Serious Crime Flashcards
Initial police responders initial response
- Attending scene at an early stage
- Take control of the situation
- Co-ordinate tasks.
Not all incidents involving homicide are readily identifiable as such. Such incidents include:-
Missing person Unexplained Death Unexplained death of infant Abduction Violence where no fatalities are expected Crime scene with no body Hit and Run Suicide Fatal fire Drug related deaths
Police initial responsibilities
V - Victim A - Appreciation W - Witness S - Scene E - Exhibits I - Ingredients P - Powers O - Offender
Define Appreciation
A proven method of problem solving
Follows a series of steps
Considers all factors and weighs up all benefits and risks
An ongoing process
Benefits of appreciation
Informs all Police of what is expected to be achieved Increases chances of success Establishes activities Manages risk ensures nothing is overlooked Effective use of resources
Stages of appreciation
A - AIM
F - FACTORS
CO - COURSES OPEN
P - PLAN
Describe the investigative mentality required for serious crime investigation
No matter the circumstances of death…Always investigate thoroughly and gather sufficient evidence to explain death.
Preservation of life
Ensure own safety
Ensure safety of other 1st responders
Ensure safety of others
What are the three different medical status of the victim of a serious crime?
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no sign of life
What should you consider if you believe the victim may die to their injuries?
Consider a recording an immediate statement whether they can sign it or not.
If the victim dies the statement may be admissible under Section 18(1) Evidence Act 2006 as long as the Court are satisfied that the content and maker of statement are reliable.
5 stages of preserving the scene
Identify Secure Preserve Consider Record
Steps when identifying/setting up the scene
Initial assessment of scene Consideration of Powers establish parameters, start wide establish common approach path consider other scenes record observations establish scene HQ
5 Steps when securing the scene
Consider S116, Search and Surveilance Act 2012 Remove all from scene using CAP Tape off scene Arrange and breif scene guards Arrange scene logs
Steps when preserving the scene
Record movements into and out of scene
Preserve any evidence likely to be damaged/destroyed
Consider stepping plates
Record actions in scene
What to consider while at the scene
Initial photographs of scene
Initial photographs of people at the scene
What to record while at the scene
Scene log movements Record observations Sketch Photographs, consider video recording Identify anything moved while in scene
Crime scene logs
Only one log to be kept at each point of entry to scene
Log must ID keeper of the record
Used to record names and times of all who enter or leave the scene and their reason for being there.
What to consider when dealing with witnesses at the scene.
TEDS questions to establish what has happened.
A witness may have been so close to events that forensic evidence may have transferred to them, eg - fibres, body fluids, glass.
Avoid cross contamination issues by using different vehicles and interview rooms when dealing with multiple witnesses and victims.
What to consider when dealing with suspects at a scene.
PRINCES
Preliminary interview and return to the station.
Record comments.
Isolate.
Note the suspects appearance.
Co-operation, seek it
Establish routes the suspect used to arrive.
Search, consider it
What to consider in relation to Media at the scene
Keep them away from the immediate scene
Make no comment
Inform the OC investigation
Briefing OC investigation before leaving scene
What happened
What has been done
What is being done
What has to be done
Who should be appointed OC body?
An experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues
List responsibilities of the OC body
CSI GOD DAMMIT ME RAPED
Certificate - verification of death form COR31
Sudden - death procedure completed
In-situ - ensure body photographed in-situ, consider video
Guard - secure & guard the body/samples & exhibits with dignity/respect
Observations - note and record observations of the body
Details - of all medical staff who attend
Da bros - ensure all cultural responsibilities addressed
Maintain - security & continuity of the body/samples/exhibits
Moved - establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
I.D - arrange formal ID on authority of the OC
Transport - arrange transport to the mortuary on OC authority
Mortem - attend post mortem with OC or deputy
Evidence - preserve evidence from the body
Record - what actions has been taken by any party in respect of the body
Arrange - fingerprints & palm prints
Photographer - direct photographer take photo’s before/after/during PM
Exhibits - record, label & secure all samples & exhibits from the body
Debrief - attend the debriefing with the pathologist & record findings
Appreciation prior to body removal - Factors to consider
Notification to and from Coroner
Views of Pathologist and ESR
Consultation with other experts
Requirments for any action taken prior to removal of body
Best method and route to take body
Supervision of body removal
Chain of custody of body from scene to mortuary
Safe custody of exhibits
Family and any cultural considerations
Record all SOP’s (paper suits, gloves, mask etc)
Establishing if the body has been moved
Record movements of body
do not attempt to restore scene to original unchanged condition
make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photgraphed, if required
Steps for moving body
Not to be moved without authority from OC investigation
Record position of body by sketch and photo in situ
Consider recording position of body using measurements from at least two fixed positions
Record all details of body including
Position of limbs
Appearance of body
wounds and clothing
direction of blood trails
Lividity
Extent of rigor mortis present
Consider health risks posed by handling body
Cover hands, feet and head of body with paper bags and secure with tape. Consult with OC Scene and Investigation prior to this
Ensure clothing on body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects
Wrap body in plastic sheet and place in body bag
careful search where body lay
retain all sheets, bags and other materials used as exhibits
Arrange for contracted undertaker to transport body
Ensure security and continuity of body
Role of OC Body during post mortem
Observe, document and deal with exhibits in a methodical manner
Purpose of Post mortem
Establish the cause of death
- Mode and time of death
- How injuries contributed to death
- Nature and size of weapons
- approximate height and stature of suspect
- provide areas of interest for interviews
- negate defences
- ID victim
Who may attend Post Mortem
S38 of Coroners Act 2006
Pathologist Coroner Assisting Pathologist Dr who treated deceased Dr, nurse or funeral director representing deceased A Dr representing the interests of suspect who has or may be charged in relation to the death Any other Dr or trainee Dr Police Any other person authorised by Coroner
What Police members should attend Post Mortem?
OC Investigation OC Body OC exhibits if required Police photographer SOCO or fingerprint officer if required
Consider authority from Coroner to allow who to attend Post Mortem?
ESR forensic scientist
Crown Solicitor
What other experts should be considered regarding the conduct of a post mortem?
Odontologist Biologist Medical Illustrator Toxicologist Ballistics expert Crime Scene Examiner Entomologist Anthropologist Disaster Victim Identification
Cultural issues
Where applicable, the assistance of specialist advisers should be sought to assist with cultural issues relating to the victim or others involved in the investigation. This will assist the progress of investigation, establish positive relations and avoid the potential for any offence caused
What to consider when asking someone to formally ID the deceased and what other methods of ID are there?
Fully inform what is required of them and what to expect when they see deceased
fingerprints DNA dental records eye examination records medical examination records facial reconstruction personal effects
What can an Anthropologist tell you about any skeletal remains found?
Whether they remains actually are bones
whether bones are human
age, gender, height and race of person
Taking notes during PM
The OC body must NOT make any notes unless specifically directed to by OC investigation or/and Pathologist
Photographing the body at PM
Before its stripped
After it is stripped
Any wounds, marks, injuries, unusual features
Pathologists de - brief
OC body to record findings and cause of death on direction of OC investigation and/or pathologist
Role of Family Liaison Officer
Day to day management of partnership between family and the police investigation. The primary function of FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person.
Family Liaison Plan
Selection of FLO and criteria emplyed for selection
Exit plan for FLO
Objectives of the family liaison
Asses most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with famil members
Information to be released and withheld from the family
requests made by family
Complaints by family
Any member of family who is considered a suspect
Liaison with victim support and other support services
Exit plan of FLO
Exit plan must be developed before deployment of FLO and be communicated to family and commencement of deployment.
Define ‘Family’ in relation to the deployment of FLO
Includes Partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim.
Include ‘chosen’ family
Should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle
Maori culture
In cases involving Maori victims an Iwi liaison officer should be involved as early as possible.
FLO actions on appointment
Liase closely with OC investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with family
familiarise themselves with enquiry.
familiarise themselves with any cultural, lifestyle or religous requirements
fa,iliarie themselves with all intel concerning family
establish what contact family has had with police since incident
establish what info has been shared with family
establish what info is already in the public domain.
