Serious Crime Investigation

Question 1

What are the primary functions of the initial police responders at a serious crime scene?

Answer 1

• Attending the scene at an early stage
• Taking control of the situation; and
• coordinating tasks

Question 2

Reasoned positive action during the initial stages of an investigation can?

Answer 2

Minimise any loss and maximise opportunities to secure relevant information, such as intelligence and admissible evidence.

Question 3

All Police who initially attend the scene must record?

Answer 3

1. Their observations
2. Their actions
3. Any alterations made to the scene

Question 4

Describe four matters that must be recorded in a crime scene log to maintain the integrity of the crime scene?

Answer 4

1. Name and designation
2. Authority to enter the scene
3. Purpose of the visit
4. Time of entry and exit

Question 5

While most offences of homicide are identified as a result of a body being found, or by a person responsible for the offence making admissions, some incidents notified to the police are not initially identifiable as a homicide. Describe four such incidents?

Answer 5

1. Report of a missing person
2. Report of an abduction
3. Unexplained death
4. Suicide
5. Fatal fire
6. sudden unexplained death of an infant
7. Report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
8. Crime scene without a body present
9. Hit and run vehicle collision
10. Drug related deaths

Question 6

What does VAWSEIPO stand for in the general investigation model?

Answer 6

Victim - Identify and locate the victim(s)

Appreciation - Make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the live of others

Witnesses - Locate and contain witnesses

Scene - Preserve the scene (e.g. Set boundaries)

Exhibits - Note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed

Ingredients - Consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established

Powers - Identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them

Offenders - Identify and apprehend suspect(s)

Question 7

Establish the victim’s medical status:What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?

Answer 7

Having ensured the safety of those present the next priority is to establish the physical condition of the victim.

This falls into one of three categories:

1. Alive and uninjured
2. Alive but injured
3. Shows no signs of life

Question 8

If the victim is injured at the scene you should?

Answer 8

• Commence first aid and call an ambulance as r required
• Conduct a preliminary interview
• If victim expected to die, consider taking statement from them
• Treat the victim as a scene and do not move them unnecessarily
• Take DNA swabs from victims skin if appropriate
• Record and photograph any injuries
• If victim taken to hospital Police must accompany, ascertain medical condition, preserve clothing, debrief relative medical staff and update the O/C investigation

Question 9

Appreciation:

Answer 9

Police attending a serious crime incident must make an appreciation before making decisions and prioritising tasks.
Good decisions are not a matter of luck or guesswork, they are the outcome of a process of logical reasoning and careful consideration.

Question 10

When making an appreciation and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the courses open, what questions must be asked?

Answer 10

1. What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative?
2. Which option is the most appropriate way to reach the objective?
   * From these considerations, decide on the most appropriate course to achieve your aim.

Question 11

Benefits of an appreciation:

Answer 11

Applying an appreciation technique can provide the following key benefits:

1. Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
2. Increases chances of success
3. Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
4. Manages risk
5. Reduces uncertainty
6. Eliminates duplication
7. Ensures nothing is overlooked
8. Effective use of resources

Question 12

A plan must be?

Answer 12

• A logical outcome of the appreciation
• Clear, concise, leaving no room for misinterpretation
• Address safety issues
• Avoid introduction of matters not previously considered by the appreciation
• Recorded
• Delivered to staff using GSMEAC format

Question 13

The person reporting the incident is a critical witness in an investigation. Every effort should be made to obtain?

Answer 13

• Identity and location of the suspect
• Firsthand account of what the informant knows
• Precise details of the scene location
• Circumstances leading to the discovery
• ID of victim
• Details of anyone else at the scene
• Full contact details of complainant/informant
• Demeanour of the complainant/informant
• Relationship of comp/informant to victim or suspect
• Details of action taken by comp/informant and where they have been
• Details of hazards or safety issues for Police approaching scene

Question 14

Initial response police at a serious crime incident must make a risk assessment. Why should a reconnaissance of the scene be conducted?

Answer 14

Subject to the appreciation of risks, a reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender

Question 15

Describe the reasons for the OC investigations, OC area canvass and OC suspects visiting the external or general scene of a serious crime?

Answer 15

To make a reconnaissance of the area, 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.

