Suspect inquiries in respect of fires not involving explosives

Question 1

What procedure do you follow?

Answer 1

1. identify suspects
2. possible suspects
3. investigate suspects thoroughly and according to priority
4. consider surveillance
5. complete inquiries to establish suspects
6. consider a search warrant
7. interview the suspect
8. consider an identification montage
9. complete inquiries to corroborate or negate suspect explanation
10. advise your supervisor and consider if ingredients have been met and prima facie case has been established. obtain authority to prosecute
11. arrest the suspect
12. prepare prosecution file

Question 2

How do you identify suspects?

Answer 2

FIRM ARC

FINGERPRINTS
informant/witness INFORMATION
police RESOURCES
MEDIA response
AREA enquiries
info from fire crews on people who REGULARLY attend fires
CIRSUMSTANCES of the fire

Question 3

Who are common possible suspects?

Answer 3

COOP P FACE

Criminals
Owner
Occupier
Pyromaniac

Pupils/ex pupils

member of the Fire service
Aggrieved person
business Competitors
Employees

Question 4

when investigating suspects thoroughly what should you obtain?

Answer 4

CAMPP

CRIMINAL histories
ASSOCIATES
MOTOR vehicle details
Full PARTICULARS
PHOTOGRAPH

Question 5

complete inquiries to establish the suspects…

Answer 5

B CCOMMMM

behavior
character
connection to the scene
opportunity
motive
means rea
mental back ground
movements

Question 6

When executing a search warrant what should you do?

Answer 6

search the suspects clothing, residence, vehicle and work place.

photograph evidence in situ

ask for and note the suspects explanation regarding the evidence

issue a pol268 for any property taken

ensure all exhibits seized are labelled, examined and uplifted by the exhibits officer

Question 7

When arresting the suspect what do you obtain?

Answer 7

Fingerprints
Photograph
DNA
Consider medical examination for injuries
offender report details
consider getting suspect to do reconstruction