Serious Crime Flashcards
1
Q
What are the primary functions of the initial police responders at a serious crime scene?
A
- Attending the scene at an early stage
- Taking control of the situation; and
- Co-ordinating tasks
2
Q
Reasoned positive action during the initial stages of an investigation can?
A
Minimise any loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information, such as intelligence and admissible evidence.
3
Q
All Police who initially attend the scene must record?
A
- Their observations
- Their actions
- Any alterations made to the scene
4
Q
Describe four matters that must be recorded in a crime scene log to maintain the integrity of the crime scene?
A
- Name and designation
- Authority to enter the scene
- Purpose of the visit
- Time of entry and exit
5
Q
While most offences of homicide are identified as a result of a body being found, or by a person responsible for the offence making admissions, some incidents notified to the police are not initially identifiable as a homicide. Describe four such incidents?
A
- Report of a missing person
- Report of an abduction
- Unexplained death
- Suicide
- Fatal fire
6
Q
What does VAWSEIPO stand for in the general investigation model?
A
Victim - Identify and locate the victim(s)
Appreciation - Make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the live of others
Witnesses - Locate and contain witnesses
Scene - Preserve the scene (e.g. Set boundaries)
Exhibits - Note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed
Ingredients - Consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established
Powers - Identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them
Offenders - Identify and apprehend suspect(s)
7
Q
Establish the victim’s medical status:
What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?
A
Having ensured the safety of those present the next priority is to establish the physical condition of the victim.
This falls into one of three categories:
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
8
Q
If the victim is injured at the scene you should?
A
- First aid, call ambulance
- Conduct preliminary interview
- Consider dying declaration
- DNA swab victims skin
- Accompany to hospital, seize clothing
9
Q
Appreciation
A
Police attending a serious crime incident must make an appreciation before making decisions and prioritising tasks.
10
Q
When making an appreciation and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the courses open, what questions must be asked?
A
- What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative?
- Which option is the most appropriate way to reach the objective?
* From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.
11
Q
Benefits of an appreciation
A
Applying an appreciation technique can provide the following key benefits:
- Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
- Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
- Manages risk
- Ensures nothing is overlooked
- Effective use of resources
12
Q
A plan must be?
A
- A logical outcome of the appreciation
- Clear, concise, leaving no room for misinterpretation
- Address safety issues
- Recorded
- GSMEAC
13
Q
The person reporting the incident is a critical witness in an investigation. Every effort should be made to obtain?
A
- Identity and location of the suspect
- Firsthand account of what they know
- Precise details of the scene location
- ID of victim
- Demeanour
14
Q
Initial response police at a serious crime incident must make a risk assessment. Why should a reconnaissance of the scene be conducted?
A
Subject to the appreciation of risks, a reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender.
15
Q
Describe the reasons for the OC investigations, OC area canvass and OC suspects visiting the external or general scene of a serious crime
A
To make a reconnaissance of the area, conduct an appreciation and set the parameters and objectives of the canvass.
This will also provide a clear perspective of the area, when it is referred to subsequently in statements and/or briefings.
16
Q
At Hospital what circumstances need to be taken into account when taking a statement?
A
The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include:
-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
Procedure for suspects at the scene
A
Stage 2 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.
18
Q
Media
A
If members of the media are present at the scene, keep them away from the immediate crime scene cordon and make no comment about the incident.
Consult with the OC Investigation on arrival and explain what has happened, identify media members and where they are located.
19
Q
Describe who is responsible during an investigation for determining the status of a person as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim?
A
Responsibility for determining the status of a person within the investigation whether as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim rests with the OC Investigation.
20
Q
Where the body has been disturbed:
A
- 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.
21
Q
Formal Identification
A
It is important those carrying out the formal identification are fully informed what is required of them and what they should expect to see when they view the deceased, particularly after a post-mortem examination has taken place.
22
Q
Prior to moving the body from the scene what specific action must the OC body take?
A
The body must be considered a ‘scene within a scene’ and as such, the OC Investigation is ultimately responsible for ensuring how the removal and examination of the body will be managed.
The body must not be moved without specific authority from the OC Investigation.
23
Q
When moving the body considerations:
A
- Notification to and response from the coroner
- Standard operating procedures
- Views of pathologist, ESR scientist
- Best route and method for body removal considering minimal scene contamination
- Family or cultural considerations
24
Q
Methods of Identification
A
Mutilation or decomposition may render visual identification of a body impossible. Consider the following methods of identification, in consultation with the Coroner:
- Fingerprints
- DNA profiling (identification results take 3-4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
- Dental records (available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor)
- Personal effects
- Facial reconstruction
25
Stripping the body:
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.
