Serious Crime Investigation Flashcards
What are the key two tasks in any investigation?
- gathering and preserving evidence
- accurate and detailed documentation
How do you maintain high standard in the investigation process?
- have an investigative mindset
- have the ability to apply the Appreciation Technique to think through
issues to ensure the best possible course of action is followed - always consider how your decisions will be scrutinised under crossexamination months later in Court when the case proceeds to trial
- pay meticulous attention to detail
- carry out your assigned tasks efficiently
- value the importance of professionalism, integrity and objectivity in
conducting investigations - maintain excellent communication skills (written and oral), and
- work as a team
What is the purpose of holding a team conference?
- keep all members of the team up to date with developments in the
enquiry - give team members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on
important information - give the 2IC the opportunity to pass on instructions to staff on file
management and other administrative matters - give the officer in charge the chance to brief the team on important
investigative topics, priorities and which lines of inquiry to follow
When a team conference is chaired by the officer in charge, what are three things they must be?
Carerfully;
* planned
* recorded
* focused and managed to avoid excessive time use
What are the different types of conference?
- initial conference
- regular conference
- debriefing conference
- phase team conferences - run by the OC Phase and attended by his/her
staff only
What are the requirements for the venue of a conference?
The venue must be secure from the public, media and from interviews in
progress nearby. To ensure privacy and to avoid interruptions, all telephones
should be diverted.
Where confidential CHIS information is being discussed the importance of
confidentiality cannot be overstated. The same applies regarding information
that may possibly be required for later corroboration.
Who does O/C body report to?
O/C Scene or the crime scene co-ordinator, it is appointed by O/C investigation
What are the three key elements of a homicide investigation?
Location, victim, suspect`
What are the responsibilities of O/C Body?
‑ ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265)
‑ maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post‐mortem
examination
‑ secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect
‑ note and record observations relating to the body
‑ note details of medical staff or others 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 the body is photographed ‘in situ’ and consider using video recording
‑ on authority of the OC Investigation, arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
‑ complete sudden death procedures
‑ on authority of OC investigation, arrange formal identification of the body using form Pol 265A
‑ obtain historical medial records of victim for information of pathologist
‑ attend the post‐mortem examination with the OC Investigation, or deputy appointed by them, and:
‑ attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OC Investigation, and contribute as required
‑ ‐ ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs of the body before clothing is removed,
again after the body is disrobed, and during the post‐mortem examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer.
‑ preserve evidence from the body
‑ record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
‑ arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken, if required
‑ attend the debrief of the pathologist and record the findings, on direction of the OC and/or pathologist
‑ ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed.
In relation to the body, what is the responsibility of O/C Investigation?
‑ notify the Coroner early of the death, as detailed in the Police Manual chapter ‘Contacting a Coroner’
‑ arrange the post‐mortem examination, in consultation with the Coroner
‑ consult the Pathologist before the post‐mortem commences, regarding the relevance and benefit of conducting X‐ray or
CT/CAT scans of the body.
What is the fundemantal responsibility when conducting initial response at a possible homicide?
It is the fundamental responsibility of all police officers to preserve life and medical assistance must be obtained where there is the
slightest possibility a person is still alive. A police officer should never assume a person is dead unless the circumstances are such that
no other conclusion is possible, i.e. a badly decomposed or mutilated corpse. A suitably qualified medical practitioner or paramedic
must certify death, where this has not already been done
Who gives authority for the body to be moved?
Unless in an emergency situation, the body must not be moved until theOC Investigation has given authority for this to
occur.
who may be able to visit the body in situ if okayed by the OC investigation?
the pathologist and/or Crown Solicitor will attend the scene to view the body ‘in situ’, to
gain an understanding and interpretation of the injuries. Should the on‐call pathologist not be able to attend the scene in a timely
manner due to geographic distance or other factors, it may be expeditious for the local pathologist to attend the scene.
