Serious crime investigation Flashcards
What does the investigation team comprise of?
Persons making enquiries in order to solve the case
What is the investigation team divided into?
Separate phases, for example; area canvass, general enquiries, Electronic and Suspects
What does the support (or administrative) group?
Provides support resources and helps to organise and process the information gathered
What are the two key tasks of any investigation?
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Accurate and detailed documentation
Who is responsible for the investigation?
Everyone in the team is responsible - not just the officer in charge. Therefore, all team members need to be able to coordinate the procedures and activities that are critical to the investigation of a case.
To maintain high standards in the investigation process you must:
- Have an investigative mindset
- Have the ability to apply the Appreciation - - Technique to think through issues to - ensure the best possible course of action
- Always consider how your decisions will be scrutinised under cross-examination 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 and
- Work as a team
What is the purpose of holding team conferences?
- Up to date - Keeps everyone up to date on important information
- Share - Pass on views and information
- Instructions - OC investigation to provide tasks
- Debrief - opportunity to debrief the team on priorities and further lines of enquiry
Who chairs a team conference?
The officer in charge
What must a team conference be?
- Planned
- Recorded
- Focused and managed to avoid excessive time use
What are the different types of team conferences?
- Initial conference
- Regular conference
- Debriefing conference
- Phase team conference
What is a phase team conference?
A conference run by the OC phase and attended by his / her team only
What must be done to maintain confidentiality during a team 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.
What are the first Police arriving at the scene of a serious crime responsible for?
All police action, until they are relieved by a supervisor, CIB, staff or the OC investigation. Until they are relieved, they are the temporary OC investigation.
What must every person do who undertakes a course of action at a scene?
Conduct a risk assessment and determine what the most important things to do are, and how / in what order they should be done.
What are the primary functions of the first Police in attendance at a serious crime?
- Attending the scene at an early stage
- Taking control of the situation and
- Co-ordinating tasks.
Why is initial action by Police so important?
Initial Police action is vital and often shapes the outcome of the investigation.
Reasoned and positive initial action can minimise loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information.
Who is responsible for maximising safety and eliminating / minimising risk at work?
All Police employees and persons engaged by Police to provide a service.
This includes contractors and their employees, trainees, interns and volunteers.
Are all incidents involving homicide readily identifiable as such?
No - initial information may indicate that an offence has been committed. May range from precise to vague.
What are some instances of homicide that aren’t identifiable as such initially?
- Report of a missing person
- Sudden unexplained death of an infant
- Unexplained death
- Report of an abduction
- Report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
- Crime scene without a body present
- Hit and run vehicular collision
- Suicide
- Fatal fire
- Drug related deaths
What is the general investigation model that should be applied when responding to a critical event?
VAWSEEPO
What does the acronym VAWSEEPO stand for?
Victim
Appreciation
Witnesses
Scene
Exhibits
Elements
Powers
Offenders
What is the technique of “victims” in VAWSEEPO?
Identify and locate the victim(s)
What is the technique of “Appreciation” in VAWSEEPO?
Make an initial appreciation of the incident.
Assess personal risk and then preserve the lives of others
What is the technique of “Witness” in VAWSEEPO?
Locate and contain witnesses
What is the technique of “Scene” in VAWSEEPO?
Preserve the scene (e.g. set boundaries
What is the technique of “Exhibitis” in VAWSEEPO?
Note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed
What is the technique of “Elements” in VAWSEEPO?
Consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established
What is the technique of “Powers” in VAWSEEPO?
Identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them
What is the technique of “Offenders” in VAWSEEPO?
Identify and apprehend suspect(s)
What must you remember when initially attending the scene?
Freeze, Control, Guard and Preserve.
What is the definition of an appreciation?
- PROVEN method of problem solving
- FOLLOWS a series of steps to decide on the best course of action
- CONSIDERS all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of alternative solutions
- ALLOWS for sound decisions
- Is an ONGOING process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information.
What are the key benefits of applying an appreciation technique?
