Serious Crime Investigation Flashcards
Primary function of initially attending officers
- To attend the scene at the early stage
- To take control of the situation
- To coordinate the tasks
The incidents that are not initially identified as homicide may include…
- Missing person
- Sudden unexplained death of an infant
- Unexplained death
- Abduction
- Violent incidents where the fatalities are not anticipated
- Crime where a body is not present
- Hit and Run incidents
- Suicides
- Fatal fires
- Drug related deaths
Two key tasks of any investigation are
- To gather and preserve evidence
2. Documentation
Four types of conference
- Initial conference
- Regular conference
- Debriefing conference
- Phase team conference
Benefits of making an appreciation
Appreciation:
- Informs police what they are expected to achieve
- Increases chances of success
- Manages risks
- Reduces uncertainty
- Eliminates duplication
- Establishes sequences of activities required
- Ensures nothing is overlooked
- Ensures effective use of resources
Four basic steps of an appreciation
- Aim
A short statement identifying a single objective.
Must be clear and accurate. - Factors
Circumstances that may affect a manner in which you will achieve the desired outcome.
Ask ‘So what?’ followed by ‘Therefore…’ - Courses Open
Possible ways to achieve the aim.
Consider advantages / disadvantages / risks. - Plan
Proposed course of action to achieve the aim.
Must be clear, logical, recorded and delivered in GSMEAC format.
Purpose of the Police attending sudden death incident
Regardless of the circumstances of a death, the Police is to investigate and gather evidence thoroughly to satisfactorily explained the circumstances of that death.
Physical conditions of a victim
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
For the statement of dying victim to be admissible as hearsay evidence (s.18(1)(a) Evidence Act 2006), the court must be satisfied that…
Five factors demonstrating reliability…
The content of the statement and the person who made it are reliable.
Police must record any factors demonstrating reliability.
The factors may include:
1. The nature of the statement
2. The content of the statement
3. The circumstances relating to the making of the statement
4. The circumstances relating to the veracity of the person
5. The circumstances relating to the accuracy of observation of the person
General investigation model
The general investigation model VAWSEIPO should be applied in all cases.
V. Victim
Identification and location of the victim
A. Appreciation
Make an initial appreciating and risk assessment to self / others
W. Witness
Locating and containing of the witnesses
S. Scene
Preserve the scene / Establish boundaries
E. Evidence
Note and preserve exhibits
I. Ingredients
Consider whether the ingredients of an alleged offence have been established
P. Powers
Establish what powers are available and consider its execution
O. Offender
Identification and apprehension of the offender
Initial Action - Victim shows no signs of life
- If there is the slightest possibility that the victim is still alive, commence first aid and call ambulance
- Do not move the victim any more than necessary to establish if they are still alive
- If the victim needs to be moved, record the original position by photo/video/sketch and description
Follow those steps:
- Consider First Aid and resuscitation / Record original position and movements
- Remain with the body until relieved by CIB or NCO
- Obtain life extinct certificate
- Treat the body as a scene - do not move
- Instruct medical staff to leave the clothes on
- Instruct medical staff to leave tubes/needles/bandages/etc in situ
- Scope interview of medical staff about their actions/injuries/cause of death
- Record all exhibits
- Sketch/Plan positions of the body and exhibits
- Record description of the body/lividity/clothes/injuries
- Record everything observed objectively (smell/sound/sight)
- Establish if the victim has spoken to anyone be over the death and what was said
- Early SITREP to OC investigation
Common Approach Path (CAP)
Control all movements to and from the scene using a path which avoids the use any routes to and from the scene possibly taken by the victim or offender
Scene Guard - Purpose of the scene guard and crime scene log
- Prevent unauthorised entry into the scene
- Integrity of evidence or possible evidence is secured
- Intelligence opportunity is maximised
- Contamination issues are managed
Scene Guard - is to record the following details
- Time of entry to / exit from the scene
- Name and designation
- Authority to enter the scene
- Purpose of the visit the scene
Scene Guard - Duties
- Secure the scene
Deny entry to anyone unless they are expressly authorised to enter by OC / CSC / OC scene - Record details
Maintain the Crime Scene Log / Record details of those who authorised to enter - Control movements
Direct those who authorised to enter to CAP and supervise its use - Record movements
Record in the Log any movements and details of any vehicles to/from/near the scene - Brief others
Communicate relevant information to OC / CSC / OC Scene - Avoid disturbance
Do not enter / contaminate / interfere with the scene - Protect the scene
