Serious Crime B Flashcards
- What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?
Risk Assessment: Everyone at a serious crime scene must consider potential risks.
Initial Responders’ Role:
Attend early
Take control of the situation
Coordinate tasks
Decision Making: Quickly assess the situation and prioritize actions in the right order.
- Describe the role of the OC body during a post mortem examination.
Here’s a condensed version with key points:
OC Body Role: Observe, document, and handle exhibits related to the body.
Approach: Perform these tasks in a structured, methodical manner during the post-mortem.
Record findings of the pathologist only when instructed to by the Pathologist and O/C case.
- What action must police staff at the scene of a serious crime take if the media are present?
Keep media away from the crime scene cordon.
Do not comment on the incident.
On arrival, brief OC investigation on the situation, identify media members, and their location
- State why it is important that Police who have first contact with the informant to a serious offence should be debriefed regarding the contact?
Police who have first contact with the informant should be debriefed and a full record made of their contact. 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 investigative important witnesses
- What responsibilities does the OC suspects have when an alibi is put forward by an offender concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced?
The OC suspect has the responsibility to conduct thorough inquiries to verify the truth of the alibi and to fully report the findings of these inquiries to the Crown Solicitor, through the 2IC.
Wherever possible corroboration of the alibi provided by the suspect should be sought from forensic or other sources that are independent of the suspect.
- On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt, preliminary interview with a witness who possesses information or masterial that is likely to rapidly progress the investigation. State the types of information that could be obtained by an early preliminary interview?
Early identification or arrest of a suspect
Recovery of relevant evidence or information
Prevention of evidence disposal or destruction
Prevention of further offences
- In the case of homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victim, an iwi liasion officer (ILO) must be engaged as early as possible. In what ways can the ILO provide assistance to the investigation?
Enhance Relations: Understanding Māori culture, protocol, and beliefs strengthens relations with the family.
Ceremonies: Interactions may include participating in Māori ceremonies, like formal welcomes.
Respect Traditions: Māori traditions, beliefs, and values should be respected, as long as it doesn’t compromise the investigation’s integrity.
- 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?
Identify
Arrest
And Isolate the Suspect
Locating the suspect quickly helps secure forensic and other evidence that could be lost.
- How can specialist Police units such as the Criminal Profiling Unit or Criminal or geographic profilers assist the OC area canvass during the area canvass planning stage?
Specialist Units such as
Criminal Profiling Units
Or
Geographic Profiler Units
help set parameters and identify locations where suspects may frequent or reside.
- During the suspects phase of an investigation it is important for the OC suspects to regularly debrief their team members. What general matters should be covered during the debriefs?
Initial Briefing should include:
Offence Circumstances: Analysis of the scene and available witness evidence.
Persons of Interest: Full details of persons of interest and any known suspects.
Suspect Descriptions: Details of suspect descriptions provided by witnesses.
MO/Crime Signatures: Information on any identified MO or crime signatures.
OC Suspects Phase:
Regular Debriefs: OC suspects must debrief the team on enquiries and results.
Constant Information Flow: Ensure consistent communication between the suspects team and other investigation staff.
Priority Info: Bring important information to the OC investigation’s attention as needed.