26
Detail the responsibilities of the OC Body regarding exhibits taken from the body at the mortuary? (2)
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.
27
The primary reason for conducting a post mortem examination is to establish the cause of death. List four matters how the pathologist’s findings may assist the investigation? (2
1. Determining where possible, the mode and time of death
2. Establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
3. Determining the nature and size of any weapon(s) used
4. Determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
28
What specific experts must be notified and their attendance requested for a post mortem?
* Pathologist
* Police photographer
* SOCO/Fingerprints (if required)
OC Investigation, OC Body, OC Exhibits for PM (if required) Police photographer, SOCO/Fingerprint officer normal attendies.
29
Particular consideration should be given to seeking authority from the coroner to attend the PM for?
ESR Scientist and Crown Solicitor
30
List six of the responsibilities of the OC body? (3)
1. Ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265).
2. Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post-mortem examination.
3. Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect.
4. Note and record any observations relating to the body.
5. Note details of medical staff or others who have attended the victim.
6. Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body.
31
When skeletal remains are found what information can a forensic anthropologist provide? (3)
* Whether the remains are actually bones
* Whether the bones are human
* The age, gender, height and race of the person
32
Action after the post-mortem
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 written statement
33
The OC body is responsible for preparing the sudden death file and submitting it as soon as possible. What are the four documents that must be included on the file? (2)
1. Statement relating to the victims formal identification
2. Copy of the Police form 47 (report for the coroner) or, in the case of a child under the age of 2 years, a Police form 47A (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)
3. Copy of Deceased Person Certificate (Police form 265)
4. Copy of Deceased Person Identification (Police form 265A).
34
When attending the post-mortem with OC Investigation what must you do?
1. Attend briefing of pathologist by OC Investigation
2. Preserve evidence from the body (exhibit)
3. Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings
4. Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed
35
Role of the family liaison officer (FLO):
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.
36
List the duties of the family liaison officer in the role as an investigator? (2)
As an investigator, the FLO will normally be responsible for profiling the victim, preparing a family tree and gathering all relevant information from the family.
This may include, in conjunction with the OC Body, taking statements to identify the victim.
37
Once a family liaison plan has been formulated it must be reviewed in consultation with the family liaison officer at regular intervals. Describe four matters that the plan should consider? (2)
1. Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
2. Exit plan for the FLO
3. Objectives of the family liaison
4. Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers, where appropriate
38
When a family member is a suspect the OC Investigation must review the plan regularly which should consider:
* FLO’s safety
* The need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with the family
* Possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO
* Fully document all contact and interaction with the family
39
Cultural Liaison
The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victim’s family and ensure they are familiar with relevant cultural beliefs and protocols, to enhance relations with the family and to contribute to the victim profile.
40
Victim Impact Statements:
Victims should be given the opportunity to make a written statement about the impact the crime has had on them, through a victim impact statement.
Homicide trained Victim Support volunteers are trained to assist Police by taking Victim Impact Statements from surviving family members.
41
Describe two types of information that can be obtained from police intelligence systems when carrying out a risk assessment during the planning phase for an area canvass? (2)
* Violent offenders
| * Persons wanted by police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
42
List four resources or tools that the OC area canvass should seek to assist the canvass? (2)
1. Suitable street maps
2. Aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections
3. Geological information
4. Local council records and other applicable references
43
What is the purpose of a forensic strategy meeting? (2)
Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine what examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits and the priority the examinations should receive.
The purpose is also to determine whether any further work is needed to assist reconstruction and if so a plan for the work to be completed.
44
Upon the completion of a forensic strategy meeting what two matters must the OC exhibits record on the exhibits register? (2)
All decisions made about the types of examinations to be conducted and the priority allocated to the examination of each exhibit.
45
Timing of a canvass phase
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, e.g. a homicide of a person in a park in the early hours of the morning.
46
In addition to door to door enquiries during the area canvass phase, what other approaches can also be used to obtain information from the public? (2)
* Media
* Poster campaign
* Mail drop
* High profile police presence, using a caravan
47
During a briefing of an area canvass what is the appropriate instruction to give staff who may speak to a witness who has evidence of possible probative value? (1)
Advise that evidence of possible probative value must be obtained in a formal written statement rather than notebook form and endorsed by the person giving the statement.
