the body by sketch plan and Police photographer
Consider marking and recording the position of the body e.g., measuring the distance from the body to the nearest fixed features
Record all details of the position of the body including:
- Position of the limbs
- Appearance of the body
- Wounds and clothing
- Direction of any trails of blood on the body
- Lividity
- Extent of rigor mortis present
Health risks
Cover the hands, feet and head with PAPER bags
Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated
Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a body bag
Carefully search underneath where the body lay
Retain, as exhibits, all sheets, bags or other materials used the transport the body
Obtain approval from the OC Investigation
Arrange a contracted undertaker to transport the body to the mortuary
What steps should be followed regarding removal of the body (11)?
Record the position of the body by sketch plan and Police photographer
Consider marking and recording the position of the body e.g., measuring the distance from the body to the nearest fixed features
Record all details of the position of the body including:
- Position of the limbs
- Appearance of the body
- Wounds and clothing
- Direction of any trails of blood on the body
- Lividity
- Extent of rigor mortis present
Health risks
Cover the hands, feet and head with PAPER bags
Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated
Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a body bag
Carefully search underneath where the body lay
Retain, as exhibits, all sheets, bags or other materials used the transport the body
Obtain approval from the OC Investigation
Arrange a contracted undertaker to transport the body to the mortuary
What is the primary role of the OC Body during a PM
Observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body, in a structured, methodical manner.
What is the primary role of the OC Investigation during a PM?
Actively manage all aspects of how the body, body samples and other exhibits associated with the body are treated and give directions to ensure required procedures are followed and that the pace of the examination does not exceed the ability of the OC Body to perform their role
What is the primary reason for conducting a PM?
To establish the cause of death
Who may attend a PM?
Pathologist
Coroner
Any other pathologist assisting (if authorised by the Coroner)
A doctor who treated the deceased
A doctor, nurse or funeral director representing the deceased (ABC)
A doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged in relation to the death (ABC)
Any other doctor or trainee doctor (ABC)
Police
Any other person authorised by a Coroner
ESR forensic scientist
Crown Solicitor
Who should attend a PM?
OC Investigation
OC Body
Exhibits officer for the PM
Police photographer
SOCO or fingerprint officer, if required
What experts may be consulted regarding the conduct of the PM?
Odontologist
Biologist
Medical illustrator
Toxicologist
Ballistics expert
Crime scene examiner
Entomologist
Anthropologist
Disaster Victim Identification
What equipment should be taken to and/or available for the PM?
MEK examination kit
Toxicology kit
Body label
Notebook and pens for use solely during the PM
A Scene Exhibit Schedule Form
Copy of completed POL47
Deceased Person Certificate
Deceased Person Identification
Exhibit packaging supplies
PPE
Photographs from the scene
A range of available exhibit numbers
Pre-printed exhibit labels
Roll of brown paper
Firearms residue kit
On arrival at the mortuary, what steps must the OC Body take
Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body
Ensure the body is labelled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge
Retain any key used to secure the body, until it is required for the PM
Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the PM
Arrange formal identification of the body
If the body is visually unidentifiable, what methods may be used to confirm ID
Fingerprints
DNA profiling
Dental records, available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
Eye examination records
Medical examination records
Personal effects
Facial reconstruction
What information can be provided by a pathologist when bones are located?
Whether remains are actually bones
Whether the bones are human
The age, gender, height and race of the person
What information can be provided by a pathologist when bones are located?
Whether remains are actually bones
Whether the bones are human
The age, gender, height and race of the person
What is the role of the pathologist during a PM?
Records a description of the body, including: height, weight, build, eye colour and hair
Records the body’s external appearance (front and back) including: injuries, bruises, scars, scratches, discoloration and imperfections
Uses specialist kits for collecting evidence samples
What must the OC Body do regarding exhibits taken during a PM?
The OC Body is responsible for recording, labelling, packaging, sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the PM
How must wet or damp exhibits be dealt with?
Must be unsealed and dried in a controlled environment such as at a Police drying room, with due regard for the integrity of the exhibit. Once dry, they can be re-packaged and re-sealed.
Under what circumstances might a second PM be required?
The pathologist is unable to determine cause of death
A suspect’s lawyer seeks approval from the Coroner to conduct an independent PM
The Solicitor General orders a further PM, after an application to the High Court
What information might be obtained from blood samples?
Usually taken for toxicological and serological purposes
What information might be obtained from stomach contents samples
Taken for both toxicological analysis and to identify the nature of the last meal. Analysis of entire stomach contents may also assist with establishing a time of death
