SAQ

Question 1

What are the safety concerns or priorities that need to be addressed?

Answer 1

The safety of other responders and that of others at the scene. This may include injured people or a hidden offender.

Question 2

How can the OC area canvass ensure staff morale is high?

Answer 2

Providing regular feedback on the way canvass enquiries are contributing to the progress of the investigation, together with updates on the progress being made with other phases of the enquiry.

Question 3

What would the appropriate instructions in relation to the questionnaire?

Answer 3

Stress that the questionnaire is only a guide to ensure questions are asked, but should be regarded as flexible, in that information supplied could lead to other questions.

Question 4

List two copies of forms which must be in the 1S file?

Answer 4

Statement as to Victims formal identification

Copy of deceased person identification - POL265A

Question 5

List 5 things in order to ensure that the chain of evidence for an exhibit can be proven in court

Answer 5

1. When and whom they received custody of exhibit
2. Where and how the exhibit was secured
3. When, why and how the exhibit was removed from one place to another
4. How the exhibit has been treated, safeguarded and preserved
5. When, why and to whom they transferred custody of any exhibit

Question 6

Who should be appointed OC body?

Answer 6

The OC body should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues. Where this is not practicable, the OC body may require additional support and / or mentoring.

Question 7

In relation to preserving the scene, what actions police take upon arrival?

Answer 7

1. Consider best path into the scene
2. Record any movements / actions taken in the scene
3. Preserve what is there and leave in situ
4. If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates
5. Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and / or record evidence

Question 8

Who gives the final authority / approval to move the body?

Answer 8

The body must not be moved without specific authority / approval from the OC investigation

Question 9

Discuss what the OC Case or OC Witnesses can ascertain by maintaining witness contact?

Answer 9

By maintaining contact with witnesses, Police will be more likely to be made aware of any threats, intimidation or interference and can arrange for the appropriate action to be taken.

Question 10

What is the first priority of the risk assessment on arrival at the scene?

Answer 10

The first priority when conducting a risk assessment at the scene of a serious crime scene incident will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members.

Question 11

The OC body is responsible for arranging the formal identification of the Victim. The identification is made by family or friends of the Victim. What instructions must the OC body provide to the person making the identification?

Answer 11

It is important for those carrying out the formal identification are fully informed of what is required of them and what they should expect to see when they view the deceased, particularly after a post mortem examination has taken place.

Question 12

Using the appreciation technique, identify an aim for dealing with a knife?

Answer 12

To protect any forensic evidence on the knife

Question 13

Four reasons for area canvass reviews?

Answer 13

Evaluate the quality of complete work and provide quality assurance

Identified lines of enquiry to be highlighted to 2IC

Monitor ongoing progress of the canvass

Facilitate the detailed recording progress

Question 14

Who makes the decision as to what exhibits are to be prepared and produced at trial?

Answer 14

Before the commencement of the trial, the OC Investigation ( in conjunction with OC exhibits) must decide which exhibits are considered relevant.

Question 15

Why is it important to debrief members of the suspect team?

Answer 15

OC suspects must regularly debrief their team members on the enquiries they have conducted and the results of these enquiries so that they can maintain a constant flow of information at conferences, between the members of the suspects team and other investigation staff

Question 16

When Crown solicitors direct Police to interview an alibi witness, what actions must the Police take?

Answer 16

Make enquiries to determine the veracity of alibi

Conduct enquiries as directed by OC Investigation and Crown solicitor including NIA checks on the alibi witness

Forward results of these enquiries to the Crown solicitor, including any statements obtained

Question 17

What would be the appropriate instructions, if area canvass identify a witness with information of probative value?

Answer 17

Advise staff that evidence of probative values must be obtained in a formal written statement rather than notebook form. There is also a need for the questionnaire to be endorsed, if a statement is taken.