Be vigilant to such activities as animals at the scene - Remain on duty
Remain on duty until relieved - Brief replacement
Brief the oncoming scene guard and hand on the Crime Scene Log - Respect security
Do not discuss the matter with witnesses / bystanders / media - Demonstrate courtesy
Use courtesy with civilians / crowd - Inform others
Report the actions taken to OC / CSC / OC Scene
Media at the scene
- Keep the media away from the immediate scene
- Do not make any comments about the incident
- Inform OC Investigation
IA officer is to brief the OC Investigation and to report the following
- What has occurred
- What actions have been taken
- What has not been done
- What needs to be done
Who should be appointed OC Body
An experienced officer with awareness of forensic issues
OC Body - Responsibilities
- Ensure the death is certified by a doctor/paramedic using POL265
- Maintain security/continuity of the body/samples/exhibits from the scene to PM
- Secure/guard the body/samples/exhibits with dignity and respect
- Note/Record observation
- Note/Record details of medical staff who attended the victim
- Note/Record any actions taken by anyone in respect of the body
- Establish if the body has been moved/disturbed
- Photo/Video the body in situ
- Arrange for the body to be transported from the scene to a mortary (with authority of OC)
- Compete 1S procedures
- Arrange for the formal identification of the body using POL265A (with authority of OC)
- Obtain medical records of the victim
- Attend PM with OC
- Attend briefing of pathologist with OC
- Ensures a photographer takes sufficient number of photographs of the body before the clothes is removed/disrupted/during PM
- Preserve exhibits from the body
- Record/Label/Secure the samples/exhibits from the body
- Ensure F/P and palm prints are taken
- Attend debriefing with pathologist and record findings
- Ensure the cultural responsibilities are addressed
Four basic IA principles in relation to a scene
- Freeze
- Control
- Guard
- Preserve
Primary purpose of PM..
Pathologist findings may include…
The primary purpose of PM is to establish a cause of death.
The pathologist findings may include:
- Time/Mode of a death
- How injuries contributed towards the death
- Nature/Size of the weapon used
- Approximate height/stature of the suspect
- Areas of interest for witness/suspect interviews
- Negating possible defence
- Identification of the victim (if hasn’t been established)
Body - Unless there is an emergency, the body is not to be moved without…
Authority from OC investigation
Body - Establishing if the body has been moved
Do’s and Don’t’s
Establish if the body has been moved/disturbed, and if so:
- Do not attempt to restore the scene
- Establish the original/unchanged scene for further photo/reconstruction
Body - Preparing body for removal
- Photo/Video/Sketch/Plan position of the body
- Marking/Recording position of the body (measuring distance)
- Record detailed position of the body:
- position of the limbs
- appearance of the body
- wounds / clothing
- trails of blood
- lividity
- rigor mortis presence - Safety first (consider safety issues)
- Cover hands/feet/head in the paper bags secured with a tape to prevent loss of trace evidence (if wet use plastic bags)
- Ensure the clothing on the body is not contaminated
- Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a bag
- Search underneath of the body
- Exhibit sheets/bags used for transport the body
- Obtain approval from OC to remove the body
- Arrange for undertaker to take the body to a mortary (ensure the body bag is sterile)
OC Body - Making notes in relation to PM
OC Body is not to make any notes in relation to PM unless specifically directed to do so by OC Investigation
OC Body - Primary role during PM
- To observe and document
2. To deal with the exhibits associated with the body in a structured and methodical manner
OC Body - Stripping the body
Stripping the body is to be done before PM but only under direction of OC Investigation.
- The body is to be stripped in front of the pathologist
- Remove the body from the fridge and take it to PM (assist mortary staff)
- Remove the body from they body bag causing minimum disturbance
- Exhibit the wrapping and body bag used to transport the body
- Photos of the body before / after stripping
- Remove the clothes from the body:
- avoid cutting
- if unavoidable, cut in the places where the evidence is less likely to be
- search the clothing - Inventory clothing and possessions
- Label each item
- Seal each item in a different bag
- Avoid cross-contamination of exhibits
- Maintain security and continuity of the body / possessions until PM
- Collect trace evidence using a fine sieve in the table drain
OC Body - The photographer is to be instructed to take the photos of…
- The body before stripping
- The body after stripping
- Close ups of any wounds / marks / internal injuries / unusual features (using a measuring scale)
Seven alternative methods of the victim identification
- Fingerprints
- DNA profiling
- Dental records
- Eye examination record
- Medical examination records
- Facial reconstruction
- Personal effect
OC Body - After PM all exhibits are to be handed to OC Exhibit along with…
- PM exhibit schedule