48
Other benefits of conducting an area canvass include
* Sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
* Sightings of relevant property or vehicles used
* Sightings of potential witnesses
* Early arrest through early identification of the offender
49
Canvass phase – Team motivation
It is essential staff remain focused and alert to the possibilities that the person they are speaking to could be a vital witness, or even the offender.
The OC Area Canvass should ensure staff morale remains high and this can be achieved 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.
50
Canvass phase – Monitoring progress
A detailed master record of ongoing progress should be continually maintained and updated by the OC Area Canvass, showing which addresses have been visited, which occupants interviewed, the documentation completed and any relevant comments made.
51
Canvass phase – Final report
At the conclusion of the area canvass the phase OC must submit a report to the OC Investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the 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.
52
Witness as a scene
Some witnesses may have been so proximate to events that it is likely evidence was transferred to the witness, from the victim, suspect or from the scene itself.
Before a witness is interviewed, a plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness such as:
- DNA
- Fingerprints
- Clothes
- Fibres
- Body fluids
- Glass or other material
53
Witnesses – Risk assessment:
| State two reasons why it is important to conduct a risk assessment relating to a witness to a serious offence? (1)
A risk assessment must be conducted to establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of intimidation and/or physical harm.
Different forms of intimidation may result from a witness providing information to Police, ranging from fear of going to Court, to life being at serious risk.
Intelligence personnel may be tasked to contribute to the assessment and consultation should take place between the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor where any witness is subject to intimidation.
54
Police responsibilities to witnesses – Witness intimidation
The OC witnesses and 2IC Investigation are responsible for maintaining contact with witnesses.
By maintaining contact 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
55
Police responsibilities to witnesses – Witness control:
During the course of a criminal trial the OC witnesses must maintain control over the witnesses. What specific instructions must be given to the witnesses relating to their conduct at court? (3)
Ensure that 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
56
Police responsibilities to witnesses – Refreshing memory
At Court, request the witness refresh their memory by reading any previously signed statement(s) or interview transcript.
57
Alibi witnesses
Alibi witnesses notified under section 22 of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008 must only be interviewed under the direction of the Crown Solicitor.
When particulars of alibi witnesses are notified concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced, the investigator must:
1. Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
2. Conduct inquiries as directed by the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witness
3. Forward the results of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, including any statements obtained
58
OC Suspect – Briefing the suspects team
The first duty of the OC Suspects is to brief their suspects team members.
To enable them to do this, the OC Suspects should analyse the information available such as witness statements, police reports and information from the scene.
Their initial briefing should encompass:
- 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.
59
What matters is the OC Suspects responsible for when supervising members of the suspects team? (2)
team? (2)
1. Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest, as they are identified by the OC Investigation.
2. 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.
3. Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of the offence(s).
4. Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised, where appropriate.
5. Providing a basis for further investigation.
60
Suspects – Determine investigation priorities
Investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation with the OC Investigation.
Aspects that might influence the setting of priorities are the relative weight of evidence against a person or the likelihood of their leaving the area.
You may also be influenced by a particular urgency in solving the case or the availability of staff.
61
Suspects – Provide briefings/debriefings
The OC Suspects phase must regularly debrief their team members on the enquiries they have conducted and the results of these enquiries so that they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences, between the members of the suspects team and other investigation staff.
Priority information must be brought to the attention of the OC Investigation as necessary.
62
Suspects – Medical examination
The OC Suspects will arrange, in consultation with the OC Investigation, for a Police doctor to examine the suspect. The doctor must:
* Note any injuries, such as scratches or bruises
* Take samples identified as necessary by the OC Investigation using a specialist Medical Examination Kit, including:
- blood
- saliva
- pubic and body hair, if relevant
- fingernail scrapings
- swabs of the suspect’s hands or other relevant areas
* Swab the suspect’s hands for firearms residue using a specialist Firearms Detection Kit, as soon as possible where a firearm has been involved in an offence. Such residue may persist on the hands or clothing of a suspect for up to three hours.
* Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect.
* Record any explanations or comments made by the suspect about the offence or the cause of any of injuries. Photographs of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries must be taken.
63
When dealing with a suspect at the scene of a serious crime, what specific physical matters relevant to the suspect must you consider? (2)
* 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.
