Systematic Approach to Investigation

Question 1

VAWSEEPO

Answer 1

Victim/Informant
Appreciation
Witness
Scene
Exhibits 
Elements
Powers
Offender

Question 2

Victim/ Informant

Answer 2

Obtain full particulars for Victim/ Informant.

• Surname and all First Names
• Full Residential address
• Phone number
• Occupation
• Employer- Full address of employment and phone numbers.
• Date of birth
• Email Address
• Mobile Number

Question 3

Obtaining Details

Answer 3

T- Tell Me
E - Explain
D - Describe
S - Show Me

Question 4

Appreciation

Answer 4

-This is a method of problem solving that’s uses a set pattern so that all factors are considered.
It is important to consider:
-What you want to achieve
- Factors relevant to achieving your aim
-Alternative courses of action
- A plan for outlining the best course of action
Particular Issues :
- Your Safety and everyone involved’s safety.
- Assistance required
-Time constraints
- Resources

Question 5

Witness

Answer 5

-Locate witnesses and find out what happened (preliminary interview).
• Ask TEDS and 5WH + H questions.
• Seek corroboration.
• Note or seize evidence.
• Interview and where appropriate, take a statement.

When making an appreciation:
• Compare what the victim and witnesses have told you. Do the accounts support each other?
• Is there evidence to corroborate what they are saying?
• Are there safety issues for the witnesses, such as a dangerous scene, or blood from the victim or offender?
• Is anyone at risk from the offender?

Question 6

Scene

Answer 6

• The scene can corroborate or disprove accounts of an incident. It can also lead to exhibits.
• Identify the scene (or scenes), including entries or exits. Keep scene boundaries wide.
• Always freeze, control and preserve the scene.
• If the incident is a minor or routine offence, you would do the scene examination, looking for evidence of the offence. Consider photographing the scene.
• If the incident is a serious offence, specialists such as CIB, forensic scientists or a SOCO must be called in to deal with it.