- Ensures everyone knows what the expectations are
- Establishes a sequence of activities
- Maximises suceess and ensures nothing is overlooked
- Reduces uncertainty and risk
- Eliminates duplication
- Good use of resources
Does an appreciation have to be written?
In protracted situations yes, it can be. However, in urgent situations where initial action is required a shortened form, often performed mentally is sufficient.
What is the acronym for the steps of an appreciation?
AFCO
What does “AFCO” stand for?
Aim
Factors
Courses open
Plan
What is the definition of “aim” in “AFCO”?
A short, one line, statement which demonstrates a single objective / goal
What is the technique to apply to “aim” in “AFCO”?
- The aim must be clear, accurate and concise.
-It must be chosen carefully - the wrong aim will produce the wrong result - The aim of the appreciation process should be on the mind at all times, particularly when making decisions
What is the definition of “factors” in AFCO?
A factor is any circumstances or fact that could possibly have an effect on the outcome/aim
What are examples of factors for AFCO?
- Further risk to life
- The location of possible suspects
- Resources available
- Evidence requiring preservation
- The environment and weather conditions
- History of the relevant parties
What is the technique to apply to “factors” in AFCO?
- Ask the question “So what” “What does this mean” to examine factors and draw logical conclusions from it. E.g. “I only have 5 staff available, so what does this mean?”
- This will lead to a logical conclusion or conclusions e.g. therefore I must priorities the tasks to be completed. The keyword is “therefore” because it prompt the logical conclusion.
- Any deductions made must in turn be examined themselves to see whether they will yield further deductions.
What is the definition of “courses open” in AFCO?
All options available to achieve the aim / desired outcome, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from those factors.
What is the technique to apply to “Courses open” in AFCO?
Each course must be examined for its advantages, disadvantages and risks.
The following questions must be asked:
- What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative
- Which alternative is the most appropriate way to reach the objective
From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.
What is the definition of “Plan” in AFCO?
A plan is a proposed course of action.
What is the technique to apply to “Plan” in AFCO?
A plan must be
- The logical outcome of the appreciation
- Clear, concise and leaves no room for misinterpretation
- Designed to avoid introducing matters not previously considered by the appreciation
- Consistently considerate of safety issues
- Recorded
- Delivered to staff using the SMEAC format
When should an officer adopt an investigation mindset?
From the moment they are tasked with responding to a serious crime incident.
What does the journey to the scene provide?
The opportunity to make some initial decisions and considerations as to how to approach the task at hand.
What basic decisions will assist in establishing an investigative mindset?
Assigning areas of responsibility and ensuring communication with the Emergency Communications Centre
What do you always need to remember when going to the scene of a death?
Polices purpose is to conduct a thorough investigation and gather sufficient evidence to explain the circumstances of death.
The informant is a critical witness in an investigation and therefore it is a priority to obtain as much information from them. What must you look to obtain from them prior to initial attendance at the scene?
- The identity and location of the suspect
- A first hand account of what the complainant / informant knows
- Precise details of the location of the scene
- Circumstances leading to the discovery
- Identity of the victim
- Details of anyone else at the scene
- Full contact details of the complainant / informant
- Demeanour of the complainant / informant
- Relationship of the complainant / informant, to the victim or suspect
- Details of action the complainant / informant has taken and where they have been
- Details of any hazards or safety issues that may affect Police approaching the scene/victim
In circumstances where there is a delay in initial attendance, what may the complainant / informant be asked?
- To return to the proximity of the scene, and guard it, if it is considered safe for them to do so
- Not to enter the obvious boundaries of the scene
- Not to move or touch anything
- To prevent others from entering or touching the scene
- To await police arrival and identify themselves to the first police at the scene
What should officers who have had contact with the complainant / informant do?
Take great care in recording what the complainant / informant says, their demeanour and clothing etc.
These could become critical - particularly if they are later identified as a suspect
What is imperative at the scene?
That Police responders ensure their own safety, the safety of other responders and that of others present at the scene.
Subject to the appreciation of risks - what should happen?
A reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people or a hidden offender.
