Serious crime Flashcards
1
Q
Two key tasks of any investigation
A
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Accurate and detailed documentation
2
Q
The purpose of team conferences
A
- Keep all members of the team up to date with developments in the enquiry
- Give team members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on important information
- Give the 2IC the opportunity to pass on instructions to staff on file management and other administrative matters
- Give the O/C the chance to brief the team on important investigative topics, priorities and which lines of inquiry to follow
3
Q
Different types of conferences
A
- Initial
- Regular
- Debriefing
- Phase team
4
Q
Primary functions of the initial Police responders
A
- Attending the scene at an early stage
- Taking control of the situation
- Co-ordinating tasks
** they are the temporary OC untill relieved by supervisor, CIB or O/C
5
Q
Instances triggering a homicide investigation
A
- Report of missing person
- Sudden unexplained death of an infant
- Unexplained death
- Report of an abduction
- Drug related deaths
6
Q
Team conferences must be…..
A
- Planned
- Recorded
- Focused and managed to avoid excessive time use
7
Q
Explain VAWSEEPO
A
V - identify and locate VICTIM
A - Make an initial APPRECIATION of the incident
W - Locate and contain WITNESSES
S - Preserve the SCENE
E - Note EXHIBITS(evidence) and preserve
E - Consider the ELEMENTS of the alleged offence
P - Identify what POWERS are available
O - Identify and apprehend OFFENDER.
8
Q
Define Appreciation
A
An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.
9
Q
Benefit of applying the appreciation technique
A
‑ Manages risk
‑ Reduces uncertainty
‑ Eliminates duplication
‑ Ensures nothing is overlooked
‑ Effective use of resources.
10
Q
Appreciation steps
A
- Aim
- Factors
- Courses open
- Plan
11
Q
Questions to ask during “courses open” of the appreciation technique
A
- 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.
12
Q
Information to obtain from informants
A
- Identity and location of the suspect
- First hand account of what the complainant/informant knows
- Precise details of the location of the scene
- Circumstances leading to the discovery
- Identity of the victim
13
Q
To reduce risk of loss or contamination, the complainant/informant may be asked -
A
- To return to the proximity of the scene, and guard it, if it is considered safe for them to do so
- Not to enter the obvious boundaries of the scene
- Not to touch or move anything
- To prevent others from entering or touching the scene
- To await Police arrival and identify themselves to the first Police at the scene
14
Q
Three categories of victim’s medical status
A
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
15
Q
When victim is alive but injured
A
If practicable, a detective should accompany the victim to hospital. Otherwise, a detective should attend hospital without delay.
16
Q
How to ensure statement from a dying person is admissible
A
Demonstrate reliability and consider the circumstances as stated under Evidence Act 2006
- 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; and
- Circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person.
17
Q
Steps when preserving a scene
A
- Identify
- Secure
- Preserve
- Consider
- Record
18
Q
Explain common approach path
A
A path which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim, ensuring minimum disturbance to the scene.
19
Q
What is a Crime scene log
A
A crime scene log 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
20
Q
Purpose of Crime scene log
A
A scene guard and the log maintained by that person, is employed in order to ensure
- There is no unauthorised entry into the scene
- Integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
- Intelligence opportunities are maximised
- Contamination issues are managed.
21
Q
Scene guard duties
A
- Secure scene
- Record details
- Control movements
- Record movements
22
Q
Initial questioning of a witness
A
- What happened
- Where exactly the incident happened
- When it happened
- Who was involved
23
Q
Initial actions to preserve a scene (Identify)
A
- Gather information and carry out an initial assessment of the scene.
- Consider your w/less powers to deal with evidential material in respect to serious offences, Search and surveillance Act 2012
- Establish the ‘Crime Scene’ itself. Extend parameters as widely as possible, thinking beyond where the body is found to capture any exhibits, weapons or items the suspect may have discarded
- Consider possible approach paths and establish a Common Approach Path (CAP) for all movements into and out of the scene; using a path avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by suspects or victims
- Consider other related crime scenes
- Note and record observations
- Establish a scene headquarters, and safe arrival / assembly points
- Provide a SITREP / SFP to Comms and obtain acknowledgement
24
Q
Initial action to preserve a scene (Secure)
A
- Exercising powers to secure the under Section 116 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012
- Effect removal of all persons within the scene in a way that will cause minimal disturbance to the scene. Using the CAP process to ensure witnesses don’t disturb or remove anything from the scene
- Establish cordoned parameters using Police tape
- Arrange and brief scene guards with clearly defined duties
- Arrange crime scene logs
- Prevent unauthorised persons from entering or ;eaving the scene
- Prevent any further loss or damage to evidence caused by weather or other factors, such as animals.–
25
Initial action to preserve a scene (Preserve)
- Consider the best path into the scene.
