Serious Crime Flashcards
In the case of a homicide, a victim impact statement is taken from family members.
This statement needs to be available for the sentencing of the defendant.
Who is responsible for taking the victim impact statement and what is the maximum time frame it is valid?
Homicide trained victim support volunteer or employee and 28 days
When implementing the Family Liaison Plan, the Family Liaison Officer should identify which family members to liaise with at an early stage.
Which best describes the term “family”?
Includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had direct and close relationship
In smaller investigations, the OC Exhibits in conjunction with the OC Investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilities a thorough interrogation of every exhibit
The purpose of this procedure is to consider the evidential value of each exhibit to determine further enquiries that are needed, what else?
to investigate opportunities presented by each exhibit
In relation to deceased victims, sometimes it is necessary to take samples from and around the body prior to body removal. This can only be done in consultation with OC Scene and/or the Scene Co-Ordinator and with the authority of the OC Investigation.
Such samples are potential fingerprint evidence from the skin on the body, DNA swabs, firearm residue samples
What is the fourth sample type which could be taken prior to body removal?
larvae and insects
The findings of the postmortem examination represent vital information for a homicide investigation. Subsequent processing of exhibits during the postmortem is central to the investigation.
What are the responsibilities of the OC Body regarding exhibits taken from the body at the mortuary?
Record, label, seal and secure all exhibits before leaving the mortuary without exception and record in a scene exhibits schedule
In relation to authorized people entering a crime scene, the scene guard must record certain information in the crime scene log.
What is one thing a scene guard must record?
Time of entry and exit of the scene
The OC Body must perform certain tasks, particularly at the mortuary before the postmortem examination. One such task includes stripping the body in the required manner in preparation for the postmortem.
Under part 5 of the homicide and serious crime victims’ chapter in the Police Manual what is one of the specified steps that the
OC Body must follow when stripping the body?
the body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist
On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt, preliminary interview with a witness who possesses information or material that is likely to rapidly progress the investigation.
Information from the interview may lead to the early identification or arrest of a suspect, the recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence or the prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected in the investigation.
What else may this information lead to?
Prevention of the commission of other offences
There are certain reasons for the OC Investigation, OC Area Canvass and OC Suspects visiting the external or general scene of a serious crime prior to conducting area canvas.
Identify the correct reason from the list below:
To conduct an appreciation
The actions of the first responding Police have a critical effect on an investigation and on the potential for gathering evidence. Although enquiries will vary depending on the circumstances in all cases the general investigation should be used.
Identify the four points from the general investigation model?
victim, appreciation, elements, powers
At the conclusion of the postmortem, the OC Body must hand all exhibits to the OC exhibits.
What else must the OC Body also provide?
the postmortem scene exhibit schedule
The OC Suspects must investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation with the OC Investigation.
Which of these matters may influence the setting of priorities?
the likelihood of their leaving the area
The first duty of the OC Suspects is to brief their suspects team members. To enable them to do this, the OC Suspects should analyze the information available such as witness statements, police reports and information from the scene.
What is one of the areas that must be covered by the OC Suspects in the initial briefing?
the circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available
Why would a second or subsequent postmortem examination be directed by the Coroner in accordance with Part 5 of the homicide and serious crime victims’ chapter in the Police Manual?
the solicitor general orders as further postmortem, after an application to the High Court
D/Constable Rua is the initial Police responder at an aggravated robbery of a Shell Service station where the three offenders have decamped and the victim is physically uninjured.
In accordance with Part 1 - Initial Response to a serious crime chapter in the Police Manual, why is it so essential that D/ Constable Rua’s initial actions are so important?
those actions will frequently affect the outcome of subsequent enquiries
