Skeleton Notes Flashcards
What 3 things are required when establishing initial action at scene?
Answer:
A - Attend the scene at an early stage
C - Coordinate the tasks
T - Take control of the scene
A. C T.
What situations might indicate a homicide?
Answer: – Report of missing person – Hit-and-run collision – Fatal fire – Sudden and unexplained death of an adult – Sudden and unexplained death of a child – Drug related death – Suicide - Crime scene without a body - Report of an abduction
What is an appreciation?
What makes up an appreciation?
Answer:
Aim/factors/courses open/plan
Aim: One line statement with a clear objective
Factors: Circumstance or fact that could affect the aim
Courses open: all possible ways to achieve the aim
Plan: A clear and concise plan to achieve the aim
What are the advantages of an appreciation?
Answer:
I. I. .M. E. E. R
I - Increases the chances of success I - Informs police of what is expected M – Manages the risk E - Ensures that nothing is overlooked E – Eliminates duplication R - Resources used effectively
What are the components of VAWSIEPO?
Answer:
V - Victim - identify and locate victim
A - Appreciation – make an appreciation, identify risks and preserve life
W-Witness – locate and contain witnesses
S-Scene - identify scene and set boundaries
E- Exhibits - note evidence preserve any that may be otherwise be lost
I - Ingredients - establish if the elements of the offence have been met
P - Powers - what powers are available and whether to execute them
O - Offender - identify and apprehend suspects
What is adopting an investigative mentality?
Hint:
I. T. - G. E. T. S. E. T .C. O. T. - DEATH
Answer: Police purpose to investigate thoroughly and gather evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death
Establish the victim’s medical status.
What are the 3 possible medical statuses of a victim?
Answer:
Alive and uninjured
Alive and injured
Showing no signs of life
If the victim dies what is relevant about section 18 (1)(a) of the EA 2006?
Hint:
PRATT SIR
Answer:
The circumstances relating to the statement provide reasonable assurance that the statement is reliable
The court must be satisfied that the contents of the statement and the person making the statement are reliable
For a statement made under section 16(1) EA 2006, What must be considered?
Hint:
N. C. M. V. A O
Answer:
The NATURE of the statement
The CONTENT of the statement
The circumstances of the MAKING of the statement
The circumstances relating to the VERACITY of the person
The circumstances relating to the ACCURACY of the OBSERVATION of the person
What must be considered for a common approach path?
Answer:
A common approach path must be considered at the entry and exit of the scene.
Consider a path into and out of the scene and avoid the path that the suspect and victim have taken. (consider stepping plates)
Suspects at the scene. List 5 things to consider
Hint:
S. C. (I MOMI I) D. D. R
Answer:
1. SEPARATE the suspects from other people at the scene
2. Consider the CONDITION of the suspect.
Whether they are:
injured,
intoxicated,
suffer from a medical or mental impairment,
or other consideration
3. Note the suspects DEMEANOUR.
4. Consider a different staff member to deal with suspect
5. Ask the suspect to REMAIN at the scene
What must you consider in regards to media?
Hint:
L. A - D. I. K
Answer: LOCATEocate the media ADVISE the OC that the media is present DONT tell them anything IDENTIFY the location of the media and let the O/C know. KEEP them away from the scene
For the appointment of OC body what should they be?
Answer:
An experienced investigator with an awareness of forensic issues
What are the responsibilities of OC Body?
Hint:
M. R. - S. E. E. N. E
Answer:
M. R. - S. E. E. N. E
M - MAINTAIN security of the body, samples and exhibits
R - RECORD and note what action has been taken
S - SECURE and guard the body, the samples and exhibits from the scene to the Post Mortem
E- ESTABLISH if the body has been moved
E - ENSURE the deceased person certificate has been certified by a doctor or a qualified advanced paramedic. Pol265
N - NOTE and record observations
E - ENSURE the photographs have been taken at the scene as well as the PM
What are your actions when the body has been moved?
Answer:
Don’t attempt to move the body or alter scene to try and change it to its original state
Don’t touch anything
Establish what was moved
Make inquiries to establish what changes have been made to the scene and body so that the scene can be reconstructed and photographed if required.
What is listed in an appreciation before the removal of the body?
Answer:
Look at the best route for the removal of body (stepping plates)
Liaise with the coroner, notification and response by coroner
Consultation with other experts
Obtain views from pathologist, ESR, and crown solicitor
Requirements of any examination prior to removal of body
Safe custody of exhibits
Family and cultural considerations
Protective clothing worn
What samples can be collected from the scene?
Answer: Larvae and insects DNA swabs Glass or paints Loose hairs Items of clothing worn by the victim Fingerprints evidence on victims Firearm residue
L.I.D.S G.L.I.F.F.
If the victim is injured at the scene you should do what?
