Witness Management

Question 1

When a witness is at court, what material may a witness use to refresh their memory prior to giving evidence?

Answer 1

At court, request the witness refresh their memory by reading any previously signed statements or interview transcript.

Question 2

During course of some trials witness intimidation may occur, what can the OC do to ensure they will know?

Answer 2

By maintaining contact with witnesses, 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.

Question 3

Risk Assesment

Answer 3

A risk assessment must be conducted to establish the extent to which a witness might be at risk of intimidation and/or physical harm. Different forms of intimidation may result from a witness providing information to police, ranging from fear of going to court, to life being at serious risk. Intelligence personnel may be tasked to contribute to the assessment and consultation should take place between the OC investigation. And the crown solicitor where any witness is subject to intimidation.

Question 4

What action should interviewing police take prior to interview and then state types of physical evidence that may be present?

Answer 4

Prepare a plan to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness including:

DNA
Fingerprints
Clothes
Footwear
Fibers
Body fluids
Glass or other materials

Question 5

When appointing an officer to interview a witness to a serious offence, what four main issues should be considered regarding the potential interviewing officer?

Answer 5

• The level of training of the interviewer
• The experience the officer has had in interviewing
• Additional skills the interviewer has that may be advantageous in the circumstances
• The suitability of the officer to undertake the interview. This should include a consideration of any welfare issues and whether any previous experience that the officer has with the witness is likely to either inhibit or encourage a rapport with the interviewee, or give rise to later challenges of coaching, promoting or offering inducements.

Question 6

On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt, prelim interview with a witness who possesses information or material that is likely to rapidly progress the investigation.
What sort of information will this likely lead to?

Answer 6

• Early identification or arrest of suspect
• Recovery of evidence or information relevant to offence
• Prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
• Prevention of the commission of other offences