- Notebook entries (OC Body)
- FWS
OC Body - Sudden Death File
- Report for a Coroner (POL47 / POL47A for under 2 years)
- Copy of Deceased Person Certificate (POL265)
- Copy of Deceased Person Identification (POL265A)
- Statement relating to the formal identification of the victim
FLO - Primary Role
Family Liaising Officer is an investigator, not a support person
FLO - Plan should be recorded to consider…
- Selection of FLO (including criteria for selection)
- Exit plan for FLO
- Objectives of FLO
- Most appropriate method of interviews with the family members
(Including special consideration) - Information to be released / withheld from the family
- Family requests which have not been agreed to and the reason for it
- Complaints made by the family and OC’s actions to resolve the issues
- Family member considered to be a suspect
(OC I’d to determine if that is the case) - Liaising with the Victim Support and other support agencies
FLO - Family
- Includes parents / partners / siblings / children / guardians / whanau and anyone else who had a direct contact with the victim
- Includes ‘chosen’ family
- Should include victim’s culture and lifestyle
FLO - Importance of identification of cultural origins of the family
Helps to enhance the relations with the family and contribute to the victim’s profile
FLO - Responsibilities
- Profile the victim
- Prepare the family tree
- Gather all relevant information from the family
FLO - Who else can take VIS from the family members
Homicide trained victim support volunteer
Area Canvas - Objectives
- Identification of the offender
- Identification / location of evidence
- Identification of the witnesses
- Gathering information
Area Canvas - Benefits
- Sighting of the victim / offender before or after the event
- Sighting of the relevant property / vehicles
- Sighting of the potential witnesses
- Opportunity to early arrest through early ID of the suspect
- Obtaining key info to drive the investigation / develop lines of enquiries
- Promoting awareness of a significant occurrence
- Eliminating of unidentified persons / vehicles reported by other witnesses
- Obtaining accurate report of local communities
Area Canvas - Criminal Profiling Unit may assist with…
Setting parameters or identification of the locations whether the suspect is likely to be frequent / reside
Area Canvas - Information regarding notebooks on the briefings
Evidence of possible probation values is to be recorded in FWS (rather than notebooks)
Area Canvas - OC Area Canvas is to ensure the staff morale remains high by…
- Providing regular feedback on how enquiries contribute the progress of the investigation
- Providing updates on other enquiries
- Visiting regularly during the area canvas
Area Canvas - OC Area Canvas is to update master record with the following information
- Addresses visited
- Occupants interviewed
- Any relevant comments made
- Documentation completed
Area Canvas - At the completion of area canvas, the OC Area Canvas is to submit a report to OC Investigation outlining…
- Summary of all actions taken
- Any significant findings
- Any actions undertaken outside the original phase strategy
FLO - FLO is to determine the interview requirements for the witness / friends considering
- Whether the witness requires special consideration
(Due to personal characteristics or nature of the offence) - Availability of the witness
- Any needs the witness has for special assistance
- The optimum approach to be taken with the witness
Witness - By maintaining the contact with the witness, the Police is more likely to become aware of…
Threats / Intimidation / Interferences
Witness - How can witness refresh their memories before Court
- Reading previously signed statement
2. Reading DVD interview transcript
Witness - Situation where the witness can enter the National Witness Protection Programme
Situation where a serious threat to life is understood to exist
Witness - How can anonymity of the witness be obtained?
By an application or order from the Judge
Witness - Preserving / Recovering evidence from the witness
- Before an interview, preserve/recover all available physical evidence from the witness (fibre, fluid, etc)
- Consider forensic examination of the witness (fingernails scrap, hair comb)
To preserve/recover physical evidence from the witness, consider:
- DNA swabs - areas where the witness was touched by the offender
- DNA swabs - any blood on the witness
- DNA swabs - any other relevant areas on the witness
- Forensic medical examination (fingernail scraps, hair comb, etc)
- Seizure of clothes / footwear
- Seizure of any other items touched by the offender
- Avoid cross contamination (use different vehicles / interview rooms)
- Photo of the witness at the scene
Witness - Initial Questioning of the witness
(Brief Scope Interview)
- What happened
- Where 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
- Description of those people
- What others did / said
Witness - Obtaining key material of the witness at the scene
Initial Action
- Obtain full details of people at the scene
- Assemble people in a clear area accompanied by the police
- Isolate the witnesses from each other (to avoid contamination)
- Brief interview of the witnesses
- Establish if anyone has left the area