Question 16

If recording a dying statement at Hospital what factors need to be considered as to whether the statement is admissable

Answer 16

The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include:
• The nature of the statement;
• The contents of the statement;
• The circumstances relating to the making of the statement;
• Circumstances relating to the veracity of the person; and
• Circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person

Question 17

Procedure for suspects at the scene

Answer 17

• Separate suspect from other persons at the scene
• Consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration.
• Ask to remain and cooperate with Police. As soon as possible remove from scene by consent or with lawful justification

Question 18

Media:

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Describe who is responsible during an investigation for determining the status of a person as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim?

Answer 19

Responsibility for determining the status of a person within the investigation whether as a suspect, person of interest, witness or victim rests with the OC Investigation.

Question 20

Where the body has been disturbed:

Answer 20

1. Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition.
2. Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required.

Question 21

Formal Identification:

Answer 21

It is important those carrying out the formal identification are fully informed what is required of them and what they should expect to see when they view the deceased, particularly after a post-mortem examination has taken place.

Question 22

Prior to moving the body from the scene what specific action must the OC body take?

Answer 22

The body must be considered a ‘scene within a scene’ and as such, the OC Investigation is ultimately responsible for ensuring how the removal and examination of the body will be managed.

The body must not be moved without specific authority from the OC Investigation.

Question 23

When moving the body considerations:

Answer 23

• Notification to and response from the coroner
• Standard operating procedures
• Views of pathologist, ESR scientist
• Best route and method for body removal considering minimal scene contamination
• Family or cultural considerations
• Consultation with other experts
• Chain of custody of body from scene to mortuary
• Safe custody of exhibits

Question 24

Methods of Identification if visual not possible:

Answer 24

Mutilation or decomposition may render visual identification of a body impossible. Consider the following methods of identification, in consultation with the Coroner:

1. Fingerprints
2. DNA profiling (identification results take 3-4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
3. Dental records (available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor)
4. Personal effects
5. Facial reconstruction

Question 25

Stripping the body:

Answer 25

The body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist.

Stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post-mortem examination commences, but must only be undertaken on the specific direction of the OC Investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.

Question 26

Detail the responsibilities of the OC Body regarding exhibits taken from the body at the mortuary?

Answer 26

The OC Body is responsible for recording, labelling, packaging, sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the post-mortem.

All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary, without exception and will be recorded in a Scene Exhibits Schedule.

Question 27

The primary reason for conducting a post mortem examination is to establish the cause of death. List four matters how the pathologist’s findings may assist the investigation?

Answer 27

1. Determining where possible, the mode and time of death
2. Establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
3. Determining the nature and size of any weapon(s) used
4. Determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
5. providing areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
6. negating possible defences
7. identifying the victim if identity has not been established

Question 28

What specific experts must be notified and their attendance requested for a post mortem?

Answer 28

• Pathologist
• Police photographer
• SOCO/Fingerprints (if required)

OC Investigation, OC Body, OC Exhibits for PM (if required) Police photographer, SOCO/Fingerprint officer normal attendees.

Question 29

Particular consideration should be given to seeking authority from the coroner to attend the PM for?

Answer 29

ESR Scientist and Crown Solicitor

Question 30

List six of the responsibilities of the OC body?

Answer 30

1. Ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265).
2. Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the postmortem examination.
3. Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect.
4. Note and record any observations relating to the body.
5. Note details of medical staff or others who have attended the victim.
6. Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body.
7. Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
8. Ensure the body is photographed in situ and consider using video recording
9. On authority of O/C investigation arrange transportation of body to mortuary
10. complete sudden death procedures
11. On authority of the O/C investigation arrange formal identification of body using pol 265a form
12. Obtain historical medical records of victim for information of the pathologist
13. Attend postmortem with O/C investigation or deputy appointed by them
14. ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addresses
15. Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings on direction of O/C or pathologist

Question 31

When skeletal remains are found what information can a forensic anthropologist provide?

Answer 31

• Whether the remains are actually bones
• Whether the bones are human
• The age, gender, height and race of the person

Question 32

Action after the post-mortem:

Answer 32

The OC Body must hand all exhibits to the OC Exhibits, in order to maintain an unbroken chain of exhibit continuity and security.

