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Serious Crime Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two tasks of an investigation

A

Gathering and preserving evidence, and documentation

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2
Q

The initial police responders must assess the situation quick let yet carefully and decide what the most important things to do are and what order they should be done. Their primary functions are?

A

Attending scene at and early stage
Take control of the situation
Co-ordinating tasks

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3
Q

Some incidents notified to police are not initially identified as a homicide. Such incidents may include:

A

Report of a missing person
Sudden unexplained death of an infant
Hit and run vehicle collision
Suicide
Fatal fire
Drug related deaths

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4
Q

What are the two main purposes for police attending the scene of any death

A

To investigate throughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death

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5
Q

What is the first priority when conducting a risk assessment at the scene of a serious incident

A

First priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending police members

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6
Q

The actions of the first responding Police have a critical effect on an investigation and on the potential for gathering evidence. List the general investigation model that should be applied to all cases

A

V - victim identify and locate victims
A - appreciation make and initial appreciation of the incident asses personal risk and then preserve the lives of others
W -Witnesses locate and contain witnesses
S - Scene preserve the scene
E - exhibits - note that evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed
E elements have the enemy’s of the offence been established
P powers - identify what powers are available and consider wether to execute them
O -Offenders identify and apprehend suspects

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7
Q

Definition of Appreciation

A

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 alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. Is an ongoing process

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8
Q

What are the benefits of applying the appreciation technique

A

Informs all police what they are expected to achieve
Increases the chances of success of the investigation and objectives
Manages risk
Eliminates duplication
Ensures nothing is overlooked

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9
Q

Appreciation technique

A

AFCO
AIM - a shot one lined statement with a clear and accurate objective
FACTORS any circumstance or fact that could affect how you achieve your objective EG resources, environment, suspects
COURSES OPEN
all possible ways the aim could be achieved advantages and disadvantages of each alternative
Questions to be asked what are the possible results or consequences of each alternative
Which alternative is the most appropriate way to reach the objective
OUTLINE PLAN
a clear and concise plan to achieve your aim

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10
Q

Initial Police arrive at a stabbing victim. It is anticipated that they will die, so you decide to take a statement. How can police satisfy the statement is admissible?

A

Consider recording an immediate statement wether the victim can sign it or not if the victim dies their statement may be admissible as hearsay evidence.
Section 18(1)(a) Evidence act 2006
Hearsay statements admissibility rule, the court must be satisfied that the content of the statement and the person who made the statement are reliable
Section 16(1) EA 2006 hearsay statement admissibility circumstances to consider
The nature and content of the statement
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 making the statement

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11
Q

Explain the common approach path

A

Common approval path should avoid any route possibly used by the suspect or victim, should be considered for all movements in and out of the scene to avoid damaging or losing potential evidence. Consider using stepping plates if no alternative path can be used

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12
Q

What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene

A

What risks may exist

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13
Q

What action should police take when the body is disturbed at the scene

A

Establish what has been moved
Do not touch anything
Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original condition
Make enquires to enable original scene to be reconstructed and photographed

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14
Q

What action must police staff take at the scene of a serious crime take if the media are present

A

Locate media
Advise OC investigation that media are at the location
Keep media away from the crime scene
Do not make any comment to the media

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15
Q

You are the first at the scene of a homicide and you are advised that the suspect is still present. What should your first priority in relation to the suspect?

A

The identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect
Consider your powers under S & S 2012

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16
Q

Police who arrive at a serious crime scene should identify preserve and record the scene what actions should Police take to preserve the scene upon initial arrival

A

IDENTIFY
gather info and conduct initial assessment
Consider warrant less powers
Establish wide boundaries
Consider common approach path
Establish SFP and scene HQ
provide SITREP to comms

SECURE
exercise power if necessary to secure scene
Remove all persons from scene
Establish cordons
Arrange and brief scene guards
Arrange crime scene logs
Prevent unauthorised entry/exit

PRESERVE
preserve and ensure nothing is touched or moved -consider weather, animals other factors
Consider best path (common approach path, stepping plates)

CONSIDER
crime scene log movements to maintain integrity of scene
Observe and record notes of precise details of the scene
Complete sketch of the scene
Photographs and consider video recording
Identify anything which is moved, noting original position