- Record any movements/action taken in the scene
- Preserve what is there and leave it 'in situ'.
- If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates.
- Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and/or record evidence that may change if nothing is done.
26
Initial action to preserve a scene (Consider)
Consider if initial photographs of the scene and persons present are necessary
27
Initial actions to preserve (Record)
- Establish and maintain a crime scene log of movements, names, times and reasons for entry and exit to the scene.
- Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the victim.
- Complete a sketch of the scene.
- Photograph the scene and consider using video recording.
- Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions.
- Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC Investigation at an early stage.
28
Considerations when recovering evidence from forensically important witnesses
- Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched.
- Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness.
- Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness.
- Forensic medical examination, i.e. fingernail scrapings, hair combing etc.
- Seizure of clothing and footwear.
- Seizure of any items of property touched by the suspect
29
Further considerations where applicable for forensically important witnesses (x contamination)
Avoid any potential cross contamination issues by arranging for the witness who have been present at a crime scene, to use different vehicles and interview rooms for those used by witnesses, victim or suspect(s)
30
Procedure for suspects at the scene
- Separate suspects from other persons at the scene.
- Consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration.
- Ask them to remain at the scene and to co‐operate with police. As soon as possible, remove the suspect from the scene by consent or with lawful justification.
- If the suspect refuses to co‐operate, consider whether grounds exist to arrest them and what the most appropriate offence will be.
- To prevent cross contamination issues, consider using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect, if available.
31
If media are present at the scene..
Keep them away from the immediate scene and do not speak to them about the incident. Consult with the OC on arrival and explained what has happened and identify media members and where they are located.
32
The OC investigation will expect a briefing from the temporary OC, as to:
- What has occurred?
- What action has been taken?
- What has not been done?
- What needs to be done?
33
OC body responsibilities to name a few..
- Ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265)
- Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post‐mortem examination
- Note and record observations relating to the body
- Note details of medical staff or others who have attended the victim
- Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body
- Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
- Ensure the body is photographed 'in situ' and consider using video recording
34
OC Body when attending the post-mortem must
- Attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OC Investigation, and contribute as required
- Ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs of the body before and during the post‐mortem examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer.
- Preserve evidence from the body
- Record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
- Arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken, if require
35
Key areas to consider when briefing experts and interested parties include-
- Photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene
- Actions of the first responders
- Identity of the body
- History of the body‐ including medical history, drugs found at the scene, action taken or developments since the discovery of the body
- Timeframes relating to the finding of the body, the last sighting and other significant times that may impact upon time of death
- Scope and priorities of the investigation
- Any special evidential expectations and requirements
- Environmental factors at the scene, i.e. weather
- Any other additional information received from other experts, as appropriate.
36
OC investigation in consultation with CSC and OC body must make the following appreciations prior to body removal
- Notification to and response from, the Coroner
- Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist and Crown Solicitor attending the crime scene
- Consultation with other relevant experts
- Requirement for any examination or action needed before removal, based on known facts of the case
- Best method and route for the body removal, to minimise contamination of the scene or the body, for example by using sterile stepping plates
- Supervision of the body removal
- Chain of custody of the body from the scene to the mortuary
- Safe custody of exhibits
- Family and/or cultural considerations
- The appreciation should record the Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) for what and how items of protective clothing (e.g. paper suits, gloves and masks) must be used in relation to the scene and the body)
37
Where the body has been disturbed
- 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.
38
Preparing for removal of the body
The body must not be moved without specific authority from the OC
- Record the position of the body by sketch plan and direct Police photographer to take photographs
- In consultation with the Crime Scene Coordinator and/or OC scene, consider marking and recording the position of the body before moving it.
- Record all details of the position of the body
- Consider what health risks may be presented by handling the body
- Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags, secured with tape to prevent any trace evidence being lost when the body is moved. Wide tape should be used, taped around the bag at a suitable anchoring point that will secure the bag to the limb and prevent the bag from slipping off
- Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects.