When it comes to briefing experts and interested parties, list some of the key areas that should be considered
‑ photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene
‑ actions of the first responders
‑ identity of the body
‑ history of the body‐ including medical history, drugs found at the scene, action taken or developments since the discovery of
the body
‑ timeframes relating to the finding of the body, the last sighting and other significant times that may impact upon time of death
‑ scope and priorities of the investigation
‑ any special evidential expectations and requirements
‑ environmental factors at the scene, i.e. weather conditions, ambient/historical temperature, nearby heating appliances, pollen
influences
‑ any other additional information received from other experts, as appropriate.
What factors should be considered in the appreciation process prior to removal of the body?
‑ Notification to and response from, the Coroner
‑ Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist and Crown Solicitor attending the crime scene
‑ Consultation with other relevant experts
‑ Requirement for any examination or action needed before removal, based on known facts of the case
‑ Best method and route for the body removal, to minimise contamination of the scene or the body, for example by using sterile
stepping plates
‑ Supervision of the body removal
‑ Chain of custody of the body from the scene to the mortuary
‑ Safe custody of exhibits
‑ Family and/or cultural considerations
When you attend a scene and the body has been moved, what should you do?
‑ 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.
Who does OC investigation have consultation with when deciding if samples are taken from the body at the scene?
-attending ESR staff
-the pathologist,
-the OC Investigation
-Crime Scene Coordinator (or where one is not appointed, OC Scene)
-Fingerprint Officer
When is taking samples from a body before it is removed from the scene advisable?
‑ larvae and insects
‑ potential fingerprint evidence from the skin on the body of the victim and/or items of clothing worn by the body, e.g. fine woven
fabrics
‑ DNA swabs
‑ extraneous items such as loose hairs, fibres, glass, paint or other fragments
‑ firearm residue samples.
What are the 11 steps in removing a body from a scene?
1 Record the position of the body by sketch plan and direct a Police photographer to take photographs. Consider video recording
or other imaging techniques.
2 In consultation with the Crime Scene Coordinator and/or OC Scene, consider marking and recording the position of the body
before moving it, for example by measuring the distance from at least two nearby fixed features. Depending on the scene, this
may not always be possible.
3 Record all details of the position of the body including:
‑ Position of the limbs.
‑ Appearance of the body.
‑ Wounds and clothing.
‑ Direction of any trails of blood present on the body.
‑ Lividity, if present (coloration of skin due to gravitational movement of blood).
‑ Extent of any rigor mortis present.
4 Important: Consider what health risks may be presented by handling the body. Further information on hygiene precautions is
available in the Police Manual chapter ‘Sudden Death’.
5 Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags, secured with tape to prevent any trace evidence being lost when the body is
moved. Wide tape should be used, taped around the bag at a suitable anchoring point that will secure the bag to the limb and
prevent the bag from slipping off. The tape should not be so tight as to create new marks on the body and must not be applied
directly to the skin of the body. Similarly, rubber bands or other tight fitting fasteners must not be used as these may also leave
marks on the body, i.e. false ligature marks.
If the use of a paper bag to cover a limb is not appropriate (eg. because the limb is wet), then a plastic bag may be used to protect
potential forensic material. This decision should be made in consultation with the Crime Scene Coordinator/OC Scene and the
OC Investigation.
Whilst being transported, any open wounds may shed blood into the bag placed over the head and obscure details of blood
splatter/direction. Liaise with scene experts to determine and prioritise appropriate actions to record and preserve this evidence.
6 Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects.
7 Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a body bag.
8 Carefully search underneath where the body lay.
9 Retain, as exhibits, all sheets, bags or other materials used to transport the body.
10 Obtain approval from the OC Investigation to remove the body from the scene. The OC Investigation is responsible for ensuring
continuity of all aspects of the investigation and the body must not be moved until the OC Investigation has given authority for its
removal.
11 When directed by the OC Investigation, arrange a contracted undertaker to remove the body to the mortuary. Ensure you are able
to account for the security and continuity of the body as an exhibit at all times, until the pathologist commences the post‐
mortem examination. Ensure that the undertaker uses a body bag which is sterile.
What factors needs to be taken into consideration before a post mortem?
