Witness Management In Homicide Or Serious Crime Investigations

Question 1

What are the principles guiding the management of witnesses?

Answer 1

TAP

• manner in which witnesses are TREATED will significantly affect how they co-operate
• investigators must understand the ACTIONS expected of them
• necessity to interact PROFESSIONALLY with every witness

Question 2

On some occasions it may be necessary to conduct a prompt preliminary interview which may provide:

Answer 2

• early identification or arrest of a suspect
• recovery of evidence or info relevant to the offence
• prevention of the imminent disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation
• prevention of the commission of other offences

Question 3

How may other witnesses be located?

Answer 3

• viewing CCTV
• area canvas
• suspect interviews
• road check points
• media release and appeals
• interviews with other witnesses/victims
• anniversary appeals

Question 4

Depending on available resources, initial enquiries may be confined to certain areas, such as within line of sight or earshot of these locations:

Answer 4

• place where the victim was last seen alive
• place where initial contact with suspect took place
• place where the victim was assaulted
• murder site
• body deposition site

Question 5

Preliminary interview should be:

Answer 5

• conducted in accordance with the Police manual chapter - Investigative Interviewing guide
• limited to TEDS questions
• framed to elicit a brief account

Question 6

What should an initial witness assessment cover?

Answer 6

• whether witness requires special consideration
• availability of the witness
• any needs the witness has for special assistance
• the optimum approach to be taken with the witness

Question 7

What does a witness interview plan cover?

Answer 7

• time and location of the interview
• the amount of information to be disclosed to the interviewer
• setting interview objectives
• supporting the interview - monitor
• structure of the interview - recorded on video, audio or written

Question 8

What are some Police responsibilies to witnesses?

Answer 8

• ensuring court appearance
• court proceedings - ensure the witness is fully briefed
• witness order
• refreshing memory - signed statements/transcripts

Question 9

Witness control - ensure witnesses do not:

Answer 9

• have any contact or communication with jurors
• discuss the case in public areas while waiting to give evidence
• discuss the case with witnesses waiting after they have given evidence