- 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 to transport the body.
- Obtain approval from the OC Investigation to remove the body from the scene
- As directed by the OC, arrange a contracted undertaker to remove the body to the mortuary
39
Appreciations prior to post-mortem
- Identification of the body at the mortuary
- Authority from the Coroner to conduct post‐mortem
- Consultation with the pathologist
- Safe custody of exhibits
- Identifying who should attend the post‐mortem
40
Purpose of a post-mortem
- Determining where possible, the mode and time of death
- Establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
- Determining the nature and size of any weapon(s) used
- Determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
- Providing areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
- Negating possible defences
- Identifying the victim, if identity has not been established.
41
Who may attend a post-mortem under s38 of Coroners Act 2006
- Pathologist
- Coroner
- Any other pathologist assisting (if authorised by the Coroner)
- Doctor who treated the deceased
- Doctor, nurse or funeral director representing the deceased (if authorised by the Coroner)
- Doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged in relation to the death (if authorised by the Coroner)
- Any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by the Coroner)
- Police
- Any other person authorised by a Coroner.
42
Members of Police who should attend post mortems
- OC investigation
- OC Body
- a member specifically designated as exhibits officer for post‐mortem, if required
- Police photographer
43
List of experts the OC may consult regarding conduct of the post-mortem
- Odontologist
- Biologist
- Medical illustrator
- Toxicologist
- Ballistics expert
- Crime scene examiner
- Entomologist
- Anthropologist
- DVI
44
When cultural issues arise (victim/body related)
Where applicable, the assistance of specialist advisors should be sought to assist with cultural issues relating to the victim or others involved in the investigation.
45
On arrival at the mortuary, OC body must
- 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 post‐mortem.
- Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the post‐mortem.
- Arrange formal identification of the body.
46
Methods of identification for bodies
- Fngerprints
- DNA profiling (identification results take 3‐4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
- Dental records, available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
- Eye examination records
- Medical examination records, including scars, birth marks, implants or prosthetics, x‐rays, surgical wounds, amputations and tattoos
- Personal effects
- Facial reconstruction
47
When must the OC body NOT take notes
The OC Body must not make any notes of discussions concerning the post‐mortem examination, unless specifically directed to by the OC Investigation and/or the pathologist.
48
Photographing the body (victim) at mortuary
The OC body must ensure the photographer at the mortuary takes sufficient appropriate photographs of,
- The body, before it is stripped
- The body, after it is stripped
- Close up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features. These photographs must include a measuring scale placed in proximity to the feature being photographed, to make a permanent record of the dimensions of the feature.
49
When should the victim's body be stripped
Stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post‐mortem examination commences, but must only be undertaken on the specific direction of the OC Investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.
50
OC body responsibilities for exhibits
The OC Body is responsible for recording, labelling, packaging, sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the post‐mortem. All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary, without exception and will be recorded in a Scene Exhibits Schedule.
51
What must the OC Body do after post-mortem examination
The OC Body must hand all exhibits to the OC Exhibits, in order to maintain an unbroken chain of exhibit continuity and security. They should also provide the OC Exhibits with:
- The post‐mortem Scene Exhibit Schedule
- Copy of the OC Body's notebook entries
- Formal statement.
52
When would a second post-mortem occur
A second or subsequent post‐mortem may be directed by the Coroner, if
- The pathologist is unable to determine cause of death in the initial post‐mortem
- A suspect's lawyer seeks approval from the Coroner to conduct an independent post‐mortem
- The Solicitor General orders a further post‐mortem, after an application to the High Court.
53
What is the role of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO)
The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) involves the day‐to‐day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation.
The primary function of an FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However, in performing this role, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and co‐ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.
54
When receiving contact from victim family members post exit plan, the FLO must
The FLO role may receive contact from family members over an extended period. All contact by members of the family after the FLO has been stood down must be reported to the OC Investigation.
55
The term family includes -
- Partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whānau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
- 'chosen' family
- Should reflect the victim's culture and lifestyle.