They should also provide the OC Exhibits with:

• The post-mortem Scene Exhibit Schedule
• Copy of the OC Body’s notebook entries
• Formal written statement
`

Question 33

The OC body is responsible for preparing the sudden death file and submitting it as soon as possible. What are the four documents that must be included on the file?

Answer 33

1. Statement relating to the victims formal identification
2. 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)
3. Copy of Deceased Person Certificate (Police form 265)
4. Copy of Deceased Person Identification (Police form 265A).

Question 34

When attending the post-mortem with OC Investigation what must you do?

Answer 34

1. Attend briefing of pathologist by OC Investigation
2. Preserve evidence from the body (exhibit)
3. Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings
4. Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed

Question 35

Role of the family liaison officer (FLO):

Answer 35

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.

Question 36

List the duties of the family liaison officer in the role as an investigator?

Answer 36

As an investigator, the FLO will normally be responsible for profiling the victim, preparing a family tree and gathering all relevant information from the family.

This may include, in conjunction with the OC Body, taking statements to identify the victim.

Question 37

Once a family liaison plan has been formulated it must be reviewed in consultation with the family liaison officer at regular intervals. Describe four matters that the plan should consider?

Answer 37

1. Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
2. Exit plan for the FLO
3. Objectives of the family liaison
4. Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers, where appropriate
5. information to be released to and withheld from the family
6. complaints made by the family and the O/C investigations actions to progress and resolve issues raised
7. any member of family who could be considered a suspect, to enable O/C investigation to determine whether o not this is the case
8. liaison with Victim Support and other support services

Question 38

When a family member is a suspect the OC Investigation must review the plan regularly which should consider:

Answer 38

• FLO’s welfare and safety
• increased monitoring of the FLO’s work and interaction with the family
• the level of information disclosure to the FLO and in turn the family
• process by which any intelligence that arises from FLO contact with family will be managed
• The need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with the family
• Possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO
• deployment of a deputy FLO for corroboration issues in addition to supporting principal FLO
• not using the FLO in any search or arrest of family member
• investigative or evidential impact of deployment
• importance of fully document all contact and interaction with the family

Question 39

Cultural Liaison:

Answer 39

The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victim’s 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.

Question 40

Victim Impact Statements:

Answer 40

Victims should be given the opportunity to make a written statement about the impact the crime has had on them, through a victim impact statement.

Homicide trained Victim Support volunteers are trained to assist Police by taking Victim Impact Statements from surviving family members.

Question 41

Describe two types of information that can be obtained from police intelligence systems when carrying out a risk assessment during the planning phase for an area canvass?

Answer 41

• Violent offenders
• Persons wanted by police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
• groups with particular linguistic or cultural needs
• local incidents or issues which residents may raise with Police

Question 42

List four resources or tools that the OC area canvass should seek to assist the canvass?

Answer 42

1. Suitable street maps
2. Aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections
3. Geological information
4. Local council records and other applicable references

Question 43

What is the purpose of a forensic strategy meeting?

Answer 43

Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine what examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits and the priority the examinations should receive.

The purpose is also to determine whether any further work is needed to assist reconstruction and if so a plan for the work to be completed.

Question 44

Upon the completion of a forensic strategy meeting what two matters must the OC exhibits record on the exhibits register?

Answer 44

All decisions made about the types of examinations to be conducted and the priority allocated to the examination of each exhibit.

Question 45

Timing of a canvass phase:

Answer 45

In some cases, the area canvass should be conducted at the same time as the original offence occurred, to capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of the day, e.g. a homicide of a person in a park in the early hours of the morning

Question 46

In addition to door to door enquiries during the area canvass phase, what other approaches can also be used to obtain information from the public?

Answer 46

• Media
• Poster campaign
• Mail drop
• High profile police presence, using a caravan

Question 47

During a briefing of an area canvass what is the appropriate instruction to give staff who may speak to a witness who has evidence of possible probative value?

Answer 47

Advise that evidence of possible probative value must be obtained in a formal written statement rather than notebook form and endorsed by the person giving the statement.

Question 48

Other benefits of conducting an area canvass include:

Answer 48

• Sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
• Sightings of relevant property or vehicles used
• Sightings of potential witnesses
• Early arrest through early identification of the offender

Question 49

Canvass phase – Team motivation:

Answer 49

It is essential staff remain focused and alert to the possibilities that the person they are speaking to could be a vital witness, or even the offender.