‑ Identification of the body at the mortuary
‑ Authority from the Coroner to conduct post‐mortem
‑ Consultation with the pathologist
‑ Safe custody of exhibits
‑ Identifying who should attend the post‐mortem
‑ Requirement for any specific need for examination or sampling based on the known facts of the case
‑ Appropriate resources at the post‐mortem, for packaging exhibits and taking photographs
‑ Family and/or cultural considerations arising from the post‐mortem
‑ Any likely requirement for a second or subsequent post‐mortem.
What is the primary role of OC body at the post mortem?
to observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body, in a
structured, methodical manner
What is the purpose of a post mortem?
‑ Determining cause of death
- Determining where possible, the mode and time of death
‑ establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
‑ determining the nature and size of any weapon(s) used
‑ determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
‑ providing areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
‑ negating possible defences
‑ identifying the victim, if identity has not been established.
Who may attend a post mortem?
‑ the pathologist
‑ the Coroner
‑ Police
‑ a doctor who treated the deceased
‑ any other pathologist assisting (if authorised by the Coroner)
‑ a doctor, nurse or funeral director representing the deceased (if authorised by the Coroner)
‑ a doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged in relation to the death (if authorised by the
Coroner)
‑ any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by the Coroner)
‑ any other person authorised by a Coroner.
Any doctor, nurse or funeral director attending (other than the authorised pathologist(s)), are not permitted to assist with the post‐
mortem and must observe only.
Who are the Police who should attend a post mortem?
‑ the OC investigation
‑ the OC Body
‑ a member specifically designated as exhibits officer for post‐mortem, if required
‑ Police photographer
‑ SOCO or fingerprint officer, if required.
Who needs to be informed of a post mortem?
The legal representative of any suspect who has been (or may be) charged must be informed of the time, date and place of the post‐
mortem, and advised that they are required to seek authority from the Coroner for a doctor (or any other representative) to attend on
their behalf.
What other experts may an OC investigations decide to consult for attendance at a post mortem?
‑ Odontologist
‑ Biologist
‑ Medical illustrator
‑ Toxicologist
‑ Ballistics expert
‑ Crime scene examiner
‑ Entomologist
‑ Anthropologist
‑ Disaster Victim Identification.
What equipment should OC body take with them?
‑ MEK examination kit
‑ Toxicology kit
‑ Body label
‑ A notebook and pens for use solely during the post‐mortem
‑ A Scene Exhibit Schedule form ‐ a template is included in theSerious Crime Template
‑ Copy of completed Pol 47
‑ Pol 265 Deceased Person Certificate
‑ Pol 265A Deceased Person Identification
‑ Exhibit packaging supplies including envelopes, tape, exhibit labels and numerous paper exhibit sacks of various sizes
‑ Protective clothing i.e. paper suit, gloves and carbon filter masks
‑ Photographs from the scene, if available, showing the body ‘in situ’
‑ A range of available exhibit numbers for the post‐mortem, obtained from the OC Exhibits
‑ Pre‐printed exhibit labels bearing the allocated exhibits numbers, if available
‑ Roll of brown paper, for placing layers between folds of any bloodstained clothing
‑ Firearms residue kit, if relevant.
Can you take exhibits to the mortuary?
Items found at the scene which are relevant to the post‐mortem examination may need to be taken to the mortuary or to the
pathologist for inspection. The exhibit must be properly packaged to avoid contamination, but also be clearly visible.
To avoid any potential contamination, weapons must not be taken to the mortuary until after the post‐mortem examination has been conducted. The OC Body must maintain the continuity of any exhibit used in this way.
What are the five steps OC body must do when arriving at the mortuary?
1 Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body.
2 Ensure the body is labelled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge.
3 Retain any key used to secure the body, until it is required for the post‐mortem.
4 Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the post‐mortem.
5 Arrange formal identification of the body.
What are some methods of identification of a body?
‑ fingerprints
‑ DNA profiling (identification results take 3‐4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
‑ dental records, available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
‑ eye examination records
‑ medical examination records, including scars, birth marks, implants or prosthetics, x‐rays, surgical wounds, amputations and
tattoos
‑ personal effects
‑ facial reconstruction.