56
OC considerations when suspect is within the victim's family
- The FLO's welfare and safety
- Increased monitoring of the FLO's work and interaction with the family
- The level of information disclosure to the FLO and, in turn, the family
- The process by which any intelligence that arises from FLO contact with the family will be managed
- The need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with the family
- The importance of fully documenting all contact and interactions with the family
57
FLO action on appointment
- Liaise closely with the OC Investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with and/or held back from the family
- Familiarise themselves with the enquiry
- Familiarise themselves with all information established concerning the family, including known family composition or dynamics, cultural and lifestyle considerations, religious beliefs and communication requirements, e.g. language or disability
- Familiarise themselves with available information and intelligence which could impact on the liaison role, such as previous Police involvement with the victim or family
- Establish what contact the family has had with Police since the incident/death
- Establish what information has been given to the family
- Establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain.
58
Who takes a VIS in a homicide and what is the expiry of it
The statement must be available for sentencing and should be no older than 28 days at the time of sentencing.
Homicide trained victim support volunteers are trained to assist Police by taking Victim Impact Statements from surviving family members.
59
Arrangements for viewing, identification and release of the body to family
Arrangements for the family to view the body may be undertaken by the FLO, or alternatively, by the OC Body or other person directed by the OC Investigation. The FLO, in consultation with the OC Investigation should ask the family who they wish to nominate to identify the body. Provided no conflict occurs in this decision the wishes of the family should be respected.
60
List of "people" sources when examining lifestyle of a victim
- Friends
- Colleagues
- Partners
- Associates
- Online or social media contacts
- Hobbies and habits
61
List of "passive" sources when examining lifestyle of a victim
- NIA
- CID
- Medical history
- Mental health records
- Human Source Management Unit (HSMU)
- Landline telephone details and associated enquiries
62
Issues to be considered by FLO when returning property to victim's family
- What property does the family wish to be returned?
- How do they want the property returned, for example do they wish items to be cleaned?
- Are there likely to be any delays in the return of any property?
- Property should be inspected to ensure all Police and Court exhibit tags have been removed.
63
OC area canvass responsibilities
Must ensure the area canvass team remains focused and that the canvass results in efficient use of resources and the return of relevant and manageable information and material.
64
Purpose of an area canvass
The main objectives of an area canvass may include
- Identifying the offender
- Identifying and locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles
- Identifying witnesses
- Gathering information
65
When should an area canvass take place
In some cases, the area canvass should be conducted at the same time as the original offence occurred, to capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day
66
Factors to consider when identifying location parameters for an area canvass
- Scenes
- Premises within the line of sight of scenes
- Access and egress routes to and from scenes
- Areas where an offender may have lain in wait
- Location where the victim was last seen alive
- Locations or premises frequented by the victim
67
Factors to consider during a risk assessment during an area canvass
- Violent offenders
- Persons wanted by police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
- Groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
- Local incidents or issues which residents may raise with Police.
68
As OC area canvass, while monitoring progress, a detailed master record of ongoing progress should be kept and show...
- Which addresses have been visited,
- Which occupants interviewed,
- The documentation completed,
- And any relevant comments made.
69
How to ensure staff morale remains high as OC area canvass
By providing regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation, together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.
70
What should be contained in the report the OC area canvass submits to the OC investigation
The report should include a summary of all action taken, any significant findings highlighted and attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy.
71
Methods for OC investigation to consider to identify witness
- Viewing CCTV
- Media releases and appeals
- Area canvass
- Interviews with victims and other witnesses
- Suspect interviews
- Anniversary appeals
- Road check points
72
What must be done before a witness proximate to the events is interviewed.
A plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness including DNA, fingerprints, clothes, footwear, fibres, body fluids, glass or other material.
73
Factors to consider in the initial witness assessment
- Whether due to the personal characteristics of the witness or the circumstances of the offending, the witness requires special consideration
- Availability of the witness
- Any needs the witness has for special assistance
- The optimum approach to be taken with the witness
74
What must be done if a witness refuses to be interviewed
A record must be made of all the information provided by the witness, as this may become crucial if the
witness is later called as a witness for the defence.
75
How should OC witness manage witness intimidation
By maintaining contact with witnesses, Police will be more likely to become aware of any threats, intimidation or interference and can arrange for appropriate action to be taken; such as initiating the witness protection program
76
How should OC witness control witnesses
Ensure the witnesses do not
- Have any contact or communication with jurors
- Discuss the case in public areas while waiting to give evidence
- Discuss the case with witnesses waiting after they have given evidence
77
How should OC witness refresh a witness' memory
At Court, request the witness refresh their memory by reading any previously signed statement or interview transcripts.