What is the first priority at a scene?
It will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members
After ensuring the safety of those present (attending officers) what is the next priority?
To establish the physical condition of the victim.
What three categories does the physical condition of the victim fall into?
- Alive but uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
What to do in cases where the victim is alive with no injuries?
No additional issues or complications arise - proceed to preserving the scene.
What to do if a victim is injured but alive?
Call an ambulance and consider resuscitation if appropriate.
What if the victim (alive but injured) is moved for the purpose of resuscitation?
Note the original body position and record any previous movements.
If it is necessary for the victim to be transferred to hospital by ambulance, what should you do? (two things)
Obtain details of the ambulance crew and their destination must be recorded.
If practicable, a detective should accompany the victim to hospital. Otherwise, they should attend hospital without delay.
On arrival at hospital, what are the steps that a detective should follow?
- Obtain a medical opinion on victim status
- Seize the victims clothing / possessions
Identify victim - Obtain a pre-transfusion blood sample
- Obtain firearm residue samples (when firearm use is suspected)
- Note and photograph any injuries
- Obtain DNA swabs
- Obtain details of visitors
- Conduct a scoping interview
- Conduct a preliminary interview with ambulance and emergency staff
How must you conduct a scoping interview with the victim and what information should you seek to obtain?
Using appropriate open questioning (TEDS) to establish what happened and who was involved.
(But only if this does not adversely affect the medical welfare of the victim.
If it is anticipated the victim may die - what should you consider?
Recording an immediate statement
If an immediate statement is taken and the victim dies, can it still be used in court?
It may be admissible as hearsay evidence
What must be met for the (deceased) victim statement to be admitted into evidence?
The court must be satisfied that both the intent of the statement and the person who made it are reliable.
How can Police prove reliability of a victims statement (hearsay)?
Record any factors which demonstrate the reliability of the statement or its maker.
What circumstances are considered when determining if a hearsay statement is reliable?
- The nature of the statement
- The contents of the statement
- The circumstances relating to the making of the statement
- The veracity of the person
- The accuracy of the observation of the person
How must you obtain information from ambulance and emergency staff and what information would you seek to obtain?
Using appropriate open questioning (TEDS) to establish what happened and who was involved.
What to do if the victim shows no signs of life?
NEVER assume a person is dead
First aid should be commenced and an ambulance requested
They should not be moved unless for the purposes of first aid
Original position must be recorded
What are the steps you need to follow when you discover a body?
- Render first aid, call an ambulance
- Remain with the body until relieved
- Arrange a doctor for life extinct (unless obvious)
- Treat the victim as a scene (do not move them more than necessary)
- Instruct medical staff to leave clothes on the body
- All medical items used to be left in situ
- Conduct scoping interviews with medical staff to establish their actions, apparent cause of death and injury types
- Ascertain if the victim spoke to anyone before death and record what was said.
- Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing
- Objectively record everything observed using all senses, including sight, sound and smell. Include what is considered unimportant or non-evidential as after further investigation, such information may become relevant.
- Record all exhibits
- Sketch a plan, including the position of the body and position of exhibits
- Provide full information to the OC investigation at an early stage
What increases the likelihood of recovering physical evidence at a scene?
Prompt, decisive action.
What influences actions with exhibits at a scene?
Some exhibits may be fragile and easily destroyed or contaminated therefore weather conditions, temperature, public activity, animals or time may influence your decisions about what initial action are required and their priorities
Initial action to preserve a scene - what steps should be followed for those who first arrive at a scene?
- Identify
- Secure
- Preserve
- Consider
- Record
What action should be taken under “Identify” for initial action to preserve a scene?
- Gather information and carry out an initial assessment
- Consider warrantless powers for evidential material
- Establish the crime scene ensuring to set wide parameters beyond where the body is found
- Consider approach paths and establish a common approach path
- Consider other ‘related’ crime scenes
- Note and record observations of the scene, what is happening and who is there.
- Establish a scene headquarters, and safe arrival / assembly points
- Provide a SITREP/SFP to comms and obtain acknowledgement
Why do you need to set wide parameters of the scene?