- If witness made a phone call, establish the number and who answered
- Record registration numbers of any vehicles in the vicinity (nearby)
- Seize CCTV footage in the vicinity
OC Suspect - Responsibilities
- Obtaining info about suspect / POI as they are identified by OC investigation
- Thoroughly profiling / investigation any suspect / POI to enable OC investigation to establish their involvement in an offence or to eliminate them from enquiries
- Seeking evidence to cover the ingredients of the offence
- Mitigating and dealing with possible defences that may be raised
- Providing a basis for further investigation
OC Suspect - Categories of managing the suspect
- Identification and profiling
- Arrest and termination
- Interviewing
OC Suspect - Initial Brief of the suspect team
- Circumstances of the offence / scene analysis / witness evidence
- Full details of any suspect / POI
- Description of the suspect provided by the witness
- Whether modus operandi / criminal signature has been identified
OC Suspect - Factors that may influence setting of investigation priorities
- Weight of evidence against a person
- Likelihood of the person to leave the area
- A particular urgency in solving the case
- Availability of staff
OC Suspect - 12 sources which may contain info about the suspect
- Bank records
- CCTV / Other images
- Personal computer information
- Telco info
- Voice report system
- Subscriber / Customer info
- Access / Door security system
- Tachographs
- Vehicle GPS
- Toll records
- Cell phones
- Internet websites
OC Suspect - Six factors indicating that e suspect requires special considerations
- Linguistic
- Cultural
- Religious
- Medical conditions
- Impairment
- Disability
OC Suspect - Avoiding cross-contamination when dealing with the suspects
- Make an appreciation - which staff is to seize the clothing
- Assign separate officer to each suspect
- Keep the suspects apart (including transport and custody)
- Clothing is to be packaged/labelled/sealed in accordance with the standard operational procedures
File Manager - Who appoints the File Manager / Who the File Manager reports to
2IC
File Manager - Primary role of FM
An investigator
File Manager - Main Functions
- Assist with establishing/maintaining the investigation headquarters
- Operate the paperwork flow in accordance with the Serious Crime Document Management System outlined in the Serious Crime Template
- Manage the electronic and physical files relating to the investigation
- Support 2IC by reading the docs / highlighting important info to the 2IC
- Assist 2IC with identification/recording of evidential material
- Complete synopsis for all docs received (excluding covert police activities)
- Ensure flow of info throughout of investigation
- Assist with the Prosecution File preparation
- Assist with the Trial management
File Manager - Who decides how the file is to be managed
2IC
File Manager - Six factors to consider in establishing the investigation headquarters
- Location
- Office support
- Transport
- Equipment
- Communication
- ICT requirements
File Manager - FM provides link between
2IC and the investigators
File Manager - Who generates and issues the directives
2IC
File Manager - Purpose of reviewing file by FM
- Establish if any enquiries are still outstanding
- Conduct assessment of enquiries currently underway to establish if they are still relevant
- Review sub-investigation and critical phases of the investigation
- Prepare for any external reviews that may occur
Disclosure Manager - IA upon an appointment
- Read the Disclosure Management desk file
- Access the Serious Crime Template to use during the investigation
- Report to 2IC to receive a briefing / tasking / establishing what information is and is not discoverable and ongoing supervision
Disclosure Manager - 8 key responsibilities
- Ensure that relevant and discoverable material is disclosed to the defence
- Ensure that relevant non-discoverable material is identified / listed and the defence is advised
- Risk assessment to ensure that non-discoverable material is not disclosed
- Ensure that lawful justification exist to withhold the material
- Completing and maintaining the Disclosure Index
- Manage the disclosure timeframes
- Retain the correspondence with the defence in 50,000 series category
- NIA updates on the facts of disclosure / record of / delivery
Disclosure Manager - s.10(4) Criminal Disclosure Act 2008
Disclosure may be supplied in whatever form, including electronically, that the person disclosing the information holds it in at the time of the request, provided this will be readily accessible to the defendant.
Consideration must be given as to whether the defendant has ready access to a computer, particularly if remanded in a prison.
Disclosure Manager - What is to be provided to the Crown
An identical copy of all material disclosed to the defence AND unedited material copy of the material if appropriate.
Disclosure Manager - Who is ultimately responsible for making decisions in relation to the disclosure?
2IC
OC Exhibit - Definition of ‘exhibit’
Any item which comes into the possession of the Police during the course of investigation, whether or not it is eventually tendered in formal evidence.
