Serious Crime F Flashcards
Scene witnesses proximate to events evidence transferred etc. What action interviewing police take prior to interview and then state types of physical evidence that may be present.
Some witnesses 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 including DNA, Fingerprints, clothes, footwear, fibres, body fluids, glass or other material.
Action of OC exhibit take when are further enquiries
Where the OC exhibits become aware that further enquiries area required in relation to a particular exhibit this must be highlighted to the 2IC so that follow up enquiries can be initiated.
Explain common approach path
Using a path which avoids any routes possibly taken to and out of the scene by the suspect or victim.
At conclusion of PM, OC body must hand exhibits to OC Exhibit – list three things that must do
The OC body should provide the OC exhibit with:
Exhibits removed from body.
Dry any wet clothing or staind clothes etc.
The post mortem scene exhibit schedule
Copy of the OC body’s notebook entries
Formal statement
When Crown solicitor directs police to interview alibi witness – actions police take
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:
Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
Conduct inquiries as directed by the OC investigation and crown solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witness
Forward the results of these enquiries to the crown solicitor including any statements obtained
In serious crime, dr may examine suspect- apart from noting injuries and taking samples, what else can dr report on.
-Swab the suspects hands for firearms residue using a specialist firearms detection kit ASAP where a firearm has been used
-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 injuries. Photograph of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries must be taken
Describe chain of custody and state the purpose
Document used to record the chain of custody for an exhibit. A chain of custody form must be completed when an exhibit is transferred from the custody of the OC exhibits to any other person, for example, when forwarded for expert analysis or to another staff member for interrogation. When combined with scene exhibit schedules they provide the date, time, name and witnessing signature for every change of custody for every exhibit.
To preserve the integrity of exhibits.
3 categories of a victims medical status
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life
Why it is important in some cases to conduct area canvass at the same time as the offence
To capture people who regularly pass through the area at that time of the day. E.g. homicide of a person in a park in the early hours of the morning.
2 reasons why important to do risk assessment relating to witness of serious offence.
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.
OC Body Responsibility
Ensure death has been certified by doctor using deceased person cert
Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits from the scene to PM
Secure and guard the body, body samples and exhibits relating to the body with dignity and respect
Note and record observations relating to the body
Note details of medical staff or other 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 body is photographed in situ and consider video
On authority of OC investigation arrange transport of body to mortuary
complete sudden death procedures
on authority of OC Investigation arrange for formal ID of body
obtain medical history of victim for pathologist
attend PM with OC investigation
make sure f/p, photos, all samples are labelled and secured
attend debrief of the pathologist and record findings on direction of OC investigation or pathologist
ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
OC Suspects Responsibility
Oversee efforts to:
Obtain Information: Gather details on suspects and persons of interest identified by OC investigation.
Profiling & Investigation: Profile and investigate all suspects to confirm their involvement or eliminate them.
Evidence Coverage: Ensure evidence covers all elements of the offence.
Defence Mitigation: Address possible defences when appropriate.
Further Investigation: Provide a foundation for continued investigation.
Purpose of Crime Scene Examination (OK ICE TEE)
Offence, if committed
Key elements of ffence
ID suspect, people associated with scene
Corroborate witness accounts
Exhonorate the innocent
To verify confession
Exclude defences
Exclude/corroborate other evidence
Duties of File Manager
Assist with establishing and maintaining the investigation headquarters
Operate the paperflow and associated structure in accordance with the crime document management system
Manage the electronic and physical files relating to the investigation
Support 2IC by reading all documents for the purpose of highlighting important information to 2IC
Assist 2IC with the ID and recording of evidential material
Complete a synopsis of all documents received, excluding documents relating to covert policing activities
Ensure a flow of information throughout the investigation
Assist with the preparation of the prosecution file
Assist with management of the trial
Area canvass- what other approaches can be made
Discreet area canvass