Question 18

Definition of Appreciation

Answer 18

An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action decided upon

An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered

Question 19

Obligation is imposed by 10(4) in the person providing disclosure

Answer 19

Provides that disclosure may be provided in whatever form, including electronically, that the person disclosing the information has it in at the time of the request, provided this will be readily accessible to the defendant

Question 20

What information should disclosure manager (file manager) provide Crown Solicitor regarding disclosure?

Answer 20

Crown should be provided with an identical copy of all material that is disclosed to defence counsel. The crown should also review and an unedited copy of material, where appropriate.

Question 21

Discuss when the OC body should strip the body of clothing or personal effects.

Answer 21

Stripping the body will take place immediately before the PM commences, but must only be undertaken on the specific direction of the OC investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body. 

Question 22

Obligations when defence council is replaced 

Answer 22

Ensure replacement is provided with all material previously disclosed

This may be achieved by obtaining in writing they have received the material from previous counsel

For providing council with a fresh copy of material 

Question 23

Factors during an appreciation process

Answer 23

Ash, the question, so what what does this mean in order to thoroughly examine each factor and draw logical conclusions from it?

E.g. I only have five staff, so what does this mean? The answer to the question leads to logical conclusion.

Question 24

Upon completion of Area Canvass phase, OC area canvass must submit a report containing?

Answer 24

Summary of all action taken

Any significant findings highlighted

Attention drawn to any action that has been undertaken, which is outside of the original phase strategy.

Question 25

Explain what a common approach path is used for?

Answer 25

A common approach path is an approach path for all movements into and out of the scene

Using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to or from the scene by the suspect or victim

Question 26

What other specific matters regarding each exhibit must OC exhibits determine?

Answer 26

OC exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation.

Question 27

The OC suspects is responsible for supervising the members of the suspects team for the purpose of:

Answer 27

Obtaining information about suspects and persons of interest

Thoroughly profiling and investigating all suspects and person of interest

Seeking evidence to cover all ingredients of offence

Providing a basis for further investigation

Mitigating and dealing with possible defences

Question 28

Discuss what procedure and protective materials should be used when preparing the body for removal from the scene?

Answer 28

Cover hands, feet and head with paper bags, secured with tape

Wife tape should be used, taped around the bag at the suitable anchoring point that will secure the bag to the limb

The tape should not be so tight as to create new marks in the body and must not be applied directly to the skin

If use of paper bag is not appropriate (eg wet limb) then a plastic bag may be used to protect potential forensic material

This decision should be made in consultation with OC scene, OC investigation and crime scene coordinator

Question 29

When attending a scene where a body has been disturbed, what action would you take?

Answer 29

Where the body has been disturbed: do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition. Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed if required.

Question 30

Identify

Answer 30

Gather information and carry out initial scene assessment

Consider warrantless powers to deal with evidential material

Establish the crime scene itself

Consider approach path and establish a common approach path for all movements into and out of the scene, using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to or from the scene by the suspect or victim

Consider other related crime scenes

What is happening at the scene and who is there

Note and record observations

Establish headquarters

Provide a SITREP to Comms

Question 31

What is the role of an Iwi Liaison Officer?

Answer 31

They provide an understanding and awareness of the Māori traditions, protocols and beliefs, and enhances relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Māori community.

Question 32

What are benefits of appreciation?

Answer 32

Manage risk

Reduces uncertainty

Eliminates duplication

Ensures nothing is overlooked

Effective use of resources

Question 33

In serious crime, a Dr may examine a suspect - apart from noting injuries and taking samples, what else can a Dr report on?

Answer 33

Provide a professional opinion regarding the condition of the suspect

Record any explanations or comments made by the suspect about the offence or the cause of any injuries

Question 34

Safe storage of exhibits

Answer 34

The exhibit label contains the exhibit number

The name of the operation

Other details relating to exhibit description, details of the person finding it, time, date and location are recorded on the scene exhibit schedule

Question 35

Disclosure manager key responsibilities

Answer 35

Ensure all relevant and discoverable material provided to defence counsel

Ensure all relevant and non-discoverable material is identified, listed and defence advised

Continually assess the risk to ensure that non-discoverable material is identified and not disclosed

Question 36

What is the purpose of holding a team conference?