OC Exhibit reports to…
2IC
OC Exhibit - Appreciation / Interrogating an exhibit (OC Exhibit is to establish…)
- Evidential value of each exhibit
- Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
- Further enquiries required
OC Exhibit - Updating OC / 2IC
- What exhibits have been found and their movements
- Result of any exhibit examination
- Any further enquiries required
OC Exhibit - The standards must be met to receive an exhibit…
- Exhibit label contains the exhibit number and Ops Name
- Exhibit is correctly packaged and sealed, exhibit label is visible and secured outside of the exhibit package
- Actions to preserve an exhibit have been taken
OC Exhibits - Purpose of Forensic Strategy Meeting
To determine which exhibit or other forensic examination is required and the priority of those examinations
OC Exhibits - 5 Topics that may be covered during the Forensic Strategy Meeting
- What examinations ESR (or others) could conduct on the exhibits
- Priority of each examination
- Any further work required to assist with reconstruction
- Plan of any further work required to assist with reconstruction
- An agreed reconstruction of events relevant to the crime under investigation
OC Exhibits - Chain of Custody (OC Exhibit must be able to demonstrate)
- When received the custody of an exhibit and from whom
- Where and how the exhibit was security stored
- When / Why / How the exhibit was moved from one place to another
- How exhibit was treated / safeguarded / preserved
- When / Why he custody of the exhibit was transferred from one person to another
OC Exhibits - Protection of integrity of the Electronic Exhibit Register
Only OC Exhibits and a typist have a password access to the Electronic Exhibit Register
OC Exhibits - The manner the exhibits re to be prepared for the production in the court
- Clearly demonstrating evidential value of the exhibit
2. Avoiding any risks of injury / disease / accident / contamination / damage
Purpose of the Team Conference in investigation of a major crime
- Keep the members up to date with the investigation development
- Opportunity for the members to exchange views / information
- Opportunity for the 2IC to instruct staff on the file management and other admin matters
- Opportunity for the 2IC to brief the team on important investigative topics / priorities / lines of enquiry to follow
OC Body - Police staff to attend PM
- OC Investigation
- OC Body
- Designated PM exhibit officer (if required)
- Police Photographer
- SOCO / Fingerprints technician
Area Canvas - 4 Factors to consider in risk assessment
- Violent offender
- Suspect is wanted by the Police for other crimes / warrant
- Group with a particular linguistic / cultural needs
- Local incidents / issues the residents may rise with the Police
Area Canvas - 7 resources / tools available to OC Area Canvas
- Street map
- Aerial photos
- Geological information
- Local council records
- Open source Internet applications
- Police Intel system
- Public libraries
Area Canvas - 4 alternative approaches available to OC Area Canvas
- Media
- Poster campaign
- Mail drop
- High profile Police presence using a caravan
Actions to be taken with an officer who had an initial contact with an informant
An officer who had an initial contact with an informant is to be debriefed with the full record of their account.
This might be crucial in case the informant becomes a suspect.
Witness - 7 Types of evidence that may be recovered from a witness
- DNA
- Fingerprints
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Fibres
- Body fluids
- Glass
Witness - Purpose of the risk assessment of the witness interview
To establish an extend to which the witness might be at risk of intimidation / physical harm.
Witness - When particulars of the alibi witness are notified concerning a matter in respect of which the proceedings have been commenced, the investigator may do the following…
- Make enquiries to determine the veracity of alibi
- Conduct enquiries on the alibi witnesses as directed by OC Investigation / Crown (including NIA checks)
- Forward the results of those enquiries to the Crown (including the statements)
OC Suspect - Arrest Strategy
- An investigator is to be appointed to each suspect.
Early appointed allows time for preparation - Decision to prosecute / charges / prosecution process follows the Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Guidelines
- Position of the Police on bail
- Authority to engage the Crown obtained from PPS
- Family of the deceased is updated via FLO
- Prompt preparation of the Prosecution File
- Disclosure Manager / File Manager comply with the Disclosure Act 2008
OC Exhibits - Responsibilities in relation to examination of the exhibits
- Ensure the exhibits are examined as per the Forensic Strategy Meeting
- Maintain awareness of a significance of each exhibit and what examination may be available
- Determine / Plan / Record he examination and interrogation of each exhibit to establish its relevance to the investigation
Witness - Instructions to the witness before the court
- Do not contact / communicate with the jurors
- Do not discuss the case in a public area while waiting to give evidence
- Do not discuss the case after they have given their evidence
OC Body - Information from the Pathologist in relation to the skeletal remains
- Whether the remains are actually bones
- Whether the bones are human
- Age / Gender / Height / Race of the person
OC Body - Equipment for PM (15 items)
- MEK
- Toxicology kit
- Firearm residue kit (if appropriate)
- Body labels
- Pre-printed exhibit labels
- Exhibit packaging supplies (labels / envelops / tapes / etc)
- Scene Exhibit Schedule