Answer:
- First aid, call ambulance
- Conduct preliminary interview
- Consider dying declaration
- DNA swab victim’s skin
- Accompany to hospital, seize clothing
Maori Culture:
What is the purpose of the Family Iwi Liaison Officer?
Answer:
They will support an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions/Protocols and beliefs
- Enhance the relations between
- The investigators
- Family of the deceased
- Maori Community
What must the family of the deceased be informed about formal identification?
Answer:
- Informed of the identification process and what is required of them
- What they should expect to see when they view the deceased
List the methods of identification
Answer: Fingerprints DNA Tattoos Eye examinations Amputations Medical exam records Facial reconstruction Dental records
When is stripping of the body done?
Answer:
After viewing of the body/collective of physical evidence from the clothed body
Under the direction of the O/C investigation but immediately before the PM
List the OC Exhibits responsibilities
Answer:
- Recording
- Labelling
- Sealing
- Packaging
- Preparing for court
- Disposal of exhibits
After the PM, What is the OC Body’s responsibility?
Answer:
- Provide OC exhibits exhibit schedule for items collected from body (eg property, clothes, samples)
- O/C Body notebooks
- O/C Body statements
- Maintain unbroken chain of custody of exhibit
What must the O/C Body do for the Sudden Death File?
Answer: Pol265 - Deceased person certificate Pol265 A - Deceased person ID Pol47 - Report to coroner (Adult) Pol47 - Report to coroner (Sudden death of infant/child)
For an appreciation, What must a plan be?
Answer:
- Logical outcome of the appreciation
- Clear, Concise, leaving no room for misinterpretation
- Address Safety issues
- Recorded
- GSMEAC
The person reporting the incident is a critical witness in an investigation. What should be obtained from them?
Answer:
- Identity and location of the suspect
- First hand account of what they know
- Demeanour
- ID of the victim
- Precise details of the scene location
If a witness has been proximate to the victim at the time of the event transfer of evidence is possible
Before a witness is interviewed, What must be planned prior regarding evidence?
Answer" A plan must be made to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness such as: - DNA - Fingerprints - Clothes - Fibres - Body fluids - Glass or other material
When making an appreciation and accessing advantages and disadvantages of the courses open, What questions must be asked?
Answer:
- What are the possible results or consequences of each alternative
- Which option is the most appropriate way to reach the objective
Initial response Police of a serious crime incident must make a risk assessment. Why should a reconnaissance of the scene be conducted?
Answer:
- Establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender
What reasons should the O/C investigations, OC Area Canvass and OC Suspects visit the external or general scene of a serious crime?
Answer:
- To make a reconnaissance of the area
- To conduct an appreciation and set out parameters and objectives of the canvas
- Provide a clear perspective of the area when it is referred to in statements and/or briefings
What is the procedure of dealing with a suspect at the scene?
Answer:
- Consider the condition of the suspect
- Whether they are injured
- under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration
List what must be done if media are present at a scene?
Answer:
- Keep them away from the immediate crime scene
- Cordon and make no comment about the incident
- Consult with the OC investigations on arrival and explain what has happened
- Identify media members and where they are located
Prior to moving the body what specific action must the OC Body take?
Answer:
- The body must be considered a scene within a scene
- 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 Investigations
When moving the body What considerations must be made?
Answer:
- Notification and response from the coroner
- standard operating procedure
- Views of pathologist, ESR scientist
- Best route and method for removal of body with minimal contamination of scene
- Family and cultural considerations
When decomposition or mutilation of the body is present, What methods of ID are available?
Answer:
- Fingerprints
- DNA profiling
- Facial reconstruction
- Dental records
- Personal effects
When does the stripping of the body?
What considerations are made at the stripping of the body?
Answer:
Immediately before the Post Mortem examination commences.
Answer:
It 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
What is the responsibility of the OC Body regarding exhibits taken from the body at the mortuary?
What must be done in relation to the exhibits before leaving the mortuary?
Answer: The OC Body is responsible for -Recording - labelling - Packaging - Sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body
Answer:
All exhibits must be packaged and sealed without exception and will be recorded in a Scene Exhibits Schedule.
What is the primary reason for a conducting a Post Mortem?
Answer:
To establish the cause of death.
What are 4 matters hw a pathologist’s findings may assist the investigation?
Answer:
- Determining where possible, the mode and time of death
- Establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
- Determining the size and nature of the weapon used
- Determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
What specific experts must be notified and their attendance requested for a Post Mortem?
Who else will be present?
Answer:
- Pathologist
- Police Photographer
- SOCO/Fingerprints (if required)
Answer:
- OC Investigation
- OC Body
- OC Exhibits for PM (If required)
Who can the coroner also give authority to to attend the PM?
Answer:
ESR Scientist and Crown Solicitor
List 6 of the responsibilities of OC Body?