To capture any exhibits, weapons, or items that the suspect may have discarded.
What action should be taken under “Secure” for initial action to preserve a scene?
- Exercise powers to secure the scene pursuant to section 116 of the S&S Act (if necessary)
- Remove all persons within the scene (avoid disturbance to scene)
- Establish cordon using Police emergency tape
- Arrange and brief scene guards with clearly defined duties.
- Arrange crime scene logs
- Prevent unauthorised persons from entering or leaving the scene
- Prevent any further loss or damage to evidence caused by adverse weather or other factors (such as animals)
Who can be used as a scene guard?
Police employees or civilian security guards, as per local policy. If necessary, reliable members of the public may initially act as guards until further police arrive
What action should be taken under “Preserve” for initial action to preserve a scene?
- Consider the best path into the scene
- Record any movements/actions 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 (e.g. rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain)
What action should be taken under “Consider” for initial action to preserve a scene?
Consider:
If initial photographs of the scene and persons present are necessary
What action should be taken under “Record” for initial action to preserve a scene?
Record:
- The integrity of the scene by establishing and maintaining a crime scene log of movements, names, times and reasons for entry and exit to the scene. A template crime scene log is included in the serious crime template
- Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the victim
- Complete a sketch of the scene
- Photograph the scene and consider using video recording
- Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions
- Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC investigation at an early stage
What does a crime scene log record?
It records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crib scene, as well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case.
After emergency services have performed initial procedures and scene has been cleared, who is allowed to enter the scene?
No person must be allowed to enter without specific prior authority from the OC investigation.
What is a scene guard employed to ensure?
- There is no unauthorised entry into the scene
- Integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
- Intelligence opportunities are maximised
- Contamination issues are managed.
How many crime scene logs are there?
To avoid confusion, only one crime scene log must be kept at each point of access to the scene.
What must each log identify?
It must identify the keeper of the record as well as the name and time when all persons entered or left the scene and their reasons for entry.
What is the benefit of using a crime scene log?
A benefit is that when utilised, pedestrian traffic in and out of a scene is dramatically reduced. This helps to protect the integrity of the scene.
What do duties of scene guards include?
- Protect and Secure scene
- Record details
- Control and record movements
- Brief/inform others / Replacement
- Avoid disturbance
- Respect security and Demonstrate courtesy
For scene guards, what is the process involved in securing the scene?
Deny any person access to the scene, unless they are expressly authorised to enter by the Officer In Charge of the investigation or the Crime Scene Co-ordinator Scene.
For scene guards, what is the process involved in recording details?
Maintain a crime scene log and note for every person authorised to enter the scene:
- Name and designation
- Authority to enter the scene
- Purpose of the visit
- Time of entry and time of exit
For scene guards, what is the process involved in controlling movements?
Ensure everyone entering the scene is directed to the Common Approach Path to be followed and is supervised during the visit.
For scene guards, what is the process involved in Recording movements?
Record all movement and vehicle details to, from and near the scene, in the crime scene log.
For scene guards, what is the process involved in Briefing others?
Promptly communicate any relevant information received to the OC Scene or Crime Scene Co-ordinator
For scene guards, what is the process involved in Avoiding disturbance?
Do not personally enter, contaminate or interfere with the scene. E.g. using toilet facilities, making coffee etc
For scene guards, what is the process involved in Protecting scene?
Be vigilant for activity such as the presence of any animals which may feed on body tissue etc.
Remain on duty until relieved by the oncoming scene guard
For scene guards, what is the process involved in briefing the replacement?
Brief the oncoming Scene Guard on all relevant matters and hand on the crime scene log
For scene guards, what is the process involved in respecting security?
Do not discuss events or the crime with witnesses, by standers, or members of the media.
For scene guards, what is the process involved in demonstrating courtesy?
Use tact and courtesy when dealing with civilian witnesses and crowds
For scene guards, what is the process involved in informing others?