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17
Q

Describe who should be appointed OC Body

A

An experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues, where this is not possible OC body may require additional support

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18
Q

What information should you give to person who is identifying the body

A

Ensure they are fully informed of the formal process and what is required of them
Explain what they should expect to see when they viewed the deceased

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19
Q

What to brief the scene guard

A

Secure scene
Deny any person access to the scene unless they have been authorised by the OC or scene co-ordinator
Record details
Name and designation
Time of entry and exit
Purpose of visit
Authority to enter
Control and record movements
Common approach path to be followed
Record all movements
Protect scene
Be vigilant for activities such as the presence of animals
Brief replacement
Brief incoming scene guard on all relevant matters and hand on scene log
Inform others
Report any action taken to the OC scene and OC investigation

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20
Q

Describe methods for identifying the body when decomposed

A

Dental records
Amputations
Tattoos
DNA
Fingerprints
Medical examinations
Personal effects such as distinctive jewellery

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21
Q

When should the OC body strip the body of clothing

A

Under direction of the OC investigation but before the post mortem examination. After a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body had been completed

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22
Q

What are the OC body’s responsibility’s relating to the exhibits from post mortem

A

Responsible for recording, packaging, sealing, labelling and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the post mortem

Must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary and recorded on an exhibit schedule

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23
Q

At conclusion OC body must hand exhibits to the OC Exhibits list three things the OC exhibits they must do

A

Take possession of all exhibits, including samples and specialist kits
Wet/damp exhibits remain sealed and dried in police drying room, once dry they can be repackaged and sealed
Keep accurate records

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24
Q

What must the sudden death file include

A

POL 47 report for Coroner
Statement of identification
Verification of death form
Officer FWS and photographs
Witness statements

