Serious Crime Flashcards
What are the two tasks of an investigation
Gathering and preserving evidence, and documentation
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?
Attending scene at and early stage
Take control of the situation
Co-ordinating tasks
Some incidents notified to police are not initially identified as a homicide. Such incidents may include:
Report of a missing person
Sudden unexplained death of an infant
Hit and run vehicle collision
Suicide
Fatal fire
Drug related deaths
What are the two main purposes for police attending the scene of any death
To investigate throughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death
What is the first priority when conducting a risk assessment at the scene of a serious incident
First priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending police members
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
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
Definition of Appreciation
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
What are the benefits of applying the appreciation technique
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
Appreciation technique
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
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?
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
Explain the common approach path
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
What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene
What risks may exist
What action should police take when the body is disturbed at the scene
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
What action must police staff take at the scene of a serious crime take if the media are present
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
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?
The identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect
Consider your powers under S & S 2012
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
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
Describe who should be appointed OC Body
An experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues, where this is not possible OC body may require additional support
What information should you give to person who is identifying the body
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
What to brief the scene guard
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
Describe methods for identifying the body when decomposed
Dental records
Amputations
Tattoos
DNA
Fingerprints
Medical examinations
Personal effects such as distinctive jewellery
When should the OC body strip the body of clothing
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
What are the OC body’s responsibility’s relating to the exhibits from post mortem
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
At conclusion OC body must hand exhibits to the OC Exhibits list three things the OC exhibits they must do
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
What must the sudden death file include
POL 47 report for Coroner
Statement of identification
Verification of death form
Officer FWS and photographs
Witness statements
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
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
What are the three elements of a homicide
Victim
Suspect
Location
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
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
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
ILO Iwi Liaison Officer
Enhance relations between family and investigators by providing an understanding and awareness of Maori culture, protocol and beliefs
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
What are the three categories of a victims medical status
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life
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
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
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