What are helpful things to take photographs of if there is an unknown victim at a post mortem?
photographs should include the victim’s
clothing, tattoos, marks and unusual scars. Care must be taken not to contaminate evidence when photographing clothing in the
mortuary. Clothing can always be described in detail at the post‐mortem and photographed after the examination.
What information can a forensic anthropologist get from skeletal remains?
‑ Whether the remains are actually bones.
‑ Whether the bones are human.
‑ The age, gender, height and race of the person.
After a briefing, what will the pathologist be provided with?
‑ Copy of the Notification to the Coroner (Pol 47).
‑ Medical Examination (MEK) kit.
‑ Toxicology kit.
‑ Medical records of the deceased, where available.
‑ Comprehensive photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene. These should include photographs of exhibits,
weapons and the body ‘in situ’, which will benefit the briefing for the post‐mortem, as well as the subsequent examination.
As OC body do you take notes of discussions concerning the post mortem?
No, unless specifically directed to by the
OC Investigation and/or the pathologist.
What does OC body record when the commencement of the post mortem?
Names and roles of people present
What are the 12 steps when stripping the body?
1 The body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist.
2 Remove the body from the secure mortuary fridge and assist mortuary staff to take the body into the post‐mortem examination
room.
3 Remove the body from the body bag, causing minimal disturbance to the body.
4 Take possession of the body bag and any sheets or wrappings used to transport the body, as exhibits.
5 If necessary, direct the Police photographer to take additional photographs to ensure that appropriate and sufficient
photographs of the body are taken before clothing is removed, and again after the body is disrobed. The pathologist will lead
direction of the photographer.
6 Remove items of clothing from the body. Mortuary technicians may assist to removing clothing, but only under the supervision
and direction of the OC Body.
‑ Cutting clothing off the body should be avoided, but may be necessary in some cases. If unavoidable, cut clothing in areas
where evidence is least likely to be present.
‑ Search clothing pockets and make an inventory of each of the pocket contents.
7 Make an inventory of clothing and possessions, as each item is removed.
8 Label each item of clothing and each possession.
9 Seal each item in a separate paper bag or container.
10 Ensure exhibits do not cross‐contaminate each other by coming into contact with one other.
11 Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits taken from the body, until the post‐mortem examination commences.
12 In cases involving obvious head trauma, before blood and debris is washed from the body, particularly the head hair, consider
placing a fine sieve in the mortuary table drain hole to collect trace evidence that may have been transferred from a weapon, for
later comparison with exhibits the suspect(s) have had access to.
What photographs need to be taken of the body at a post mortem?
the body, before it is stripped
‑ the body, after it is stripped
‑ close up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features. These photographs must include a
measuring scale placed in proximity to the feature being photographed, to make a permanent record of the dimensions of the
feature.
When would radiological examination be considered?
in cases of suspected non‐accidental injury in children, deaths
involving the use of firearms or explosives, badly burnt or decomposed bodies or other applicable circumstances.
Where would CT scans be beneficial?
to trace the path of bullets and in cases such as blunt force head trauma
injuries. CT scans may facilitate the Crown Solicitor to lead such evidence at trial whereas the graphic nature of photographic evidence
of the same injuries may result in limitations being imposed on the extent to which such photographic evidence could be admitted at
trial.
What should be considered in relation to the body for cases involving strangulation?
Poly‐light examination should be considered to aid location of fibres, bruises and/or fingerprints
When will fingerprints be taken from the body?
This may be done at the conclusion of the examination or after
the hands have been examined by the pathologist and any evidence has been removed.
What are the points that need to be covered by the pathologist?
‑ Records a description of the body, including: height, weight, build, eye colour and hair (density, colour and baldness).
‑ Records the body’s external appearance (front and back) including: injuries, bruises, scars, scratches, discoloration and
imperfections such as false teeth or false leg.
‑ Uses specialist kits for collecting evidence samples where appropriate, for example Medical Examination Kit, Toxicology Kit,
Firearms Discharge Residue Kit or Post‐Mortem Kit. Post‐Mortem Kits are supplied by ESR, to the mortuary direct.
