Serious crime Flashcards
Two key tasks for any investigation are:
[gp+]
- gathering and preserving evidence
- accurate and detailed documentation
How to maintain a high standard in investigations
- have an investigative mindset
- think about how your actions will be scrutinised under cross examination
- work as a team
- maintain excellant communication skills
Purposes of a team conference when investigating a serious crime
- keep all members up to date with developments on enquiries
- give team members an opportunity to exchange views and pass important information
- give 2IC the opportunity to pass instructions to staff
- give the O/C an opportunity to address the team on important topics, priorities and which lines of inquiry to follow
Types of conferences
[drip]
- initial
- regular
- debriefing
- phase team
How does initial action affect the outcome of an investigation
Reasoned positive action during IA of an investigation can minimise any loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information
Instances that may not be obvious that it’s a homicide
- missing person
- sudden death of infant
- suicide
- fatal fre
VAWSEEPO
- victim
- appreciation
- witnesses
- scene
- exhibits
- elements
- powers
- offenders
What is the appreciation process
Appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. It follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon.
Considers all appropriate factors and weights 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 peice of information as it is uncovered.
What are the benefits of the appreciation process
[user]
- increases chances of success
- manages risks
- reduces uncertainty
- effective use of resources
What is factor in the appreciation process
Any circumstance or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome
“So what? What does this mean? Therefore”
What may the informant be asked to do to maintain scene integrity before Police arrival
- return to proximity of scene and guard it only if safe
- not touch anything
- not to enter the obvious boundaries
- prevent other people from entering or touching scene
What sort of notes should initial action staff when speaking to complainant and why
Good notes on what they say, their demeanour, clothing incase they become a suspect later on
It’s imperative that Police responders ensure their own safety, the safety of other responders and that of others present at the scene
It’s imperative that Police responders ensure their own safety, the safety of other responders and that of others present at the scene
Physical condition of a person comes in three categories
- alive and uninjured
- alive but injured
- shows no sign of life
Police who arrive first on scene should follow these steps to preserve a scene
[crisp –> ispcr]
1) Identify
- gather information and carry out an initial assessment of the scene
- common approach path
- note and record observations
- provide SITREPS and obtain comms acknowledgement
2) Secure
3) Preserve
- common approach path
- record any movements/actions taken at scene
- leave everything in situ
- take IA to preserve evidence that may change if nothing is done
4) Consider
5) Record
Duties of a scene guard
- secure scene
- record details
- control movements
- record movements
Why is it important to obtain forensic evidence from witness
Cause they may be close to the scene and evidence may of transferred onto them. The investigation may need to negate issues as well as prove them
What to seize /obtain from a forensically important witness
- immediate DNA swabs for areas where the suspect may of touched
- immediate swabs of any blood
- immediate swabs of any other relevant stains
- seize clothing and footwear
Steps to obtain key material from witness
- full details of everyone at scene
- assemble people in a clear area, with police officer remaining with them
- isolate witnesses from each other to stop contamination/collusion
- ID witness and prelim interview
Steps taken if suspect located at scene
- isolate suspect
- consider condition of suspect eg. injuries, intoxication or mental impairment
- remove suspect from scene by consent or with lawful power
- use officers that have not entered the scene
What to do with media
Keep them away from crime scene cordon and make no comment. Contact media team and OC investigation, explain what has happened, where they are and who they are
What is briefed to OC investigation
- what has occurred
- what action has been taken
- what has not been done
- what needs to be done
Arrival at serious crime incident
- log with comms
- gather info and conduct risk assessment
- ensure safety of yourself and colleagues
- common path around scene
Controlling people at serious crime incident
- take control of scene
- use warrantless powers
- ID the complainant and conduct prelim
- organise detailed interview and statement
What to do with a serious crime scene
- use common approach path
- clear scene
- arrange and brief scene guard
- establish cordons
What to do with suspects at a serious crime scene
- Refuses to co-operate = grounds to arrest or caution
- Arrested = caution
- record comments made by suspect
- note suspects appearance and demenour
Who should undertake OC body
An experienced investigator. If one is not available then OC body may need support or mentoring
Responsibility of OC body
- ensure death certificate signed by doctor or certified paramedic
- note details of anyone who has attended to the body
- secure and guard the body and any exhibits from the body
- ensure all cultural obligations are met
How many sets of photos does the Police photographer take
One fully clothing
One with no clothes
PM photos
The pathologist will direct the photographer
Body must not be moved until OC investigation approval or under emergency situation
Body must not be moved until OC investigation approval or under emergency situation