Report any actions taken to the OC scene or crime scene co-ordinator as appropriate
What should happen with witnesses present at the scene?
Witnesses should be treated professionally, isolated from one another and instructed not to discuss the incident.
What should the initial questioning of a witness be directed towards?
Obtaining a brief account of what the person witnessed, bearing in mind they may be interviewed subsequently on a more substantial basis
As the minimum, what information should be obtained from a witness?
- What happened
- Where exactly the incident happened
- When it happened
- Who was involved
- What the witness did
- Where the witness went
- What the witness touched
- Who touched the witness
- Who else was present
- Descriptions of those preset
- What did those other people present say / do
What should happen with witnesses at an appropriate stage?
They should be taken to a Police Station to be formally interviewed or an appointment should be made for the near future and a note made of their condition and any special interview requirements.
Before the witness is interviewed what must be done?
A plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness, such as fibres, body fluids, glass or other material.
The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should consider these issues:
- Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched
- Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness
- Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness
- Forensic medical examination (e.g. fingernail scrapings, hair combing etc)
- Seizure of clothing and footwear
- Seizure of any items of property touched by the suspect
Where possible what else should the plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness consider?
- Avoid any potential cross contamination issues by arranging for witnesses who have been present at a crime scene, to use different vehicles and interview rooms to those used by other witnesses, the victim or suspect(s)
- Photographing witnesses at the scene enables future identification of witnesses; for example to assist CCTV enquiries or for OC witnesses use at court hearings
- Photograph any injuries suffered by witnesses.
The following steps will assist in obtaining key material from witnesses:
- Obtain full details of all persons present at the scene
- Assemble people in a clear area, ensuring a police officer remains with them
- If possible, isolate witnesses from one another to reduce the likelihood of contamination and/or collusion. Explain this rationale to the witnesses
- Identify witnesses and conduct a brief scoping interview, using open TEDS questioning. Include descriptions of other persons mentioned
- Establish whether any persons have left the area.
- If the witness has made telephone calls from the scene, establish the numbers such calls from the scene, establish the numbers such calls were made from and to, and who answered. This may verify accounts and times.
- Record registration numbers of nearby vehicles to establish which drivers/ passengers may have been in the area.
- Seize any CCTV relevant to the vicinity/routes to establish who may have been in the area at the relevant time.
What to remember about informants?
That a person who reports or is present at any event, may be a significant witness or the suspect.
If a homicide or serious crime is suspected, what is a priority?
The identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect.
If suspects have been identified at the scene, what are the steps to follow?
- Separate suspects from any other person
- Consider the condition of the suspect, (drugs/alcohol/mental or physical impairment)
- Ask them to remain at the scene and to co-operate with Police.
- As soon as possible, remove the suspect from the scene by consent or with lawful justification
- If the suspect refuses to co-operate, consider whether grounds exist to arrest them.
- To prevent cross-contamination issues, consider using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect, if available.
- Give the appropriate caution to the suspect.
- Consider searching the suspect and the suspects vehicle and belongings to prevent the disposal of evidence and for the searchers safety, pursuant to S&S.
- Consider searching the vicinity of the suspect and the area or route they are thought to have taken, in order to recover discarded or secreted evidence
- Note the suspects appearance and behaviour. E.G do they appear edgy, shocked or agitated? Are their clothes ripped and/or stained?
- Record everything the suspect says and if appropriate, consider conducting a preliminary interview
- Whenever possible, interviewing of suspects should be recorded on video
- Brief the OC investigation on their arrival, highlighting any significant risks surrounding cross-contamination or movement within or near the scene
What should be done 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.
What will the OC investigation expect a briefing from the officer in initial charge of the incident, as to:
- What has occurred?
- What actions has been taken?
- What has not been done?
- What needs to be done?
What must ALL police who initially attend the scene do?
-Record all information relating to their attendance, including their observations, their actions and any alterations made to the scene.
- Before finishing their duty shift, they must also submit a report to their immediate supervisor, who will forward the reports to the OC File.
- If they entered the scene, a photograph, photocopy or print of their footwear must be provided and submitted with the other documentation.