What happens to wet or damp exhibits?
Must be unsealed and dried in a controlled environment such as at a Police drying room, with due regard for
the integrity of the exhibit. Once dry, they can be re‐packaged and re‐sealed
Where do the exhibits from a post mortem go?
to the OC Exhibits, they should also provide them with;
‑ the post‐mortem Scene Exhibit Schedule
‑ copy of the OC Body’s notebook entries
‑ formal statement.
Who prepares the 1S file and what does it need to include?
OC Body
‑ statement relating to the victim’s formal identification
‑ 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)
‑ copy of Deceased Person Certificate (Police form 265)
‑ copy of Deceased Person Identification (Police form 265A).
When may a second post mortem be directed?
A second or subsequent post‐mortem may be directed by the Coroner, if:
‑ the pathologist is unable to determine cause of death in the initial post‐mortem
‑ a suspect’s lawyer seeks approval from the Coroner to conduct an independent post‐mortem
‑ the Solicitor General orders a further post‐mortem, after an application to the High Court.
The OC Body and OC Investigation must fulfil the same roles in respect of any second or subsequent post mortem.
Who decides if the body can be released to the family?
OC Investigation
What are some examples of post mortem samples that can be taken?
Blood
Urine
stomach contents (establish time of death)
head and pubic hair
ocular fluid (Eye fluid, may indicate levels of drugs or alcohol in the body a few hours before death)
Bile (can tell you what drugs have been taken by the person that day)
lungs (Burnt bodies identify accelerants, drownings, presence of water)
organs
nasal cavaties (Pollen analysis)
What does the decomposition process to do the blood in the body?
it can effect alcohol levels in the blood
What does the role of Family Liaison officer (FLO) involve?
The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) involves the day‐to‐day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation. 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.
What should be considered in the Family Liaison Plan?
‑ selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
‑ exit plan for the FLO
‑ objectives of the family liaison
‑ assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist
interviewers, where appropriate
‑ information to be released to and withheld from, the family
‑ requests made by the family which have not been agreed to, and the reasons for this
‑ complaints made by the family and theOC Investigation’s action to progress and resolve the issues raised
‑ any member of the family who could be considered a suspect, to enable theOC Investigation to determine whether or not this is
the case
‑ liaison with Victim Support and other support services.
What is an exit plan in relation to a FLO?
An exit plan must be developed before the FLO is deployed, and be communicated to the family at the commencement of the
deployment. The exit plan will be determined and executed at the discretion of the OC Investigation, and should include plans for
reactivation.
Before being stood down, the FLO should ensure that victim support services are ongoing, where this has been taken up by the family.
The FLO role may receive contact from family members over an extended period. All contact by members of the family after the FLO
has been stood down must be reported to the OC Investigation.
What is included in the term family?
‑ includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whänau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship
with the victim
‑ includes ‘chosen’ family
‑ should reflect the victim’s culture and lifestyle.
What must the OC consider in the appointment of an FLO?
‑ the suitability of the officer for retention in the role
‑ whether additional FLOs should be appointed
‑ the needs and wishes of the family.
When a member of the family is a suspect, what are things that should be considered when deploying and FLO?
FLOs safety
The need for the FLO to be clear in their intentions with the family
Possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO
Importance of fully documenting all contact and interaction with the family
What should the FLO do before meeting with the family?
‑ liaise closely with the OC Investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with and/or held back from the family
‑ familiarise themselves with the enquiry
‑ familiarise themselves with all information established concerning the family, including known family composition or dynamics,
cultural and lifestyle considerations, religious beliefs and communication requirements, e.g. language or disability
‑ familiarise themselves with available information and intelligence which could impact on the liaison role, such as previous
Police involvement with the victim or family
‑ establish what contact the family has had with Police since the incident/death
‑ establish what information has been given to the family
‑ establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain.
If there are witnesses within the family, what considerations need to be made?
‑ whether due to the personal characteristics of the witness or the circumstances of the offending, the witness requires special
consideration, as defined by the ‘Investigative interviewing witness guide’
‑ the availability of the witness
‑ any particular needs the witness has for assistance
‑ the optimum approach to be taken when approaching and interviewing the witness.