Explain Victim impact statements
Must be available for sentencing and be no older than 28 days
Purpose of area canvass
Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victim and witnesses. Area canvass presents a high likely hood of identifying offender, witnesses, evidence or establishing significant facts
Objectives of area canvass
Identifying the offender
identifying an locating evidence such as vehicles, clothing or weapons
Identifying witnesses
Gathering information
Preparing for area canvass
RECONNAISSANCE
OC investigation OC area canvass and OC suspects should conduct reconnaissance of the area and conduct appreciation and set parameters and objectives of canvass
When should an area canvass take place?
The area canvass should be conducted at the same time as the original offence occurred.
What to consider when setting location parameters for the area canvass?
Scenes
Premises within line of sight of scenes
Access and egress routes to and from scenes
Location where offender may have lain in wait
Loation where Victim was last seen
Locations frequented by victim
What should officers conducting area canvass be aware of in relation to a risk.
Violent offenders
Persons wanted by police for other crimes or WTA
Groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
Local incidents or issues residents may raise with Police
Name some resources and canvass tools to consider as OC area canvass
Street maps Arial photographs Geological information Council records Police intelligence systems
If evidence of possible probative value is uncovered……
Obtain via Formal written statement rather than notebook form
Area canvass can be a laborious task…How would OC area canvas ensure staff remain focused
Keep morale high by providing regular feedback and updating them on progress made by other teams
How does OC Area Canvass monitor progress made with canvass
Shade in map to show households completed Evaluate quality of work Identify lines of enquiry for 2IC Facilitate detailed recording of progress. Fill in master record to show.... Addresses visited occupants interviewed documentation completed any relevant comments made
What other points can be considered by OC Area Canvass to benefit the canvass
Use of experts Use of aide memoire and script Leaflets Other options Media Poster campaign Mail drop High profile Police presence
What should be included in the area canvass final report?
Summary of action taken
Significant findings
Any action undertaken that was outside original plan
Police who deal with the initial informant……
should be debriefed and a full record made of their account. This record becomes crucial if the informant later becomes a suspect.
Benefit of a prompt preliminary interview with witness
Early identification or arrest of suspect
recovery of evidence or information relevant to offence
Prevention of immediate disposal or destruction of evidence
Prevention of commission of other offences
Issues to be considered when appointing a witness interviewer
Level of training of interviewer
Level 3 or level 2 when not available
Forensic child interviewer for child or intellectualy impared
experiance of the officer
suitability of the officer. (past experience, welfare issues)
What should be considered in regards to risk for witnesses
Risk assessment must be conducted to establish risk of intimidation or physical harm
List some responsibilities Police have to witnesses
Witness intimidation - maintain contact with witness to become aware of any intimidation and take nessercery steps
Witness control - Ensure witnesses hae no contact with jurors, discuss case in public areas while waiting to give evidence or discuss the case with witnesses waiting after giving evidence
What are some things to consider in relation to alibi witnesses
Alibi witnesses notified under S22 of disclosure act must only be interviewed under direction of the crown
Investigator must make enquiries to determine the veracity of alibi
must conduct inquiries by OC investigation and crown including NIA checks
Forward results of enquiries to crown solicitor including any statements obtained
Purpose of OC suspects
Supervising members of suspects team
Obtaining information about suspects and POI’s
Profiling and investigating all suspects and POI’s to establish involvement or eliminate them from inquiry
Seek evidence to cover ingredients of offence
Mitigating and dealing with possible defences
Providing a basis for further investigation
Who is responsible for determining status of suspects
OC investigation after consultation with OC suspects
What should be covered off in the initial briefing to suspects team?
Circumstances of offence including the analysis of scene and witness evidence
Full details of all POI’s or suspects.
Details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses
Whether any MO has been identified
Things to consider when preparing to interview a Suspect.
Liaise with OC investigation regarding selection of interviewer
Establish the status of interviewee
Consider persons requirments such as linguistic, cultural, medical or any impairments
Consult with legal advisors and interview experts
Ensure interviewer is fully briefed and familier with procedures in the investigative interviewing suspect guide.
Discuss with interviewer the ingredients that need to be established, suspects background and possible alibis and motives.
Ensure a detailed plan has been produced
During any interview the OC Suspects must ensure that:
The interview is conducted in accordence with the ‘Investigative interviewing suspect guide’.
THe interview is monitered by a supervisor or experienced Detective
Ensure an explanation is sought from suspect in relation to any exhibits found.