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25
Under what circumstances may the OC body make any notes of discussions concerning the post mortem examination
Must not make any notes of discussions at the post mortem, unless directed to by OC investigation or the pathologist
26
How does the pathologist findings assist the case
Will assist investigation, such as operation briefings, interviews of witnesses and suspects and additional lines of enquiry
27
What are the three elements of a homicide
Victim Suspect Location
28
In a homicide who takes VIS and how old can it be
Homicide trained victim Support volunteer and employees No older then 28 days prior to sentencing
29
Describe the role of OC body during a post mortem examination
Observe, document and deal with exhibits in relation to the body in a methodical manner Consider each piece of information carefully to identify its significance for the investigation
30
FLO family liaison officer
Primary function of an FLO is that if an investigator and not a support person FLO must offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support when needed by the family Should identify cultural origins of victims family’s
31
ILO Iwi Liaison Officer
Enhance relations between family and investigators by providing an understanding and awareness of Maori culture, protocol and beliefs
32
Responsibilities of OC body
Complete sudden death procedure Ensure death certified Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed Note and record observations relating to the body Photograph body at the scene and at post mortem Note details of medical staff or others who have attended to the victim Record, label and secure all samples and exhibits related to the body
33
What are the three categories of a victims medical status
Alive and uninjured Alive but injured Shows no signs of life
34
The OC body must hand all exhibits to the OC Exhibits in order to maintain an unbroken chain of custody, they should also provide the OC exhibits with
Post mortem exhibit schedule OC body notebooks OC body statement
35
Photographs of the body are taken at the mortuary describe the instructions to be given to the photographer
Photograph the body before it’s stripped Photograph the body after its stripped Close ups of any wounds, marks, injuries, unusual features Must use a measure scale
36
Describe who the term family relates to
Partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians Any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim Should reflect the victims culture
37
Area canvas what are the purposes of a methodically conducted area canvas
Often there are links between the scene and the offender, victim and witnesses
38
Why is it important in some cases to conduct an area canvas at the same time as the offence occurred
To ID people who often use that area at the same time of day Provides a snap shot of the community at the time and place when the offence occurred
39
What approaches can be made during an area canvas
Door to door enquiries Media Poster Mail Drop High profile police presence
40
How can an OC keep morale up during a canvas
Regular feedback how is is helping investigators Included in briefings Logistics for toileting, meals and refreshments
41
What details should the OC Area canvas record in a detailed master record
Which addresses visited Which occupants interviewed Documentation completed Any relevant comments made
42
OC area canvas to submit a final report what matters should it contain
Summary of all action taken Significant findings Any action undertaken outside original phase strategy
43
How does criminal profiling unit or geographic profilers assist the area canvas
Setting parameters or identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or to reside Parameters may be set with natural boundaries such as railway lines or roads
44
How should Police who have had first contact with the informant to a serious offence be treated
Should be debriefed and a full record made of their account Important if the informant is later identified as a suspect Consider interviewing such officers as investigatively important witnesses
45
State the types of information that could be obtained by an early preliminary witness interview
Early ID and arrest of suspect Evidence and info relating to the offence Preventing CADD of evidence Percent further offending
46
When a witness is in court what material may a witness Use to refresh their memory prior to giving evidence
Read any previous singed statements or interview transcripts
47
Witness control ensure witness does not
Have any contact with the jury Discuss the case in public areas Discuss the case with finesses waiting to give evidence
48
What responsibilities does OC suspects have when an alibi is put foward by an offender
Determine the veracity of the alibi and fully report the results to the crown and OC
49
What information should be gained by a complainant or informant
ID and location of suspect ID of victim ID of others at the scene Full contact details Relationship to witness or suspect Demeanour Details of action taken and where they had been A first hand account of what they know about the incident Precise details of the scene location
50
During the course of some trials witness intimidation may occur what can the OC do
Inform OC investigation of a witness expresses concern for their personal safety or have been subject to threats or intimidation and wants police protection or assistance Maintain regular contact with the witness
51
What can be obtained from a witness at the scene
Plan and prepared recovery of physical evidence from witness include Footwear Glass fragments Clothes Fibres Fingerprints DNA Bodily fluids
52
Two reasons why it is important to do a risk assessment relating to a witness of a serious offence
Establish if witness at risk of intimidation or physical harm Intimidation may result in witness not wanting to provide information for Fear of going to court or harm
53
During the course of some trials witness intimidation may occur. What can the OC investigation do to mitigate this
Arrange for evidence to be given in an alternate way If serious threat to life should be dealt with by National Witness protection programme Witness may be entitled to anonymity obtained by way of application or order from the judge
54
When appointing an officer to interview a witness to a serious offence what main issues should be considered regarding the potential interview
Availability of witness Wether the witness requires speacial consideration/assistance Best approach to take with the witness
55
What four matters should the OC Suspects encompass in the briefing
Circumstances of the offence including scene and witness evidence Full details do suspects or POI Description of the suspect MO or crime signature
56
When a crown solicitor directs police to interview alibi witnesses what action should police take
Make enquiries to o determine the veracity of the alibi including NIA checks Forward any results to the crown including statements taken
57
When investigating any alibi offered the OC suspects must