Before during and after the trial what is the role of the FLO?
Taking the witnesses within the family to Court alongside victim support so they can see a courtroom before the trial.
Discuss court procedures
Provide transport to and from Court
Explain the rules of giving evidence etc
As an FLO how do you record information?
Have a dedicated notebook to record all contact with family/next of kin,
intermediaries and other parties connected to the family.
What must an FLO do in the early stages?
‑ provide immediate appropriate information to the family concerning the death of the victim and explain to the family what
happens next in respect of the body, e.g. the post mortem and Coroner’s processes
‑ provide the family/NOK with the Coronial booklet “When someone dies” which sets out the rights of the family and explains the
Coronial process. There is a 24 hour time frame for objection to a post mortem so the information contained in the booklet is
critical to the Coronial process. The booklets are held by District Victim Support and can be downloaded at Coronial services of
New Zealand
‑ establish from family members any immediate evidence, information or rumors, which they may be aware of, so that this can be
passed directly to the OC Investigation for urgent attention
‑ act quickly and effectively informing the OC Investigation without delay should a family or individual express concern for their
personal safety or have been subject to threats or intimidation and require Police protection or assistance
‑ give or facilitate initial practical support for members of the family (eg. transport)
‑ as far as possible, protect the family from unwarranted media intrusion
‑ arrange temporary housing when the family home has been designated as a crime scene or a protracted search of the victim’s
home is anticipated. Victim Support should be involved in this process
‑ use their knowledge of the criminal justice system and Coroners processes to advise family members, as appropriate
‑ where appropriate and on direction of theOC Investigation, arrange for the Crown Solicitor to meet the family to explain
decisions taken
What financial support is available to families of homicide victims?
‑ a discretionary grant of up to $1500 for families of homicide victims
‑ free counselling for families of murder and manslaughter victims. Initially six hours are approved with the option to increase to
15 hours. Counselling up to a maximum of 30 hours may be approved if required.
-ACC can help towards the costs of their burial, cremation and related ceremonies. Families of victims are able to claim a top‐up to the existing ACC funeral grant where the death is confirmed as the result of murder or manslaughter and the maximum ACC funeral grant has already been claimed.
What should the family be notified of during an investigation?
‑ programmes, remedies, or services available through Police to the family as victims in their own right (refer section11)
‑ progress of the investigation (a legal requirement under section 12)
‑ the family’s role as witnesses in the prosecution of the offence.
When an offender is arrested, what should the family be informed of?
‑ charges laid or reasons why charges are not laid, and any changes to the charges laid
‑ the date and place of each Court appearance of the accused or other Court hearing relating to the case
‑ release on bail of the accused
‑ any application made by the accused, for suppression of name or other identifying particulars under section200 of the
Criminal Procedure Act 2011. The victim’s family’s views about the application must be ascertained and provided to the
Court (refer section 28). The victim’s family must also be informed of the outcome of such an application.
‑ details of bail conditions the accused is subject to. Note: This information must not be disclosed if it would contravene an
order under section 19 Bail Act 2000 prohibiting the publication of matters related to a bail hearing.
When an FLO is creating a profile of the victim what are the two sources of information?
People and passive data
What is an example of passive data when creating a victim profile?
‑ NIA
‑ CID
‑ medical history
‑ mental health records
‑ Human Source Management Unit (HSMU)
‑ landline telephone details and associated enquiries
‑ mobile telephone records
‑ Internet usage (ie. accounts with Internet service providers and use of social networks)
‑ vehicle details
‑ banking and other financial material
‑ diaries, letters and personal documents
‑ photographs and video footage belonging to family, friends and the victim
‑ passport and immigration data.
What is an example of People when creating a victim profile?
‑ friends
‑ colleagues
‑ partners
‑ associates
‑ online or social media contacts
‑ hobbies and habits
‑ travel movements
‑ people along the routes they were known to take
‑ customers or suppliers
‑ religious leaders or associates
‑ cultural associations
‑ other people that they come into contact with.
What should be taken into consideration when returning property to the family?