The OC Area Canvass should ensure staff morale remains high and this can be achieved by providing regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation, together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.

Question 50

Canvass phase – Monitoring progress:

Answer 50

A detailed master record of ongoing progress should be continually maintained and updated by the OC Area Canvass, showing which addresses have been visited, which occupants interviewed, the documentation completed and any relevant comments made.

Question 51

Canvass phase – Final report:

Answer 51

At the conclusion of the area canvass the phase OC must submit a report to the OC Investigation outlining the circumstances of this particular aspect of the investigation.

The report should include:

• A summary of all action taken
• Any significant findings highlighted
• And attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy.

Question 52

Witness as a scene:

Answer 52

Some witnesses may 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 such as:

• DNA
• Fingerprints
• Clothes
• Fibres
• Body fluids
• Glass or other material

Question 53

State two reasons why it is important to conduct a risk assessment relating to a witness to a serious offence?

Answer 53

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.

Intelligence personnel may be tasked to contribute to the assessment and consultation should take place between the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor where any witness is subject to intimidation.

Question 54

Police responsibilities to witnesses – Witness intimidation:

Answer 54

The OC witnesses and 2IC Investigation are responsible for maintaining contact with witnesses.

By maintaining contact Police will be more likely to become aware of any threats, intimidation or interference and can arrange for appropriate action to be taken; such as initiating the witness protection program

Question 55

During the course of a criminal trial the OC witnesses must maintain control over the witnesses. What specific instructions must be given to the witnesses relating to their conduct at court?

Answer 55

Ensure that witnesses do not:

• Have any contact or communication with jurors
• Discuss the case in public areas while waiting to give evidence
• Discuss the case with witnesses waiting after they have given evidence

Question 56

Police responsibilities to witnesses – Refreshing memory:

Answer 56

At Court, request the witness refresh their memory by reading any previously signed statement(s) or interview transcript

Question 57

What must O/C suspects do when investigating alibi offered by a suspect?

Answer 57

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 of people other than the persons whose details have been supplied to confirm or rebut evidence in support of the 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 suspect should be sought from forensic or other sources that are independent of the suspect

Question 58

OC Suspect – Briefing the suspects team:

Answer 58

The first duty of the OC Suspects is to brief their suspects team members.

To enable them to do this, the OC Suspects should analyse the information available such as witness statements, police reports and information from the scene.

Their initial briefing should encompass:

• The circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available.
• The full details of all persons of interest and any suspect, where the identity of suspects are known.
• Details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses (a schedule of descriptions may be prepared to assist).
• Whether any particular modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified.

Question 59

What matters is the OC Suspects responsible for when supervising members of the suspects team?

Answer 59

1. Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest, as they are identified by the OC Investigation.
2. Thoroughly profiling and investigating all suspects and persons of interest to enable the OC Investigation to establish their involvement in the offence or eliminate them from the inquiry.
3. Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of the offence(s).
4. Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised, where appropriate.
5. Providing a basis for further investigation.

Question 60

Suspects – Determine investigation priorities:

Answer 60

Investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation with the OC Investigation.

Aspects that might influence the setting of priorities are the relative weight of evidence against a person or the likelihood of their leaving the area.

You may also be influenced by a particular urgency in solving the case or the availability of staff.

Question 61

Suspects – Provide briefings/debriefings:

Answer 61

The OC Suspects phase must regularly debrief their team members on the enquiries they have conducted and the results of these enquiries so that they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences, between the members of the suspects team and other investigation staff.

Priority information must be brought to the attention of the OC Investigation as necessary.

Question 62

Suspects – Medical examination:

Answer 62

The OC Suspects will arrange, in consultation with the OC Investigation, for a Police doctor to examine the suspect. The doctor must:

• Note any injuries, such as scratches or bruises
• Take samples identified as necessary by the OC Investigation using a specialist Medical Examination Kit, including:
• blood
• saliva
• pubic and body hair, if relevant
• fingernail scrapings
• swabs of the suspect’s hands or other relevant areas
• Swab the suspect’s hands for firearms residue using a specialist Firearms Detection Kit, as soon as possible where a firearm has been involved in an offence. Such residue may persist on the hands or clothing of a suspect for up to three hours.
• 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 of injuries. Photographs of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries must be taken.