* Note the suspect’s appearance and behaviour. For example: do they appear edgy, shocked or agitated? Are their clothes ripped and/or stained?
64
During any interview with the suspect the OC suspects must ensure that?
* Interview is conducted in accordance with investigative interviewing procedures
* It is monitored by a supervisor or experienced detective
* Ensure explanation is sought from suspect regarding any exhibits
65
Alibis:
Whenever an alibi is put forward by an offender, concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced, it is the responsibility of the OC suspects to make thorough enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi and to fully report the result of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, via the 2IC.
66
File management – Setting up the investigation headquarters
The File Manager, where there is no logistics officer appointed, must liaise closely with the 2IC to establish the requirements for the Investigation Headquarters, including:
* Location
* Transport
* Equipment
* Communications
67
Explain the communication flow for the file manager
The file manager has an important role to play in establishing and maintaining the flow of communication throughout the investigation, both verbal and documentary.
A critical aspect is ensuring the constant flow of correspondence between the 2IC and the investigation team.
68
Role of the Disclosure Manager – Initial actions:
On appointment to the role, the Disclosure Manager must:
* Read the Disclosure Managers desk file
* Access the current Serious Crime Template downloaded to the local district shared drive, for use during the investigation
* Report to the 2IC to receive a briefing, tasking, establishing what information is and is not discoverable, and ongoing supervision
69
Disclosure Manager – Key responsibilities, List three of the key responsibilities of the disclosure manager? (3)
The Disclosure Manager must:
* 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 review to ensure that ongoing lawful justification to withhold exists for each document that is withheld.
* Manage disclosure timeframes within the provisions of the Act, or as otherwise directed by the Courts.
* Retain and file all correspondence with defence counsel, both incoming and outgoing in the 50000 series document category.
* Create a record in NIA of the fact of disclosure against the charge(s), and make a brief record of delivery of initial disclosure in NIA.
* Record in NIA that the Disclosure Index is held in the operation file and the location of that file - e.g. File Path Name.
70
Obligations when counsel is reassigned:
Police have an obligation where the legal representative of a defendant is replaced, to ensure the replacement counsel is provided with all material previously disclosed. This may be achieved by obtaining confirmation in writing from the replacement counsel they have received all material previously disclosed from the outgoing counsel, or by providing the replacement counsel with a fresh copy.
More recently, section 10(4) of the Act provides that 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.
Consideration must be given to whether a defendant has 'ready' access to a computer with which to access electronic disclosure documents, particularly if remanded in prison.
71
Exhibit management – Appointment
In homicide and other serious crime investigations, the person appointed to the role of OC Exhibits should be suitably qualified in terms of training and relevant experience.
In a homicide investigation it is recommended that the OC Exhibits is a qualified Detective, preferably with previous experience in:
* Mass exhibit handling
* Forensic principles
* Methods of exhibit recovery
* Approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
* Managing contamination and cross-contamination issues
* Use of standardised documentation as contained in the Serious Crime Template.
72
Smaller investigations - OC exhibits - In small investigations the OC exhibits in conjunction with the OC investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit. What is the purpose of this procedure? (3)
To establish the:
* Evidential value of each exhibit
* Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
* Further enquiries that are needed
73
OC exhibits responsibilities
The OC Exhibits is responsible for 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 Serious Crime Template.
74
You have been appointed OC Exhibits. What instructions regarding the handover of exhibits to the OC exhibits must you give to all staff who are locating and handling exhibits? (2)
The OC Exhibits must communicate required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling of the exhibits to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.
75
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.
76
Exhibits register
To protect the integrity of the electronic Exhibits Register, only the OC Exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it, although every member of the investigation should be able to view it.
77
Prior to a criminal trial relating to a serious offence, who makes the decision as to what exhibits are to be prepared and produced at trial? (2)
The OC Investigation (in conjunction with the OC Exhibits and other relevant investigation team members)
78
What are the three elements of a homicide?
Location
Victim
Suspect
79
What factors should be taken into account when appointing OC Body.
The OC Body should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues. Where this is not possible, the OC Body may require additional support and/or mentoring.
80
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for exam of exhibits?
Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation. The strategy must be approved by the OC Investigation and continually reviewed throughout the investigation to keep
abreast of any developments.
81
What are 2 main purposes for police attending scene of any death
No matter what the circumstances of death are (e.g. an accident, suicide, apparent natural causes, work place accident or unexplained death), Police purpose is always to investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death.