When authorised by OC investigation you should consider;
‑ What property does the family wish to be returned?
‑ How do they want the property returned, for example do they wish items to be cleaned?
‑ Are there likely to be any delays in the return of any property?
‑ Property should be inspected to ensure all Police and Court exhibit tags have been removed.
In relation to media and the family of the victim, what are the FLOs responsibilities?
‑ prepare the victim’s family for the anticipated level of media interest and provide them with a copy of the “Media information
letter to family of the deceased” contained within ‘Part 7 ‐ Media strategy for homicide and serious crime investigations’
‑ establish the family’s views on any media appeals
‑ request the family to nominate a spokesperson, at an early stage
‑ consult the family before the release of personal details relating to the victim
‑ where possible, provide copies of media releases to the family before distribution
‑ inform the victim’s family of significant developments in the investigation before releasing such information to the media, where
it is appropriate to do so
‑ appraise the OC Investigation of media activity around the family
‑ request approval from the victim’s family to release a photograph of the victim and where practical, respect their choice of
photograph. It is important, however, for Police to make an objective appreciation of which photograph is most appropriate as
the choice of photograph may influence public response. It is likely the media will attempt to obtain a photograph of the victim
even if it is an old one that the family does not like, so it is good practice to obtain a recent photograph from the family and to
secure their agreement for publication. Photographs may be given to the media representatives following consultation with the
OC Investigation and Media Officer, on the condition they do not approach the family directly.
Once the offender has been convicted, what should the family be aware of?
-The family should also be informed of the opportunity provided to them under the Parole Act 2002, whereby they can participate in the process to decide whether an offender is granted parole.
-Police must ensure the victim’s family has the opportunity to be advised of the offender’s release from Prison, by completing the Police form 1065.
-The family should be made aware of their rights under the part 3 of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002, including the Victim Notification
Scheme.
what must an area canvas be?
Timely, flexible and tactical
what are objectives of an area canvass?
‐ identifying the offender
‐ identifying and locating evidence, such as vehicles, discarded clothing, weapons and other articles
‐ identifying witnesses
‐ gathering information
What are some other benefits of area canvass?
‐ sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
‐ sightings of relevant property or vehicles
‐ sightings of potential witnesses
‐ creating the opportunity for an early arrest through early identification of the offender
‐ obtaining key information to drive the investigation or develop lines of enquiry
‐ promoting awareness of significant occurrences
‐ eliminating unidentified vehicles or persons reported by other witnesses
‐ obtaining an accurate record of the local community.
What does the recon of the general scene include?
The OC Investigation, OC Area Canvass and OC Suspects to 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.
Before conducting an area canvass what should OC Area canvass do?
the OC Area Canvass in consultation with the OC Investigation, should conduct an initial
appreciation to determine whether a full area canvass phase is required and the method and timing of enquiries to be made.
What considerations will the appreciation process include when coming up with area canvass enquiries?
The appreciation should take account of all available and relevant information, including all information generated by initial ‘house to
house’ enquiries. This appreciation may include the reason the enquiries were made, locations involved, parameters covered,
questions asked, staff involved, records kept, who was or was not spoken to, ‘alibi’ details, vehicles owned, witness statements taken,
intelligence obtained and the identity of any suspects or persons of interest.
When deciding on the timing of an area canvass what should you consider?
The timing of the homicide to capture people who are routinely in the area etc
Initial Police responders must assess the situation quickly yet carefully and decide what the most important things to do are, and how and in what order they should be done. Their primary function should be:
-Attend the scene at an early stage
-Take control of the situations, and
-Co-ordinating tasks
Whilst most offences of homicide are identified as a result of a body being found or by person responsible for the offence making admissions, some incidents notified to the Police are not initially as a homicide. Such instances may include:
A report of Missing person
Sudden or unexplained death of an infant
Unexplained death
Report of an abduction
Report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
Crime scene without a body
Hit and run vehicular collision
Suicide
Fatal fire
Drug related deaths
Definition Appreciation
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure that an optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefit and risks to all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new material as it is uncovered
What are scene guards duties?
