Systematic Approach Flashcards
In a systematic approach to investigation, what does the following acronym stand for?
V.A.W.S.E.I.P.O
V = Victim / Informant A = Appreciation W = Witness S = Scene E = Exhibits I = Ingredients P = Powers O = Offender
In a systematic approach to investigation, what does the following acronym stand for?
T.E.D.S.
Open-Ended Questions
T = Tell me - eg. Tell me what happened
E = Explain. - eg. You told me he hit her, Explain what you man by this
D = Describe - eg. Describe the man you observed
S = Show me - eg. Show me what happened
In a systematic approach to investigation, what does the following acronym stand for?
5WH + H
Probing Questions
What?
eg. What happened? What sit hey say?
When?
eg. When did it happen?
Where?
eg. Where did I happen? Where were you standing?
Who?
eg. Who was involved? Who said that?
Why?
eg. Why did this happen?
(Ensure that Why questions do not blame the victim)
How?
eg. How did it happen? (Think exhibits & corroboration)
Victims
(1) Obtain their full details:
Name, address, DOB, etc.
(2) Obtain details of the incident:
Ask basic questions relating to the incident, using open-ended questions (TEDS) and probing questions (5WH + H).
(3) Seek corroboration
Note injuries
Seize evidence, such as clothing
(4) Victim Support
Advise them of victim support options available to them.
Appreciation
What to consider - Generally:
What you want to achieve
Alternative courses of action open to you
A plan outlining the best course of action open to you
Factors relevant to achieving this
What to consider - Particular Issues:
Safety issues – You / other staff / Members of the public
What assistance is required / available?
Time constraints
Resources – Staff / lighting / protective equipment / etc.
Witness
(1) Locate witnesses
(2) Obtain full details
(3) Ask TEDS and 5WH+H questions specifically relating them to the incident
(4) Seek corroboration – Note or seize evidence
(5) Interview and take statement if appropriate
(6) Make an appreciation
Compare the victim and witness statements, do the accounts support each other?
Was it physically possible to see or do what, they have stated?
Is there evidence to corroborate what they are saying?
Any safety issues or risks to the witness from the scene / offender?
Scene
(1) Identify the scene
(2) FREEZE / CONTROL / PRESERVE
(3) Examine the scene – Routine do it yourself / serious get in specialist units.
(4) Make an appreciation
Do you need help to protect the scene?
Does the scene match the description from the victim / witnesses
Are there any safety concerns that need to be dealt with?
Exhibits
When dealing with any Victims / Witness / Scenes / Suspects / Offenders there will be articles that:
(1) Were used to commit the offence? eg. Knife, baton, gloves
(2) Can help reconstruct what took place eg. Blood trails, damaged items of clothing, furniture
(3) Can show what took place eg. Cheque books, receipts, bank statements.
(4) If it is a serious offence leave the exhibits in situ for specialist units.
(4) If there is a possibility that the exhibits could be destroyed or contaminated then they will have to be exhibited.
Seizing Exhibits
Make detailed notebook entries: Description, location, condition
Make a sketch of the exhibit to show where it was located
Use gloves and place them into exhibit bags
Seal and label each package with: description, date, place located, by whom
Secure them in a safe place: boot of your car
When back at the station complete a POL268 and hand them in to the Property and Exhibits store.
Avoid cross-contamination
(4) Make an appreciation
Do you need assistance?
Are there any safety issues in dealing with the exhibits?
Are the exhibits likely to deteriorate if conditions change?
Ingredients
(1) Identify the offence
(2) Establish that the ingredients for that offence are present
(3) Work out how to prove each of the ingredients
eg. A victims statement could prove the intent by describing the offenders actions.
(4) Make an appreciation
How will you prove each of the ingredients?
Do other enquires need to be made?
Powers
(1) Arrest / Detain / Search and Seize
(2) Appreciation
What powers do I have available in this situation?
If not, do you have enough details to report the matter?
What assistance do you need?
What are the tactical safety issues if you use your powers?
Offender
(1) Decide whether to WARN / REPORT or ARREST the offender.
(2) If warning or reporting make sure that you have verified their details.
(3) If arresting:
Tell them what they are being arrested for
Advise caution / rights
Where appropriate search
(4) Appreciation
What are the safety issues to be considered when dealing with the offender?
Does transport need to be arranged?
Are there other enquires that urgently need to be done?
Do you need to notify your supervisor?
Do you need assistance?
