Witness Management Flashcards
The informant
Essential details of the informant are recorded fully and accurately
Police who had first contact with inf. should be debriefed fully and full record made
Methods to identify witnesses
CCTV Media release and appeals Area canvas Interviews with victims and other witnesses Suspect interviews Road check points
LIne of sight / earshot locations
Where victim last seen alive Initial contact with suspect Where victim assaulted Murder site Body decomposition site (consider also escape routes, significate geographical locations)
Prelim Witness Interviews - may lead to;
Early identification or arrest of suspect
recovery of evidence
Prevention of imminent disposal/ destruction of evidence
Prevention of other offences
Initial witness assessment
Witness requires any special consideration
Availability of witnesses
Witness needs for special assistance
Optimum approach
Special consideration
105 Evidence Act
Issues to consider when appointing an interviewer
Level of training of interviewer
Adult witnesses who are investigative important - level 3 accredited
Witnesses of serious / complex crimes Level 2
Forensic child interviewer for children / intellectual disability
Suitability of officer - rapport / cnx
Witness interview plan normally covers;
Time and location of interview Amount of information to be disclosed Interview objectives Supporting the interview Structure of the interview
Risk Assessment
Must be conducted to est extent which the witness may be at risk of intimidation / physical harm
Debrief phase
Debrief interviewers
ID need for any supplementary interviews
Ongoing risk assessment for witnesses
Alibi witnesses
Notifies under Section 22 of the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008
Enquiries to determine veracity of the alibi
Enquiries as directed by O/C Inves.
NIA checks
Results to the Crown
Children and young persons
Defined under Section 4 of the Evidence Act 2006
