Initial Response to Homicide or Serious Crime 1

Question 1

Primary functions for initial responders (3)

Answer 1

-attending the SCENE at an early stage.
-taking control of the SITUATION.
-co-ordinating TASKS.

Question 2

Matters that could be a homicide (10)

Answer 2

-report of missing person.
-sudden unexplained death of infant.
-unexplained death.
-report of an abduction.
-report of violence, no fatalities are anticipated.
-crime scene without a body.
-hit and run 1V.
-suicide.
-fatal fire.
-drug related deaths.

Question 3

Benefits of Appreciation technique (8)

Answer 3

-informs all Police what they EXPECT to ACHIEVE.
-increases the chances of SUCCESS.
-establishes a SEQUENCE of activities to be carried out.
-manages RISK.
-reduces UNCERTAINTY.
-eliminates DUPLICATION.
-ensures nothing is OVERLOOKED.
-effective use of RESOURCES.

Question 4

Info from complainants/informants: (11)

Answer 4

-ID and location of SUSPECT. (who?)
-ID of VICTIM. (who?)
-RELATIONSHIP to suspect and/or victim
-details of OTHERS at scene (who?)
-first-hand ACCOUNT of WHAT they know.
-precise LOCATION of scene. (where?)
-circumstances leading to DISCOVERY. (how?)
-full CONTACT DETAILS.
-DEMEANOUR.
-any ACTIONS taken. (what?)
-any HAZARDS or safety issues.

Question 5

If delayed in arriving to scene, ask the informant to… (5)

Answer 5

-RETURN to the proximity of the scene and GUARD it if safe.
-NOT ENTER the boundaries of the scene.
-NOT to TOUCH or move anything.
-PREVENT OTHERS from entering or touching the scene.
-AWAIT POLICE arrival, make themselves known.

Question 6

At hospital with a victim (11)

Answer 6

1. Get a MEDICAL OPINION re: victim’s current condition.
2. seize clothing and possessions as EVIDENCE.
3. Establish victim’s ID.
4. Obtain a pre-transfusion BLOOD sample.
5. Seize any discarded BANDAGES used to cover gunshot wounds, record their position on the victim.
6. Arrange FIREARMS RESIDUE samples.
7. Note and photograph INJURIES.
8. DNA SWABS from the victim’s skin.
9. Obtain details for VISITORS.
10. SCOPING interview. If they may die consider FWS (hearsay statement).
11. PRELIM interview with ambo or ED STAFF.

Question 7

When you discover a body (13)

Answer 7

1. Consider AMBO and RESUS. If victim must be moved, record original position and any movements.
2. REMAIN with the body until RELIEVED.
3. Have a DOCTOR PRONOUNCE life extinct, unless obvious.
4. Treat the victim as a SCENE.
5. Instruct medical staff to LEAVE CLOTHES on the body.
6. If treatment given, request that tubes, needles etc be left IN SITU.
7. SCOPING INTERVIEWS if possible with medical staff.
8. Ascertain if the victim SPOKE WITH ANYONE prior to death.
9. RECORD BODY position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing.
10. Objectively record everything using all SENSES.
11. Record all EXHIBITS.
12. SKETCH the scene.
13. Provide full info to O/C ASAP.