Question 63

When dealing with a suspect at the scene of a serious crime, what specific physical matters relevant to the suspect must you consider?

Answer 63

• Separate suspects from other persons at the scene.
• Consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration.
• Note the suspect’s appearance and behaviour. For example: do they appear edgy, shocked or agitated? Are their clothes ripped and/or stained?

Question 64

During any interview with the suspect the OC suspects must ensure that?

Answer 64

• Interview is conducted in accordance with investigative interviewing procedures
• It is monitored by a supervisor or experienced detective
• Ensure explanation is sought from suspect regarding any exhibits

Question 65

Who is responsible for investigating alibis put forward by offender?

Answer 65

Whenever an alibi is put forward by an offender, concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced, it is the responsibility of the OC suspects to make thorough enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi and to fully report the result of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, via the 2IC.

Question 66

File management – Setting up the investigation headquarters:

Answer 66

The File Manager, where there is no logistics officer appointed, must liaise closely with the 2IC to establish the requirements for the Investigation Headquarters, including:

• Location
• Transport
• Equipment
• Communications

Question 67

Explain the communication flow for the file manager:

Answer 67

The file manager has an important role to play in establishing and maintaining the flow of communication throughout the investigation, both verbal and documentary.

A critical aspect is ensuring the constant flow of correspondence between the 2IC and the investigation team.

Question 68

Role of the Disclosure Manager – Initial actions:

Answer 68

On appointment to the role, the Disclosure Manager must:

• Read the Disclosure Managers desk file
• Access the current Serious Crime Template downloaded to the local district shared drive, for use during the investigation
• Report to the 2IC to receive a briefing, tasking, establishing what information is and is not discoverable, and ongoing supervision

Question 69

List three of the key responsibilities of the disclosure manager?

Answer 69

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 review to ensure that ongoing lawful justification to withhold exists for each document that is withheld.
• Manage disclosure timeframes within the provisions of the Act, or as otherwise directed by the Courts.
• Retain and file all correspondence with defence counsel, both incoming and outgoing in the 50000 series document 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 the location of that file - e.g. File Path Name.

Question 70

Obligations when counsel is reassigned:

Answer 70

Police have an obligation where the legal representative of a defendant is reassigned, to ensure that the replacement counsel is provided with all materials previously disclosed.

This may be achieved by obtaining confirmation in writing from the replacement counsel that they have received all material previously disclosed from the outgoing counsel, or by providing them with a fresh copy.

Question 71

Exhibit management – Appointment:

Answer 71

In homicide and other serious crime investigations, the person appointed to the role of OC Exhibits should be suitably qualified in terms of training and relevant experience.

In a homicide investigation it is recommended that the OC Exhibits is a qualified Detective, preferably with previous 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 standardised documentation as contained in the Serious Crime Template.

Question 72

In small investigations the OC exhibits in conjunction with the OC investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit. What is the purpose of this procedure?

Answer 72

To establish the:

• Evidential value of each exhibit
• Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
• Further enquiries that are needed

Question 73

OC exhibits responsibilities:

Answer 73

The OC Exhibits is responsible for establishing required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits and ensuring these processes are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the OC Investigation and the Serious Crime Template

Question 74

You have been appointed OC Exhibits. What instructions regarding the handover of exhibits to the OC exhibits must you give to all staff who are locating and handling exhibits?

Answer 74

The OC Exhibits must communicate required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling of the exhibits to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.

Question 75

Chain of custody

Answer 75

The chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of an exhibit from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity, and therefore admissibility, of exhibits.

Question 76

Exhibits register:

Answer 76

To protect the integrity of the electronic Exhibits Register, only the OC Exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it, although every member of the investigation should be able to view it.

Question 77

Prior to a criminal trial relating to a serious offence, who makes the decision as to what exhibits are to be prepared and produced at trial?

Answer 77

The OC Investigation (in conjunction with the OC Exhibits and other relevant investigation team members)

Question 78

What photographs must be taken at the mortuary?