Ensure the death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL265)
- Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits from the scene to the commencement of the PM
- Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect
- Note and record any observations relating to the body
- Note details of medical staff or others who attended the victim
- Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body
When skeletal remains are found, What information can a forensic anthropologist provide?
Answer:
- Whether the remains are actually bones
- Whether the bones are human
- The age, gender, height and race of the person
What actions are taken after the Post Mortem?
Answer:
- The OC Body must hand over all exhibits to OC Exhibits
- Provide a Post Mortem Scene Exhibit schedule
- A copy of the OC Body’s notebook
- Formal Written Statement
Is the OC Body responsible for completing the sudden death file (POL47)?
What should be included in the file?
Answer:
Yes
Answer:
- Statement relating to the victim’s formal identification
- Copy of the POL47 (Report to the coroner)
- In the case of infant under the age of 2 years POL47A (Unexpected death in infancy)
- Copy of Deceased Person Certificate (POL265)
- Copy of Deceased Person Identification (POL265A)
When attending a Post Mortem with the OC Investigations list 4 responsibilities
Answer:
1) - Attend briefing of pathologist by OC investigation
2) - Preserve evidence from the body (exhibits)
3) - Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings
4) - Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed
What is the role of the Family Liaison Officer
Answer:
- That of an investigator, not a support person
- FLO must offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses needs of the family
List the duties of a Family Liaison officer in the role of an investigator?
Answer:
- Responsible for profiling the victim
- Preparing a family tree
- Gathering all relevant information from the family.
This may include taking statements to identify the victim
Once a family liaison plan is formulated what should happen on at regular intervals?
Answer:
It should be reviewed in consultation with the Family Liaison Officer
What 4 matters should the Family Liaison Plan (FLP) consider?
Answer:
1) - Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for 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 using specialist interviewers
When a family member is a suspect what should the OC Investigation’s review consider?
Answer:
1) - FLO’s safety
2) - The need for the FLO to be clear in the interactions with the family
3) - Possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO
4) - Fully document all contact and interaction with the family
In terms of cultural liaison, what must the FLO consider?
Answer:
- Cultural origins of the victim’s family
- Ensure they are familiar with the relevant cultural beliefs and protocols in order to:
- Enhance relations with the family
- To contribute to victim profile
What statute and section relates to the purpose of victim impact statement?
What is the relevance of a VIS?
Answer:
Victims Rights Act 2002 - Section 17AB
Answer:
To enable the victim to provide information about the impact of the crime has had on them
Homicide trained Victim Support Volunteers are trained to to assist Police by taking VIS from surviving family members
What 2 types of information that can be obtained from Police intelligence systems when carrying out risk assessment during planning phase of Area Canvass?
Answer:
- Violent Offenders
- Persons wanted by Police for other crimes or wanted on warrant
List 4 resources or tools OC Area Canvass should utilise for an area canvass?
Answer:
1) - Geological Information
2) - Local council records and other applicable references
3) - Aerial photographs showing houses and the location of sections
4) - Suitable street maps
G. L. A. S
What considerations are made by the OC Area Canvass in the planning of an Area Canvass?
Answer:
What is the role of OC Body during a Post Mortem?
Answer:
Observe, Document, and Deal
with exhibits associated with the body, in a structured methodical manner
O. D. D.
The stripping of the body is generally performed on the authorisation of the OC Investigation after what 2 conditions?
Answer:
- Visual examination
- At the completion of the Collection of evidence from the clothed body
In relation to the exhibits What does the OC Exhibits consider for each exhibit?
Answer: OC Exhibits will - Determine - Plan - Record - the examination and interrogation of each exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation
What is the purpose of a Forensics Strategy Meeting?
Answer:
To determine what examinations ESR and others could conduct
The priority the examinations should receive
When the Forensics Strategy Meeting is completed, What 2 matters must the OC Exhibits record on the Exhibits Register?
Answer:
All Decisions made about the types of examinations to be conducted.
The priority allocated to the examination of each exhibit
In addition to door to door enquiries, What other approaches can also be used to obtain information from the public?
Answer:
- Media
- Poster campaign
- Mail drop
- High profile police presence, using a caravan
In an Area Canvass, What should staff do when they speak to a witness who has evidence of possible probative value?
Answer:
Obtain a formal written statement rather than notebook statement and have the person endorse the statement.(sign)
List some of the benefits of conducting an area canvass?
Answer:
- Possible sightings of the victim or offender before or after the event
- Possible sightings of relevant property or vehicles used
- Possible sightings of potential witnesses
- Early arrest through early identification of the offender
How can a OC Area Canvass keep the morale of the staff high?
Answer:
Provide regular feedback about:
- Progress of Area Enquiries contributing to investigation
- Update of progress made by other phases
How is a Area Canvass monitored?