- Range of available exhibit numbers (obtained from OC Exhibits)
- Notebook / Pens for PM
- Brown paper
- Protective clothing
- Photo of the scene showing the body in situ
- POL47
- POL265
- POL265A
OC Exhibits - Responsibilities before a Trial
- Transport the exhibits to / from the court
- Exhibit security in the court
- Production of the exhibits as directed by the Prosecutor
Initial Action - Info to be obtained from an informant prior to attendance (11 points)
- Full details of the informant
- Demeanour of the informant
- Relationship to the victim / suspect
- ID suspect
- ID victim
- Details of any other persons present
- Precise location of a scene
- Any hazards for the Police at the scene
- What info is known
- Details of any action taken by the informant
- Circumstances leading to the discovery
Initial Action - An informant may be asked (in case of delay)
- Return / Guard the scene
- Do not enter an obvious scene boundaries
- Do not touch / move anything
- Prevent others from entering / touching
- ID themselves to the attending Police
Initial Action - Victim alive but injured
- Call ambulance / Consider resuscitation
- Record the original position / movements
- Obtain details of ambulance staff / destination
- Accompany the victim to the hospital
Initial Action - Victim at the hospital (11 points)
- Obtain medical opinion on current medical conditions
- Seize the clothing / possessions
- ID victim
- Obtain blood sample using a toxicology kit
- Seize the bandages used to cover gunshots / record their position
- Obtain firearm residue samples
- Photo injuries
- DNA from victim’s skin (relevant areas)
- Details of the visitors
- Prelim interview of the victim
- Prelim interview of the ambulance staff
Initial Action - Scene (Identify (8) / Secure (7) / Preserve (5) / Consider (1) / Record (5))
Identify the Scene
- Initial assessment of the scene
- Consider powers under S&S
- Establish CAP
- Establish headquarter and SFP
- Identify other relevant scenes
- Note / Record observations
- Who is present / what’s happening
- Early SITREP to Comms
Secure the Scene
- Consider securing the scene (s.116 S&S)
- Remove people causing minimum disturbance
- Cordon scene using tape
- Brief Scene Guards
- Establish Crime Scene Log
- Prevent unauthorised entry / leaving
- Prevent damage / loss of evidence
Preserve the Scene
- Establish the best path to the scene
- Record actions / movements
- Preserve evidence / leave in situ / do not touch
- Preserve evidence that may be lost
- Stepping plates
Consider
1. Photo of the scene / people present
Record
- Photo / Video of the scene
- Sketch
- Crime Scene Log to secure integrity
- Original position of the items moved
- Early SITREP to OC
Initial Action - Suspect at the scene (12 points)
- Separate the suspect from others
- Record conditions (injuries / drug / alcohol / 1M)
- Remove from the scene / ask to co-operate
- If refuses - consider arrest
- Ensure BOR / Caution
- Search the suspect / belongings / vehicle
- Search the routes taken to / from the scene
- Avoid cross contamination
- Record appearance / behaviour
- Record anything they say / prelim interview
- DVD interview
- Early SITREP to OC
OC Body - OC Investigation responsibilities prior to PM
- Notify the Coroner
- Arrange PM
- Brief / Consult with a Pathologist about X-Ray / CT scans
OC Body - Appreciation prior to body removal (10 points)
- Notification / Response from the Coroner
- Opinion of pathologist / ESR / Crown
- Opinion of other experts
- Examination required prior to removal
- Best method / route to remove the body
- Supervision of removal
- Chain of custody from a scene to a mortary
- Custody of exhibits
- Cultural responsibilities
- Safety - Protective clothing
OC Body - 5 Samples at the scene
- Insects
- Fingerprints
- DNA
- Fibre / Hair / Glass
- Firearm residue
OC Body - Appreciation prior PM (9 points)
- Authority from the Coroner
- ID victim
- Briefing / Consultation with the pathologist
- Custody of exhibits
- Who is to attend PM
- Special requirements for PM
- Additional resources (photographer / designated exhibit officer)
- Cultural responsibilities
- Likelihood of additional PM
OC Body - Who may attend PM (non-Police) (9 points)
- Coroner
- Pathologist
- Pathologist’s assistant
- Doctor who treated a victim
- Doctor representing the victim (Coroner’s authority)
- Doctor representing the suspect
- Any other doctor (Coroner’s authority)
- Police
- Anyone else authorised by the Coroner
OC Body - On arrival at the mortary (5 points)
- Ensure the mortary staff do not wash the body
- Ensure the body is labelled and secured in a fridge
- Ensure the body remains in its present condition
- Retain the key from the fridge
- Arrange for formal ID of the victim (OC’s authority)
OC Body - Pathologist is to cover the following… (3 points)
- Description of the body (weight / height / build / eye colour / etc)
- Appearance of the body (external)
- Any special kits used to collect the samples (toxicology kit / etc)
OC Body - Secondary PM may be directed by the Coroner if…
- Pathologist is unable to establish a cause of death
- Suspect’s lawyer requests an independent PM
- Under an Order from Solicitor-General
FLO - Prior to being stood down, FLO is to ensure…
- Victim support is ongoing
2. OC is provided with family contacts
FLO - Post Conviction contact with the family
- The victim family has the right to be on the Victim Notification Register and to be informed of that right
- The police is to ensure the family has an opportunity to be advised of the offender prison release
FLO - Property Return (4 points)
FLO is to liaise with the OC Exhibit to return the property to the victim’s family.