Establish where the suspect was, who they were with and what they were doing Compete enquiries with people other than the alibi supplied Corroboration of the alibi should be sought from sources independent of the suspect Police not obliged to disclose enquiries around alibis
58
In a serious crime a doctor may examine a suspect, what can a doctor do
Note any wounds, marks or injuries take photos of them Provide a professional option regarding the condition of the suspect Record any explanations made by the suspect Take body samples Saliva, blood, pubis hair, swabs of hands, swab for firearm residue
59
The OC suspects must investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation with the OC investigation what particular aspects may influence the setting of priorities
The relative weight of evidence The likelihood of the suspect leaving the area The urgency in solving the case The availability of staff Where no firm lines of enquiry priority given to anonymous info
60
OC suspects must regularly debrief their team members on
Results of enquiries to maintain flow of information At conferences Between members of suspect teams and other investigation staff Important information must be reported to OC investigation
61
Four ways of avoiding cross contamination between multiple suspects
Seperate officers for each suspect Transport in different vehicles Kept in seperate cells Clothing packages sealed and labelled
62
When interviewing a suspect the OC suspect must ensure the interviewer
Interview is conducted on accordance with the suspect investigative interviewing guide Monitored by experienced detective to ensure key points are covered An explanation is sought from a suspect for any exhibits found
63
What are the initial actions of the disclosure manager
Read disclosure managers desk file Access the serious crime template Report to 2IC for briefing, tastings establishing what information is and is not discoverable
64
Explain the process relating to consultation with the crown regarding witness considerations
File manager and 2IC must have an early consultation with the crown to manage witnesses in need of special consideration and who may need to give evidence in alternative ways
65
How should defence counsel communication be conducted
Through 2IC or crown
66
What information should the disclosure manager provide to the crown
An identical copy of all material disclosed to defence An unedited copy of the material
67
Section 10(4) disclosure act obligation
Disclosure may be supplied on whatever form including electronically theta the person disclosing the info holds it in at the time of the request, provided this will be readily accessible to the defendant
68
Disclosure manager key responsibilities
Discoverable material provided to defence counsel Non discoverable material identified and defence advised Lawful justification must exists to withhold Retain all correspondence with defence Record all disclosure packages in NIA
69
Who should be OC exhibits
OC exhibits who has previous experience in Mass exhibit handling Managing cross contamination Forensic awareness Procedures for packaging sealing etc Use of serious crime template
70
What are standard operating procedures for OC exhibits
Responsible for establishing required standards for Recovery Handling Packaging Labelling Storage Preparing and presenting exhibits in Court Disposing if exhibits
71
What specific matters regarding each exhibit must the OC exhibits determine
An appreciation and interrogation of them to establish Evidential value Investigation opportunities Further enquiries
72
responsibilities of the OC exhibits in a serious crime investigation
Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems Maintains physical security and continuity of all exhibits
73
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for the examination of exhibits
Allows OC exhibits to prioritise tasks with the direction of the investigation
74
What action should the OC exhibits take when an exhibit requires further enquiries
Highlight to 2IC so follow up enquiries can be initiated
75
Deceive the chain of custody and it’s purpose
Every person who has had custody of an exhibit from the time it’s for at discovered until it is produced in court it is used to demonstrate the integrity and admissibility of exhibits Achieved by recording physical location in prop
76
What action can be taken to preserve the integrity of an exhibits register
Secured so only OC exhibits and OC investigation can make changes
77
What should OC exhibits do when attending all forensic strategy meetings
Maintain liaison between OC investigation 2IC ,other OC phases, ESR and other specialists for matters relating to exhibits
78
Describe topics to be covered at a forensic strategy meeting
What examinations ESR And others could conduct on exhibits The priority each examination should receive Wether any work is needed to assist a reconstruction
79
OC exhibits should update the OC and 2IC with relevant info relating to
Exhibits found Examination results Wether further enquiries are required Must update register with results of examinations
80
What is meant by t evidence transfer
Trace evidence can be transferred from one item to another, if evidence transfer occurs via a third party during the investigation this suggests cross contamination Can be import at if found on a significant exhibit
81
While an exhibit was under their control each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate
When, why and who they revived custody of the exhibit Where the exhibit was stored When, why and how the exhibit moved location How exhibit handled, guarded, preserved
82
What samples can be taken from the body at the scene
Firearm residue Items of clothing Larvae and insects Loose hairs DNA swabs Glass/paints Fingerprint evidence
83
Why should the OC investigation, Area canvas and suspects attend the scene at an early stage
To conduct recon and appreciation to set parameters, decide objectives of the canvas,
84
3 steps to the Suspects team
Identifying and profiling Arrest and determination Interviewing
85
What exhibits can you or take at the scene prior to the body being moved
Forearm residue Insects and larvae DNA swabs
86
When appointing an officer to interviewing a witness to a serious offence what are the main issues that should be considered
Level of training Experience interviewing witnesses Suitability of the officer to do the interview Other skills that may be advantageous
87
What should you consider in relation to suspects at the scene
Condition of the suspect Injuries Alcohol or drugs Medical or mental condition Other special considerations
88
Exhibit ranges
Admin 10,000 Victim 15,000 Witnesses 20,000 Area canvas 25,000 Scene 30,000 Suspect 70,000 Disclosure 50,000
89
Types of conferences
Initial conference Regular conference Debriefing conference Phase team conference
90
When examining the lifestyle of victim, sources of information frequently fall into one of two categories
People and passive data

Criminal Liabilities (5 decks)

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