Answer: A detailed master record of ongoing progress should be continually maintained and updated by the OC Area Canvass It shows - Addresses that have been visited - Occupants interviewed - Documentation completed - Any relevant comments made.
What is in the final report of the Area Canvass?
Who receives the report?
Answer:
Canvass phase – Final report should include:
- A SUMMARY of all action taken
- Any significant FINDINGS highlighted
- Any ACTION that has been undertaken which was outside of the original phase strategy.
Answer:
OC Investigations
When should a Area Canvass be conducted?
Answer:
At the time immediately after the event occurred to capture:
- People that regularly pass through that area at that time of day
State two reasons why it is important to conduct a risk assessment relating to a witness to a serious offence?
Answer:
A risk assessment must be conducted
-To establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of intimidation and/or physical harm.
Intimidation may result from providing information to police
eg: Fear of going to Court, to life being at serious risk.
What is the Police response to witness intimidation of witnesses?
Who is responsible for maintaining contact with the witnesses?
Answer:
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.
Answer:
OC witnesses and 2IC Investigation are responsible.
During a criminal trial What must OC Witnesses ensure the witnesses do not do?
Answer:
- 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
What is the Police responsibility to refreshing the memory of a witness?
Answer:
At Court, request the witness refresh their memory by reading any previously signed statement(s) or interview transcript
In regards to Alibi witnesses, Who directs whether the witness is interviewed and under what Act?
Answer:
A Crown solicitor under Section 22 of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008
What 3 things must the investigator undertake in regards to an Alibi witness and matters in respect of the court proceedings?
Answer:
1) - Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
2) - Conduct inquiries as directed by the OC Investigation and the Crown Solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witness
3) - Forward the results of these enquiries to the Crown Solicitor, including any statements obtained
The first duty of OC suspects is to brief the suspect team.
What should this briefing include?
Answer:
- Circumstances of the offence including an analysis of the scene and witness evidence available.
- 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).
- Any particular modus operandi/crime signatures have been identified
What duties of the Suspects team is the OC suspects responsible for supervising?
Answer:
1) - Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest, as they are identified by the OC Investigation.
2) - 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.
What can influence the investigation priorities set for the Suspects?
Answer:
- Order of suspect priority set in consultation with OC Investigation
- Relative weight of evidence against a person or that persons likelihood of leaving the area
- Particularly urgency in solving the case or availability of staff
In relation to the suspects phase, Why is it necessary to regularly debrief their team members?
Answer:
- To advise of the results of the enquiries in order to
- To maintain a constant flow of information
- between Suspects team members and other investigation staff
- priority information brought to the attention of the OC investigation as necessary
When the suspect enquires a medical examination what forms of evidence should be taken or noted by the doctor?
Answer:
- 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 ASAP where firearm used in an offence. (residue up to 3 hours on body or clothing
- 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.
- Must take photographs of the suspect and any relevant marks or injuries
When dealing with a suspect at the scene of a serious crime, What specific physical matters relevant to the suspect must you consider?
Answer:
- 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?
What must Police ensure when interviewing a suspect?
Answer:
- The 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
What must the file manager do where there is no logistics officer appointed?
Answer: Must liaise with the 2IC to establish requirements for Investigation HQ including; - Communications - Equipment - Location - Transport
In respect of communication, What does the File manager do?
Answer:
- establishes and maintain the flow of communication throughout the investigation, both verbal and documentary
- Ensure the constant flow of correspondence between the 2IC and the investigation team.
In the role of the Disclose Manager, What are 3 initial actions?
Answer:
- 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
What are the 7 key responsibilities of the Disclosure Manager?
Answer:
• 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.
What does Section 10(4) Criminal Disclosure Act 2008 state in terms of Disclosure?
Answer:
It refers to the person supplying the disclosure in whatever form, including electronic that is available at the time of the request, provided it will be readily accessible to a client
Eg: electronic form would be an issue for a defendant who is in prison and has no access to a computer.
It is preferable that the OC Exhibits is a qualified detective. What should they be experience in?
Answer:
- 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
What are the responsibilities of OC Exhibits?
Answer:
- Recovery,
- Handling
- Labelling
- Storage
- Submission to experts
- Presentation at Court
- Disposal of exhibits
- Ensuring these processes completed under direction of OC Investigation and the Serious Crime Template
For smaller investigations OC Exhibits and IC Investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit.
What is the purpose of this procedure?
Answer:
- Evidential value of each exhibit
- Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
- Further enquiries that are needed
What is the chain of custody?
Answer:
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 exhibit
As OC Exhibits what must you brief to all those handling exhibits?
Answer:
OC Exhibits must communicate required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling of the exhibits to all investigation team members
Who makes the decision on what exhibits are prepared and presented for the trial
Answer:
OC Investigations