78
OC suspects should brief the suspect team members of..
- The circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available
- The full details of all persons of interest and any suspect, where the identity of suspects are known
- Details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses (a schedule of descriptions may be prepared to assist)
- Whether any particular modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified.
79
Suspects may be identified through..
- Area canvass
- Intelligence analysis
- Police notings linking suspect to relevant area
- Fingerprints
- DNA samples
- Witness evidence
80
Purpose of the OC suspects role
- Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest, as they are identified by the OC Investigation
- Thoroughly profiling and investigating all suspects and persons of interest to enable the OC Investigation to establish their involvement in the offence or eliminate them from the inquiry
- Seeking evidence to cover all elements of the offence(s)
- Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised, where appropriate
- Providing a basis for further investigation.
81
Where the place of residence of a suspect who has yet to be identified is known, consider
- NIA enquiries
- Enquiries with the local council to identify the property owner
- Conducting a reconnaissance of the area
- Monitoring the address through surveillance
- Taking photographs of any persons and vehicles as they enter or leave the premises
- Monitoring the use of suspect's telephone via Production order
82
How to prevent cross-contamination (multiple suspects)
It is vitally important officers involved are fully aware of cross contamination issues and where possible, separate officers should be assigned to each suspect. Suspects must be kept apart including during travel in vehicles and when in cells. All clothing should be packaged, labelled and sealed in accordance with standard procedures before transfer to OC Exhibits.
83
Which documentation must be completed following a suspect arrest for a homicide or other similarly serious crime?
- NIA entry.
- Message to the Deputy Commissioner: Operations by completing an update on the Serious Incident Report database.
- Cancellation of NIA 'wanted' references.
84
Samples to be obtained from the suspect by a doctor
- Blood
- Saliva
- Head hair
- Pubic and body hair, if relevant
- Fingernail scrapings
- Swabs of the suspect's hands or other relevant areas
85
Role of OC exhibits in a smaller investigation
May establish
- Evidential value of each exhibit
- Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
- Further enquiries that are needed.
86
Responsibilities of OC exhibits
Establishing required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits and ensuring these processes are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the OC Investigation and the Investigation Management Tool (IMT) application.
87
In the first instance the OC Exhibits should only accept an exhibit if...
- The exhibit label contains the exhibit number and the name of the operation
- The property is correctly packaged and sealed, and the exhibit label is visible and secured on the outside of the package
- Any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken
88
Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include
- What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
- The priority each examination should receive.
- Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction.
- A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
- An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.
89
What information should be included in a POL143
- Brief circumstances of the case
- Purpose(s) of the examination
- Location where each item originates from e.g. from a particular scene, victim, witness or suspect
- Whether any exhibits are damp or require special attention
- Authorisation by the appropriate supervisor.
90
What characteristics make a good detective
- Have an investigative mindset
- Pay meticulous attention to detail
- Work as a team
- Carry out your assigned task efficiently
- Have the ability to apply the Appreciation Technique to think through
issues to ensure the best possible course of action is followed
- Always consider how your decisions will be scrutinised under cross-examination months later in Court when the case proceeds to trial
91
Basic principles underpinning all serious crime investigations
- Appreciation process
- Preserve life
- Preserve scene
- Identify and apprehend suspects
- Secure evidence
- Identify victim
92
What to do when discovering a body
- Consider calling an ambulance and resuscitation
- Remain with body until relieved by CIB or supervisor
- Arrange a doctor to pronounce life extinct
- Treat the victim as a scene
- Instruct Medical staff to leave clothes on the body
93
What are some circumstances where samples from the body should be taken at the scene
Where evidence would otherwise be lost or contaminated by moving the body, such as
- Larvae and insects
- Potential fingerprint evidence form the skin on the body of the victim or items of clothing worn by the body
- DNA swabs
- Extraneous items such as loose hairs, fibres, glass, paint
- Firearm residue samples
94
Particular consideration should be given to seeking authority from the Coroner for the following parties to attend the post‐mortem
- ESR forensic scientist
- Crown Solicitor
95
Police equipment required for a post-mortem examination
- MEK
- Toxicology kit
- Body label
- A notebook and pens for use solely during the post-mortem
96
When removing clothing from the body
- Cutting clothing off from the body should be avoided but may be necessary in some cases. If unavoidable, cut in areas where evidence is least likely to be present
- Search clothing pockets and make an inventory of the content
97
Family Liaison plan considerations to be made by OC investigation
- Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
- Exit plan for the FLO
- Objectives of the family liaison
- Information to be released to and withheld from the family.