FLO is to consider the following:
- Whether the family wishes the property to be returned
- In what condition they wish it to be returned
- Advise family if any delays in property return
- Ensure all tags were removed prior to returning the property
FLO - Sources of info to profile the victim - PEOPLE (11 points)
- Friends
- Colleagues
- Partner
- Associate
- Social media
- Hobbies / habits
- Travel movements
- People along the route they are known to take
- Suppliers / Customers
- Religious / Cultural leaders
- Other people they come in contact with
FLO - Sources of info to profile the victim - PASSIVE SOURCES (10 points)
- NIA
- Medical / Mental history
- HSMU
- Mobile / Landline records
- Internet usage
- Vehicle record
- Banking / Financial record
- Diary / Letters
- Family photo / video
- Immigration check
FLO - Financial Support
- $1500 Grand to the family of homicide victim
- Up to 30 hours of free counselling for the family of homicide victim
- ACC can contribute towards the cost of funeral
FLO - When the offender is arrested, FLO is to…
- Inform the family of the Victim Notification Register
- Obtain family’s view on bail and inform the court
- Inform the family of:
- charges laid / reason for charges not being laid
- release on bail and bail conditions
- applications made by the offender / the family’s view on them (eg name suppression)
OC Area Canvas - Timing of Area Canvas Phase
Initial Area Canvas is to be carried out when the Police first arrive.
Formal Area Canvas follows the Initial Area Canvas and re-visits the locations to capture the people missed during the Initial Area Canvas.
In some cases Area Canvas is to be conducted at the same time as the original offence to capture the people who regularly pass through the area.
OC Area Canvas - Identifying Time Parameters (4 points)
The time parameters are set to interview the potential witnesses.
Time set for:
1. Offence (when the offence is thought to have occurred)
2. Scene (when the offender / victim / witness were at the location)
3. Sighting (when the offender / victim / witness were seen at the location)
4. Previous residents / visitors at the scene
OC Area Canvas - Identifying Location Parameters (7 points)
Relevant locations may include:
- Scene
- where the offence occurred
- where the offender / victim / witness were present
- where vehicle / property / clothing were found - Premises witching the line of sight
- Routes taken to / from the scene
- Location where the offender may have lain in wait
- Location where the victim was last seen alive
- Location frequent by the victim
- Location identified by Intel
OC Area Canvas - Identifying the suspect / POI
When it is established that the suspect / POI is resides / works in a particular location, the Area Canvas team is to:
- Identify all people who resides / works at that location
- Obtain accounts of their movements at the relevant time
OC Area Canvas - Monitoring the Area Canvas
OC Area Canvas is to monitor the canvas in order to:
- Evaluate quality of completed work
- Identify lines of enquiries and inform 2IC
- Monitor ongoing process of Canvas
- Facilitate the detailed recording process
Key elements of Homicide (3 key elements)
- Victim
- Suspect
- Location
OC Witness - Following Communities are to be considered in locating the witnesses (5 points)
- Cultural
- Religious
- Occupational
- Sport
- Clubs
OC Witness - Enquiries to be conducted within communities to locate witnesses (4 points)
- CCTV viewing
- Media release / appeal
- Area Canvas
- Road Checks
OC Witness - Initial enquiries to locate witnesses may be conducted in the following locations (6 points)
- Location where the victim was last seen alive
- Location of initial contact with the suspect
- Location of assault
- Location of murder
- Location of body disposition
- Access / Escape routes
OC Witness - Prelim interview with the witness may assist with (4 points)
- Early ID of the offender
- Recovery evidence / info relevant to the investigation
- Prevention of destruction of evidence
- Prevention of further offending
OC Witness - Interviewing Officer (5 points)
- Must be level 2/3
- Forensic Child Interviewer for children
- Must be experienced
- Must be suitable
- Must be fully briefed before the interview
OC Witness - Interview Plan (5 points)
- Time / Location
- Interview objectives
- Info to be disclosed
- Arrangements for interview monitor
- Interview structure (whether it will be video / audio / written)
OC Witness - Interview Debrief (3 points)
- Debrief on the interviewer
- Need for an additional interview
- Risk assessment / ongoing support and safety of the witness
OC Witness - Supporting the witness (4 points)
- Explain the court procedures
- Keep informed on what to expect / when and where they are required
- Consider Victim Support
- Advise on suspect’s arrest / bail release / bail conditions
OC Suspect - Definition of the suspect
Suspect is a POI with connection to the circumstances of the offence, such as:
- motive
- means
- opportunity
OC Suspect - Briefing / Debriefing
OC Suspect is to conduct regular briefing / debriefing with the team about the enquiries conducted and their results to endure the flow of information.
OC Suspect - identifying the suspect (7 points)
- Fingerprints
- DNA
- Witness evidence
- CHIS
- Area Canvas
- Media
- Intel
OC Suspect - Suspect Description Schedule (2 points)
Upon analysis of the statements and interviews, a description schedule can be prepared and distributed to:
- Area Canvas / Search Team / Investigation Team
- Media release
OC Suspect - Suspect’s Residence Enquiries (7 points)
Where the suspect is unknown, but the residence has been identified, the following enquiries are to be conducted:
- NIA
- Local council to ID property owner
- Area reconnaissance
- Surveillance
- Photo of people / vehicles that entering / leaving the property
- Production Order on the landline
- Production Order on the electricity / gas / water to ID the owner
OC Suspect - Trace, Interview and Elimination Enquiries
TIE is a method of identification of group of people that. Any include the suspect.