82
What action should OC exhibits take when receiving results of exhibit examinations?
Results of exhibit examinations: The OC Exhibits must update the Exhibits Register with the results of exhibit examinations. The OC Exhibits should bring such information to the attention of the OC
Investigation and not assume that they are aware of it by any other means.
Where the OC Exhibits becomes aware that further enquiries are required in relation to a particular exhibit, this must be highlighted to the 2IC so that follow-up enquiries can be initiated.
83
Explain common approach path
Common approach paths are a route in and out of the scene that all staff/civilians are to use. This path will be a route that avoids any route taken to and from the scene by the suspect or victim. It is best to consider possible approach paths previously and establish a common approach path early to prevent loss of evidence or cross contamination.
84
Describe chain of custody and state the purpose
The 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.
85
While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate:
* 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.
This is called maintaining the ‘chain of evidence’.
86
In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Maori Victim, an Iwi Liaison Officer (ILO) must be engaged as early as possible. In what ways can the ILO provide assistance to the investigation?
Maori Culture: In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victim, an Iwi liaison Officer must be engaged as early as possible. This will support an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions, protocol and beliefs, and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Maori community.
87
State why it is important that Police who have first contact with the informant to a serious offence should be debriefed regarding the contact.
The informant: Police who have first contact with the informant should be debriefed and a full record made of their account. This record could become crucial if the informant is later identified as a suspect. In some circumstances, consideration should be given to interviewing such officers as investigatively important witnesses.
88
Describe who should be appointed as OC body at a serious crime scene?
Appointment of the OC Body: The OC Body should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues. Where this is not possible, the OC Body may require additional support and/or
mentoring.
The appointment of an additional deputy to assist the OC Body as 'Scene Exhibits Officer'
specifically during the post-mortem examination, should also be considered.
89
Under what circumstances may the OC body make any notes of discussions concerning the post mortem examination?
Taking 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.
90
When appointing an officer to interview a witness to a serious offence, what four main issues should be considered regarding the potential interviewing officer?
Appointment of an interviewer
The selection of an appropriate interviewer is an important first step in the development of a witness. These issues should be considered:
• the level of training of the interviewer:the experience the officer has in interviewing witnesses in major investigations and any additional skills the interviewer has which may be advantageous in the circumstances
• the suitability of the officer to undertake the interview. This should include a consideration of any welfare issues and whether any previous experience that the officer has with the witness is likely to either inhibit or encourage a rapport with the interviewee, or give rise to later challenges of coaching, prompting or offering inducements.
91
You are the first at the scene of a homicide and you are advised that the suspect is still present. What should be your first priority in relation to the suspect?
Preliminary interview with suspect
Record all comments made and action taken with suspect
Isolate suspect from other suspects/witnesses/victims
Search and surveillance powers of detention/search or arrest if possible – consider cautioning
Obtain cooperation and ask them to remain if no powers
Note and 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.
92
Describe four of the responsibilities of the OC exhibits in a serious crime investigation.
* To maintain physical security of exhibits (safe storage)
* To maintain the continuity of all exhibits (chain of custody)
* To establish and maintain exhibit management systems
* To ensure all exhibits are fully examined in accordance with the Forensic Strategy meeting decisions
* To submit exhibits for examination
* To produce exhibits in court
* To facilitate the inspection of exhibits by defence counsel.
93
Actions Police should take on initial arrival to preserve the 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'. Ensure nothing is touched or moved. The scene must be kept in its original state.
* 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. For example, rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain.
94
As O/C exhibits attend all investigation team conferences and?
The OC Exhibits must attend all Forensic Strategy Meetings and investigation briefings to facilitate information sharing and where possible, take responsibility for maintaining liaison between OC investigation, 2IC, Crime Scene Co-Ordinator/OC Scene, ESR and other specialists.
95
What are the purposes of a methodically conducted area canvass?
Purpose: Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victim and witnesses. A
methodically conducted area canvass therefore presents a high likelihood of identifying or contacting the offender, an associate of the offender, significant witnesses, identifying evidence or exhibits and establishing significant facts.
96
The file manager must assist the 2IC on a daily basis to carry out a number of duties. Describe these duties.
Communication flow: The file manager must assist the 2IC to prepare:
- daily bulletins/sitreps,
- Police and special notices,
- organisational charts and
- daily rosters
- and ensuring these are well-displayed within the Investigation Headquarters, preferably on a notice board.