98
Whats MUST the FLO do during the early stages
- Provide immediate appropriate information to family concerning death of victim and what happens next
- Provide the family/NOK the coronial booklet.
- Establish from family members any immediate evidence, information or rumors.
- Give or facilitate initial practical support for members of the family (eg transport)
99
FLO responsibilities in arranging victim body viewing (victim's family)
- Nominate representative to identify the body
- Ascertain the viewing facilities available and be aware/mindful of family touch or kissing the body when paying respect.
- Provide family information concerning the condition of the body
- Be prepared to spend time with the family at the viewings and afterwards.
100
How should an FLO prepare the victim's family for media
- Establish the family's views on any media appeals
- Request family to nominate a spokesperson at an early stage
- Consult the family before the release of personal details relating the victim
- Where possible, provide copies of media releases to the family before distribution
101
Benefits of an area canvass
- Sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
- Sightings of relevant property or vehicles
- Sightings of potential witnesses
- Creating the opportunity for an early arrest through early identification of the offender
102
During an area canvass, time parameters should be set for..
- The offence
- The scene
- Sightings
- Previous residents and visitors at the scene
103
Things to advise staff on during an area canvass phase team briefing
- What action to take if they believe they have identified the suspect
- What action to take if they locate items of evidential value
- What action to take if individuals refuse to assist
- What information must not be disclosed
104
Topics to cover during an area canvass debrief
- Key locations where door to door enquiries have been undertaken
- Parameters of initial Police activity
- What questions were asked and any perceived issues from the respondents
- What records have been completed
105
Preliminary interview with witnesses may lead to..
- Early identification or arrest of a suspect
- Recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence
- Prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
- Prevention of the commission of other offences
106
Topics to cover in a witness interview plan
- The time and location of the interview
- The amount of information to be disclosed to the interviewer
- Setting interview objectives
- Supporting the interview, for example, employing an interview monitor
107
When alibi witnesses have been notified under the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008, the investigator must...
- Make enquiries in relation to the veracity of the alibi witness
- conduct inquiries as directed by OC and Crown Solicitor
- Forward results to Crown Solicitor
108
OC exhibits, when preparing exhibits for production at Court, must
Present exhibits in a manner that-
- Clearly demonstrates the evidential value of the exhibits, e.g. by mounting clothes on a mannequin or board
- Avoids any risk of physical injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage.
109
Define chain of custody
The chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of an exhibit, from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity, and therefore admissibility, of exhibits.
110
What must each individual with custody of an exhibit be able to demonstrate in IMT or PROP
- When they received custody of the exhibit and from whom
- Where and how the exhibit was securely stored
- When, why and how the exhibit was moved from one place to another
- How the exhibit has been treated, safeguarded and preserved
- When and why they transferred custody of an exhibit to another person, and to whom.
111
What must the disclosure manager do upon appointment of role
- Read the Disclosure manager desk file
- Access the current Serious Crime Template downloaded to the local district shared drive
- Report to the 2IC to receive a briefing, tasking, establishing what information is and is not discoverable, and onoging supervision.
112
Disclosure manager key responsibilities
- Ensure all relevant and discoverable material is provided to defence counsel
- Ensure all relevant and non-discoverable material is identified, listed and defence advised
- Continually assess the risk to ensure that non-discoverable material is identified and not disclosed
- Continually review to ensure that ongoing lawful justification to withhold exists for each document that is withheld
113
Defence counsel communication
All communication with defence counsel should be conducted through the 2IC, or Crown solicitor, where engaged.
114
Disclosure to the crown
The Crown should be provided with an identical copy of all material that is disclosed to defence counsel. The Crown should also review an un-edited copy of the material, where appropriate.
115
Explain S10(4) of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008
Disclosure may be supplied in whatever form, including electronically, that the person disclosing the information holds it in at the time of the request, provided this will be readily accessible to the defendant