Answer 78

In addition to photographs at the scene, the O/C body must ensure the photographer at the mortuary takes sufficient appropriate photographs of:

• 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 dimension of the feature.

Question 79

O/C exhibits has a responsibility to maintain awareness of the significance of each exhibit. What matters regarding each exhibit must O/C exhibits determine?

Answer 79

• Evidential value of each exhibit
• Investigative opportunities of each exhibit
• Further enquiries that are needed

Question 80

What is the purpose of an area canvass?

Answer 80

Area canvass presents a high likelihood of identifying or contacting the offender, an associate of the offender, significant witnesses, identifying evidence or exhibits and establishing significant facts.

The offender had to move into and out of the area around the scene in order to access the scene itself and it is not uncommon for the offender to reside within the canvass area. A canvass can therefore identify witnesses to the movements of the offender before and after the offence occurred, as well as witnesses to the actual offence.

Question 81

How can an ILO provide assistance in an investigation?

Answer 81

In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victim, an Iwi liaison officer must be engaged as early as possible. This will support an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions, protocol and beliefs and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Maori community.

Question 82

How can Criminal Profiling unit or criminal or geographic profilers assist with area canvass phase?

Answer 82

Assist by setting parameters or identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or reside.

Question 83

What topics are covered during forensic strategy meeting?

Answer 83

• What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits
• The priority each examination should receive
• Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction
• A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction
• An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation

Question 84

Define the term family?

Answer 84

• includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have a direct and close relationship with the victim
• includes “chosen” family
• should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle

Question 85

What should be considered when deciding who to appoint to interview a witness?

Answer 85

+ The level of training of the interviewer:
-Interviews of adult witnesses who are considered investigatively important should be conducted by an accredited level 3 specialist adult interviewer, or an accredited level 2 interviewer if no level 3 available.
- interviews of witnesses in serious and complex crime investigations other than those considered investigatively important, should be conducted by an accredited level 2 advanced interviewer.
- a forensic child interviewer should be used for any child or any person suffering from an intellectual impairment.
+ the experience the officer has in interviewing witnesses in major investigations and any additional skills they have that may be advantageous in the circumstances
+ the suitability of the officer to undertake the interview. This should include a consideration of any welfare issues and whether any previous experience that officer has with the witness is likely to inhibit or encourage rapport with interviewee or give rise to later challenges of coaching, prompting or offering inducements.

Question 86

How to avoid cross contamination when dealing with multiple suspects

Answer 86

Where more than one suspect is involved, an appreciation must be made regarding which staff are assigned to seize clothing from suspects.
It is vitally important officers involved are aware of cross contamination issues and where possible, separate officers should be assigned to each suspect.
Suspects must be kept apart including during travel in vehicles and when in cells.
All clothing should be packaged, labelled and sealed in accordance with standard operating procedures before transfer to O/C exhibits.

Question 87

Preliminary interviews with witnesses?

Answer 87

On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt, preliminary interview with a witness who possesses information or material that is likely to rapidly progress the investigation, ie information that may lead to:

• early identification or arrest of a suspect
• recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence
• prevention of imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
• prevention of the commission of another offence

Question 88

What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene?

Answer 88

Consider what risks may exist

Question 89

Why should officers who have first contact with complainant/informant take detailed notes?

Answer 89

Officers should take detailed notes of what complainant says, their demeanour and clothing etc, as these notes may become critical, particularly if complainant/informant is later identified as a suspect.

Question 90

What activities should Police arriving at serious crime take to preserve the scene?

Answer 90

• Consider best path into the scene
• Record any movements/action 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. For example, rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain

Question 91

Communication flow - file managers daily responsibilties

Answer 91

File manager must assist 2IC to prepare daily bulletins/sitreps, Police and special notices, organisation charts and daily rosters and ensuring these are well displayed within the investigation headquarters.

Must also keep abreast of developments in all phases of the investigation, to enable them to brief members of the investigation team from a particular phase on the progress thats been made in other phases.

Question 92

What material should disclosure manager provide to the Crown solicitor?

Answer 92

The Crown should be provided with an identical copy of all material that is disclosed to defence counsel, The Crown should also review an un-edited copy of the material, where appropriate. This material should remain under the control of the file manager while it is being reviewed.