Area Canvas Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the main objectives of an area canvas?
- Identifying the offender
- Identifying and locating evidence
- Identifying witnesses
- Gathering information
What is the purpose of an Area Canvas?
Often links exist between the scene of a crime and the offender, victim and witnesses. A methodically conducted area canvas therefore presents a high likelihood of identifying the offender, witness, exhibits or establishing facts.
Ideally the OC Investigation, OC Area Canvass and OC Suspects should attend the general scene as soon as practicable in order to….
To make a reconnaissance, conduct an appreciation, set parameters and objectives of canvass.
Why is it important to conduct an area canvass at the same time as the offending?
To capture people who regularly pass through that area at that time of day.
Setting the objectives
The key to effective management of resources is planning and foresight. The O/C in conjunction with their appointed O/C Area Canvas.
In order to set parameters for the area canvass, list 4 relevant locations which may influence the canvass parameters.
- Premises within the line of sight of scenes
- Access routes to the scenes
- Location where the victim was last seen alive
- Locations frequented by the victim
- Location of similar previous incidents
What should be considered in regards to risk assessment?
- Violent offenders
- Persons wanted for other crimes
- Groups with cultural needs
- Local incidents or issues with residents
Identifying time parameters those carrying out enquiries should be aware of:
- The offence
- The scene
- Sightings
- Previous residents and visitors
- Consideration of people’s work times
Identifying witnesses:
- Events connected to an incident
- Sightings of a victim or offender
- Sightings of potential witnesses
- Sightings of relevant property or vehicles
Why would Police consider conducting a covert area canvass?
To identify people who may avoid a particular area if they were aware of Police presence.
What is the purpose of a questionnaire and what must the O/C Area Canvass stress to team members?
To ensure relevant information is gathered in a consistent manner.
Do not divulge information that is only known to police.
List four key points of consideration for team briefings.
- Summarise the situation
- Emphasise thoroughness
- Questionnaire is only a guide
- Evidence of probative value must be recorded in a statement not a notebook
- Visiting the canvas area
- Ensure forms are completed
- Reconcile completed locations on a master copy
- Advise staff
How to keep staff motivated during an area canvass phase?
- Do regular briefings and feedback progress investigation team has made
- Check on them regularly
What points need to be covered off in the O/C Area Canvass debrief?
- Evaluate the quality of completed work
- Identify lines of enquiry
- Monitor progress
- Detailed record
- Which addresses have been visited
- Which occupants interviewed
- The documentation completed
- Any relevant comments made
What should the final report consist of:
- Summary of all action taken
- Significant findings