In investigating any alibi offered, the OC suspects must:
Make enquiries of people other than the persons whose particulars have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence to support alibi.
Complete enquiries to establish where the suspect was at the time of the offence, who they were with and what they were doing.
Wherever possible, corroboration of the alibi provided by the suspect should be sought from forensic or other sources that are independent of suspect
Functions of the File manager
Assist in establishing and maintaining the investigation HQ
Operate the paper flow and associated structure in accordance with the Serious Crime Document Management System outlined in the Serious Crime Template.
Manage the electronic and physical files relating to investigation
Support 2IC by reading all documents for the purpose of highlighting important information to 2IC.
Assist the 2IC with the ID and recording of evidential material.
Complete a synopsis of all documents received, excluding documents relating to covert Police activities.
Ensure flow of information.
Assist with preparation of prosecution file.
Assist with management of trial.
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 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.
Ensure that robust systems are employed to record disclosure decisions and actions.
Manage disclosure time-frames
Retain and file all correspondence with defence counsel, both incoming and outgoing, in the 50000 series 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 location of the file.
after appointed to the role, the Disclosure Manager must:
Read Disclosure Managers desk file
Access the current Serious Crime Template downloaded to the local district shared drive for use during investigation.
Repor tot 2IC to receive a briefing, taskings, establishing what information is and is not discoverable
All communication with defence counsel should be conducted through:
The 2IC
Crown Solicitor
Outline Police obligations to the defence counsel when a new consel is appointed
All previously disclosed material to be provided to new counsel either by providing the new counsel with a fresh copy of all previously disclosed material or by obtaining confirmation in writing from the new counsel that they have received all previously disclosed material from the outgoing counsel.
Describe section 10(4) of the criminal disclosure act
Disclosure may be supplied in any form….
Provided it will be readily accessible to defendant.
Consideration must be given to whether a defendant has ‘ready’ access to a computer if given in electronic form.
Who should preferably be appointed as OC exhibits?
A qualified Detective with 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 standard documentation as contained in the serious crime template
Purpose of OC Exhibits?
Responsible for establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems.
Maintaining physical security and continuity of exhibits.
Accurately record exhibits and assist in court process.
Establish the
Evidential value of each exhibit
investigate opportunities presented by each exhibit
further enquiries needed
The OC exhibits should only accept an exhibit if:
The exhibit label contains the exhibit number and the name of the operation. Other details such as a description of the item, the details of person finding it, the time, dates and location are recorded on exhibit schedule.
The property is correctly packaged and sealed and the exhibit label is visible and secured on package
Any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken.
OC Exhibits responsibility in relation to examination of exhibits.
Must ensure all exhibits are fully examined
Determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation.
Purpose of Forensic Strategy Meetings?
Held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations.
Topics to be covered in a Forensic Strategy Meeting?
What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits
Priority each examination should receive
Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction
An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation
What must the OC exhibits consider when preparing for trial?
The significance of any forensic examinations and establish the most appropriate manner in which exhibits and results are to be presented in trial.
Explain the chain of custody and what must each person in the chain be able to demonstrate?
Chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of an exhibit, from the time it was discovered until the time it is produced in Court.
When they received custody and from whom
where and how exhibit was securely stored
when, why and how the exhibit was moved from one place to another
how the exhibit was treated and safeguarded
when and why they transferred custody of an exhibit to another person and to whom.
State the exhibit number ranges
Admin - 10000 Victim - 15000 Witnesses - 20000 Area Canvass - 25000 Scenes - 30000 Suspects - 70000
What should be contained on the Scene exhibit schedule?
Exhibit number Description of exhibit Name of Operation Location of the scene Exact location where exhibit was found Name of finder Date and time it was seized Relevant signatures
Describe the exhibit register
It is an electronic document which forms the master record of every exhibit obtained during an investigation.
The OC Exhibits is responsible for entering information from each Scene exhibit schedule onto register,
To protect integrity of register only the OC exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it although every member should be able to view it.
O/C Body responsibility at Mortuary
I See Dead People K
Id - arrange formal id Secure - Secure and label body in fridge Dont - Dont wash body Present - Present condition the body must remain in before P.M Key retained until it is needed for P.M