What does the appointment of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) provide?
A vital conduit between the family and the Police Investigation throughout the investigation phase, prosecution and beyond.
What does the role of the FLO involve?
The day-to-day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the police investigation.
What is the primary function of an FLO?
An investigator and not of 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.
Who does the FLO report to?
The OC investigation. However this can differ and must be determined.
Who must liaise closely with the FLO?
The OC investigation or their delegated deputy, to ensure families are treated professionally, with respect and according to the family needs.
What type of plan should be developed with the FLO and the OC investigation?
A family liaison plan should be developed whilst considering the needs of the family, lines of enquiry and all available intelligence.
What should the Family Liaison Plan record and consider?
- 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 the OC investigations action to progress and resolve the issues raised
- Any member of the family who could be considered a suspect, to enable the OC investigation to determine whether or not this is the case
- Liaison with Victim Support and other support services
What is important to note RE the FLOs welfare?
That the FLO is continually exposed to the emotions and needs of the bereaved and working with a family can be demanding and stressful.
The OC is responsible for regularly monitoring and supporting the health and welfare of the FLO and should be particularly aware of the dangers of working under high stress.
What must be developed before the FLO is deployed?
An exit plan. This should be communicated to the family at the commencement of the deployment.
It will be determined and executed at the discretion of the OC investigation.
What must be done before the FLO is stood down?
They must ensure that victim support services are ongoing, where this has been taken up by the family.
What is the definition of “Family”?
Family
- Includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
- Includes ‘chosen’ family
- Should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle
The OC investigation must continuously review the appointment of an FLO and consider:
- The suitability of the officer for retention in the role
- Whether additional FLOs should be appointed
- The needs and wishes of the family
The OC investigation must review the Family Liaison Plan regularly, this should consider:
- The FLOs welfare and safety
- Increased monitoring of the FLO’s work and interaction with the family
- The level of information disclosure to the FLO/the family
- The way any intelligence gained from FLO contact with the family is managed
- The need for clear interactions with the family
- The importance of fully documenting all contact and interactions with the family
- The possibility of deploying a more experience FLO if appropriate
- The deployment of a deputy FLO for corroboration issues in addition to supporting the principal FLO
- Not using the FLO in any search or arrest of a family member
- Investigative or evidential impact of deployment
- Whether or not the FLO will reside with the family. This may be an option in cases of kidnap for ransom where Police negotiators are in contact with the suspect. Such a deployment must only be undertaken after a meticulous consideration of the safety of the FLO.
Should an FLO be used for the suspects family?
Where appropriate, the OC investigation should consider deploying an FLO to the family of the suspect.
Why could deploying an FLO to the family of a suspect be helpful?
They may be an important source of material that could assist the investigation, and may themselves by victims who deserve the assigned of Police to access support services.
What needs to happen before deploying an FLO to the family of a suspect?
Careful consideration must be made of such a deployment and the decision and reasons for it should be recorded by the OC Investigation, regardless of whether or not the offer of an FLO is accepted.
What should the FLO do on appointment?
They should identify the cultural origins of the victims 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.
In cases involving Maori victims, what should happen?
An iwi liaison officer should be involved from the earliest stage possible.
What will involving an Iwi Liaison Officer do?
It will enhance relations with the family throughout the investigation by providing an understanding and awareness of the Maori culture, protocol and beliefs.
What may interactions with Maori involve?
Participating in ceremonies, such as formal welcomes.
How must Maori be treated?
The traditions, beliefs and values of Maori should be respected wherever possible, within the confines of the integrity of the investigation.
By developing an awareness of the needs of the Maori culture what does the FLO contribute to?
Developing an awareness of the needs of the Maori culture and accommodating these wherever practical, the FLO will contribute to building a positive relationship between the investigation team, the family and the Maori community.
Who facilitates the victims access to victim support?
The FLO will coordinate the family’s access to victim support and other agencies. In all cases, the needs of the family must be recognised and considered in line with the necessity to support investigative functions.