Answer 36

Keep all members up to date with developments in the inquiry

Gives Team members a chance to exchange VIEWS and PASS on important information

2IC to pass on info about file management and admin matters

OC to give brief of important investigative topics, priorities and lines of enquires to follow

Question 37

Team conference must be

Answer 37

Planned
Recorded
Focussed and managed so not drawn out

Question 38

What is the primary function of Police(CIB) when attending a serious crime scene?

Answer 38

Attending the scene at an early stage

Taking control of the situation

Coordinating tasks

Question 39

Definition of appreciation

Answer 39

An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.

Question 40

Explain the meaning of Aim in relation to serious crimes or homicide investigations

Answer 40

An aim is a short (one line) statement which succinctly demonstrates a single object. They must be clear, accurate and concise.

Question 41

What are factors in relation to serious crimes/homicide investigations?

Answer 41

A factor is any circumstances or fact they could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you achieve your desired outcome.

Ask the question - so what? What does this mean? In order to thoroughly examine each factor and draw a logical conclusions from it.

Question 42

Explain what “course open” mean

Answer 42

Courses open are a list of all the possible ways for an aim to be achieved, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from those factors.

Advantages, disadvantages and risks of each alternative must be carefully examined and evaluated.

Question 43

What is a “plan”

Answer 43

A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action in order to achieve the desired aim.

A plan must be -
The Lodi gal outcome of the appreciation , clear and concise.

Question 44

The person reporting an incident is a critical witness in an investigation and it is a priority to obtain al available information from them. Until Police are able to attend the scene, the complainant/informant may be the only source of information available and accurate information can lead to sound decisions. Every effort should be made to obtain:

Answer 44

ID and location of suspect
What the informant and complainant knows
Details of location of scene
ID of Victim
Details of anyone else at the scene

Question 45

In some circumstances a delay may occur between the initial report and Police arriving at the scene. During this time, evidence may be lost Or contaminated. In order to reduce this risk, the complainant/informant may be asked:

Answer 45

Return to the scene and guard it, if it is considered safe for them to do so

Not to enter the obvious boundaries of the scene

Not to touch or move anything

Prevent others from entering or touching the scene

Question 46

Safety At the scene

Answer 46

Preservation of life - Police ensure their own safety and safety of other responders, and others present at the scene.

Question 47

Risk assessment

Answer 47

Initial action at the scene is crucial but may also present physical risks as well as a risk of contamination to the scene.

Subject to the appreciation of risks, a reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender.

Question 48

Medical status of the victim

Answer 48

Having ensured the safety of those present, the next priority is to establish the physical condition of the victim. This falls into one of three categories:

Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life

Question 49

Explain - victim is alive and uninjured

Answer 49

In cases where the victim is confirmed to have no injuries, no additional issues or complications arise. Proceed to preserving the scene.

Question 50

Explain - Victim is alive but injured

Answer 50

If a victim is injured but alive, call an ambulance and consider resuscitation if appropriate. If the victim has to be moved for this purpose, note the original position and record any previous movements

Question 51

At hospital (actions of investigation staff with victim or injured subject )

Answer 51

Medical opinion (nurse/doctor) of victims medical condition

Establish victims ID

Seize victims clothing and other items as evidence

Seize discarded bandages used to cover wounds (record position of bandage in victim)

Note and photos of injuries

Question 52

Explain - Victim shows no signs of life

Answer 52

Apply first aid (person may still be alive)

Request ambulance

Victim should not be moved but if moved not original position (photo, video and sketch of movement)

Question 53

Steps to follow when body discovered

Answer 53

Call ambulance and resuscitation, if victim moved, note down original position

Remain with body until supervisor arrives

Arrange doctors or trained/qualified paramedic to pronounce life extinct

Treat victim as a scene (don’t move body)

Instruct med staff to leave clothing on