TIE is created by common characteristics of the people that may include the suspect (victim’s relatives / associates / people who have an access to the scene).
Upon completion of TIE, the suspect team tracing, interviewing and eliminating people from enquiries using an elimination set criteria.
OC Suspect - Intel Categories - Info about the suspect
9 points
All available information about the suspect is to be obtained, including (but not limited to):
- Full name
- Home / work address
- Cell phone / Landline numbers
- Previous History
- Medical History
- Vehicles
- Photos
- Associates
- Firearm licence / access
OC Suspect - Preparing for the Suspect interview (9 points)
- Selection of the interviewer (level 2 / 3)
- Selection of the interview mode (unusually DVD)
- Establishing the person’s status (witness / POI / suspect)
- Establishing of the person is required special consideration
- Ensure the interviewer is fully briefed
- Ensure the interviewer is aware of the ingredients / possible defences / motive
- Ensure the interviewer is familiar with the Suspect Investigative Interviewing Procedures
- Ensure the interview plan is prepared
- Consult with other experts / legal advisers
OC Suspect - Interviewing the suspect (3 points)
- Interview is conducted in accordance with the Suspect Investigative Interviewing Procedures
- Interview is monitored by supervisor / experienced detective
- Explanations sought in relation to any exhibits found
OC Suspect - Arresting the suspect (4 points)
- Ensure the suspect is isolated from others
- Ensure BOR
- In case of juvenile, consider obligations under CYF Act 1989
- Consider search of suspect / belongings / vehicle / house (S&S or SW)
OC Suspect - Medical Examination (4 + 2 Points)
The doctor is to:
- Note injuries
- Using MEK collect samples (as directed by OC) of:
- blood
- salvia
- hair hair
- pubic / body hair
- fingernail scraps
- swab of hands - Swab of hands for firearm residue using a special kit
- Provide professional opinion on suspect’s condition
Also:
- Photo injuries
- Seek examination of the injuries
OC Suspect - Obtaining Identifying Details (4 Points)
To confirm the suspect’s identity, obtain the flowing:
- Fingerprints (plan prints / footprint) and DNA
- Photo (front / profile / full height / injuries / tattoos / etc)
- Sample of handwriting
- Record of physical description
OC Suspect - Documentation upon arrest (3 Points)
- NIA updated
- WTI expired
- Message sent to the Deputy Commissioner
OC Exhibits - Who should appointed as OC Exhibits
An experienced officer, preferably qualified detective, with previous experience of:
- Mass exhibit handling
- Method of exhibit recovery
- Forensic principles
- Managing contamination and cross contamination
- Use of the serious crime templates
OC Exhibits - Purpose
Establishing and maintaining exhibit management system and maintaining security and continuity of the exhibits.
OC Exhibits - Who may attend the Forensic Strategy Meeting (8 points)
- OC Investigation
- 2IC
- Crime Scene Coordinator / OC Scene
- OC Exhibits
- Anyone else deemed necessary by OC Investigation, including:
- pathologist
- ESR
- fingerprint technician
- SOCO
- OC Body
- other experts
OC Exhibits - Forwarding Exhibits for examination (7 points)
- Ensure examination decision confirmed at the Forensic Strategy Meeting
- Update Exhibit Register
- Ensure OC’s authority for examination
- Prepare POL143 / other paperwork
- Ensure the exhibits are properly prepared (packaged / labelled / numbered / accompanied by POL143)
- Delivery exhibits for examination
- Inform the experts if the examination is no longer required
OC Exhibits - Duties after the Trial (2 points)
- Return / Secure the exhibits in P&E
2. OC Investigation is to decide what exhibits are to be retained / disposed of
OC Exhibits - Exhibit Number Range
- must be consistent
- allows delegation
- copes with multiple scenes
- be compatible with technology
- Admin - 10000
- Victim - 15000
- Witness - 20000
- Area Canvas - 25000
- Scene - 30000
- Suspect - 70000
OC Exhibits - Scene Exhibit Officer Responsibilities
Appointed by OC Investigation / CSC / OC Scene.
Responsible for:
Custody / Security / Recovery of the exhibits in a particular scene.
(Collecting / numbering / labelling / handling / etc)
OC Exhibits - Forms to be used instead of POL268 (4 points)
- Scene Exhibit Schedule
- Exhibit Register
- Chain of Custody
- FWS
OC Exhibits - Scene Exhibit Schedule contains the following info… (8 points)
- Exhibit number
- Description
- Name of Op
- Location of the scene
- Location of exhibit (where found)
- Name of finder
- Date / time of seizure
- Signature
OC Exhibits - What is the Exhibit Register?
Electronic document.
Master record of all exhibits obtained during the investigation.
