Short answer Flashcards
The role of the family liaison officer (FLO) involves the day-to-day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the police investigation. Describe the primary function of the FLO?
The role of a family liaison officer involves the day to day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the police investigation. The primary function of the FLO is as an investigator and not a support person. However the FLO must also offer, facilitate and coordinate support that addresses the needs of the family
What is the general investigation model
VAWSEIPO V - identify and locate victims A - conduct an initial appreciation W - Locate and contain witnesses S - Preserve the scene E - note and preserve exhibits I - Consider what ingredients of the alleged offence have been established P - Consider what powers are available for use O - Locate and apprehend offenders
Describe the instructions to be given to the photographer regarding the taking of photographs of the body (OC body)
OC must ensure that photographer takes sufficient photos of:
- the body before its stripped
- the body after its stripped
- Close up photographs of any wounds, internal injuries and unusual features . These photos must include a measuring scale placed in proximity to the feature being photographed
OC suspects investigate all suspects thoroughly in order of priority as decided in consultation wit the OC. What particular matters may influence the setting of priorities
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 particular urgency in solving the case or the availability of staff. Where no lines of enquiry, information on establishing suspect identity must be acted on immediately
OC exhibits must maintain an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be available. What other matters regarding exhibits must he OC determine ?
OC exhibits must ensure all exhibits are fully examined in accordance with forensic strategy meeting decisions. The OC exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation
When a witness in court, what material may a witness use to refresh their memory prior to giving evidence ?
At court request the witnesses can refresh their memory by reading previously signed statement or interview transcripts
What are the purposes of a methodically conducted area canvas ?
The offender had to move in and out of the area around the scene in order to access the scene itself and its not uncommon for them to reside within the canvas area. Therefore a canvas can identify witnesses to the movements of the offender and after the offence as well as witness. Canvas can establish links between the scene, offender, victims and witnesses and identify evidence exhibits and establishing significant facts
The file manager must assist the 2IC on a daily basis to carry out a number of duties
Where there is no logistics officer appointed he must help 2IC to establish requirements for headquarters including
- location
- office support staff
- transport
- equipment
- communications
- ict requirements
What information should the disclosure manager provide to the crown solicitor regarding disclosure ?
The crown should be provided with an identical copy of all material that is disclosed to defense counsel. The crown should also review an unedited copy of the material where appropriate. This should remain under control of the file manager
The exhibits register may take the form of an electronic document which forms the master record of every exhibit. What actions can be taken to preserve the integrity of the exhibits register?
To protect the integrity of the electronics register only the OC exhibit and typist should have password access to make alterations although every member should be able to view it.
what is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime scene
The initial police responders must assess the situation quickly yet carefully and decide what the most important things to do are and in what order. Their primary functions are
- attending the scene
- take control of the situation
- coordinating tasks
Describe the role of OC body during a post mortem
The primary role of OC body during a post mortem is to observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body in a structured and methodical manner
What action must Police staff at the scene of a serious crime take if media are present
Keep the media away from the immediate scene cordon and make no comment about the incident. Consult with the OC and inform them and identify media and where they are located
State why it is important Police who have first contact with the informant should debrief regarding the contact
Police should make a full record of that contact. It could become crucial if the informant is later identified as a suspect. In some circumstances, consideration should be given to interviewing such officers as investigative important witnesses
What responsibilities does the OC suspects have when an alibi is put forward by an offender concerning a matter in respect of which proceedings have been commenced
It is the OC suspects responsibility to make thorough enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi and fully report the results to the crown solicitor and 2IC. Make enquiries
- to establish where the suspect was at the time of the offence and what they were doing
- make enquiries of people who support hat alibi as evidence
- corroboration of the alibi should be sought form forensic and other sources independent of the suspect
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. What are the types of info that could be obtained in an early prelim interview
- early identification of the suspect
- recovery of evidence or information
- prevention of imminent disposal or destruction of evidence
prevention of the commission of other offences
In the case of homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victims and Iwi liaison officer must be engaged asap. in what ways can the ILO provide assistance
This will enhance relations with the family and awareness of Maori culture, protocol and beliefs. The traditions and values of the Maori should be respected wherever possible within the confines of the investigation
You are the first at the scene of a homicide and you are advised that the suspect is still present. What should be your first priority in relation to the suspect?
The identification, apprehension and isolation of the suspect are priority. Locating the suspect quickly can provide the investigation with setting parameters or identifying location where suspects are likely to frequent or reside
How can specialist Police units such as criminal profiling unit or criminal or geographical profilers assist the OC area canvas during the canvass planning stage
Specialist police units such as the criminal profiling unit or criminals geographical profilers may be consulted to assist with setting parameters or identifying locations where suspects are likely to frequent or reside.
During the suspects phase of an investigation they must debrief their team. What general matters would be covered ?
- the circumstance’s o the offence including analysis of the scene and witness evidence
- the full details of all persons of interest and any suspects, where identity of suspects are known
- details of any descriptions of the suspect provided by the witness
whether any particular MO or crime signatures have been identified - OC suspects must regularly debrief their team embers on the enquiries and results to maintain a constant flow of info to other teams.
Describe two topics to be covered during a forensic strategy meeting ?
What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits
Whether any future work is needed to assist a reconstruction
when implementing the family liaison plan the FLO should identify which family members to liaise with at an early stage. What does the term ‘family’ relate to?
Parents, partners, siblings, guardians, whanau or any close relationship, chosen family, should reflect eh victims culture and lifestyle
When appointing an officer to interview a witness to a serious offence, what are the four main issues to be considered regarding the potential interviewing officer?
- The level of training (level 3 interviewer or level 2)
- The experience the officer has and any additional skills
- The suitability of the officer in regard to welfare issues
- interviewing officers should be informed of their role at an early stage and given opportunity to plan the interview
During an investigation into multiple suspects, what steps ca be taken to mitigate or eliminate cross contamination between suspects
Make appreciations when seizing clothing. Separate officers should be assigned to each suspect. Suspects must be kept apart including travel in vehicles and in cells. All clothing packaged, labelled and sealed properly
Describe four responsibilities of the OC exhibits in a serious crime investigation?
- establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems (exhibit schedule)
- Maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits (chain of custody)
- establishing the evidential value of each exhibit
- Ensuring processes for handling, labelling, sealing are all adhered to
