Part 1 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the benefits of applying appreciation technique?
- Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
- Increases the chances of success, i.e. the investigative aims/objectives being met
- Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
- Manages risk
- Reduces uncertainty
- Eliminates duplication
- Ensures nothing is overlooked
- Effective use of resources
What are the two main purposes for police attending scene of any death?
Police purpose is always to investigate thoroughly and
gather sufficient evidence to satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the death.
The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should consider these issues where applicable?
Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched.
Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness.
Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness.
Forensic medical examination – fingernail scrapings/hair combing etc
Seizure of clothing and footwear
Seizure of any items of property touched by suspect
What else should you consider with witnesses prior to statements?
Avoiding any cross contamination issues by arranging for witnesses who have been present
at a crime scene, to use different vehicles and interview rooms to those used by other
witnesses, the suspect or victim.
Photographing witnesses at the scene enables future identification for witnessesl for
example to assist with CCTV enquiries or for OC witnesses at court hearings.
Photograph any injuries suffered by witnesses.
Explain what a common approach path is?
Common approach paths are a route in and out of the scene that all staff/civilians are to use. This path will be a route that avoids any route taken to and from the scene by the suspect or victim. It is
best to consider possible approach paths previously and establish a common approach path early to prevent loss of evidence or cross contamination.
What are the three categories of a victims medical status?
Alive and uninjured
Alive but injured
Shows no signs of life
What is the first thing to consider when undertaking a course of action at a serious crime
scene?
Risk assessment:Initial action at the scene is crucial but may also present physical risks as well as a risk of contamination to the scene. Before initial actions can be safely undertaken, those in charge at the scene must conduct an appreciation on the known information, to dictate how, why and what form initial action should take.
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.
The first priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members.
To avoid unnecessary disturbance to the scene, refer to ‘Preserving the scene’.
Preserving the scene - Ispcr
1 Identify
* Consider possible approach paths and establish a Common Approach Path (CAP) for all
movements into and out of the scene; using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to
and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim.
* Gather information and carry out initial assessment of the scene.
* Establish the crime scene itself and extend parameters as widely as possible to capture exhibits,
weapons or items the suspect has discarded etc.
* Provide SITREP to comms
* Establish SFP
* Note and record observations.
Preserving the scene - iSpcr
2 Secure
* Where necessary, exercise search powers to secure the scene pursuant to section 116 of the
Search and surveillance act 2012.
* Effect removal of all persons within the scene in a way that causes a minimum disturbance
to scene. For example by using the CAP and ensuring witnesses don’t disturb or remove
anything from the scene.
* Establish cordoned parameters using Police tape.
* Arrange and brief scene guards with clearly defined duties using Police employees or civilian
security guards as per local policy. If necessary, reliable members of the public may initially
act as guards until further Police arrive.
* Arrange Crime Scene logs.
* Prevent unauthorized persons from entering or leaving the scene.
* Prevent any father loss or damage to evidence cause by adverse weather or other factors
such as animals.
Preserving the scene - isPcr
3 Preserve
Consider the best path into the scene.
Record any movements/action taken in the scene
Preserve what is there and leave it ‘in situ’. Ensure nothing is touched or moved. The scene
must be kept in its original state.
If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates.
Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and/or record evidence that may change
if nothing is done. For example, rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain.
Preserving the scene - ispCr
Consider
If initial photographs of the scene and persons present are necessary.
Preserving the scene - ispcR
Record
The integrity of the scene by establishing and maintaining a crime scene log of movements,
names, times and reasons for entry and exit to the scene. A template Crime Scene Log is
included in the Serious Crime Template.
Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the
victim.
Complete a sketch of the scene.
Photograph the scene and consider using video recording.
Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions.
Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC Investigation at an early
stage.
What action must Police staff at the scene of a serious crime take if the media are present?
If members of the media are present at the scene, keep them away from the immediate crime scene cordon and make no comment about the incident. Consult with the OC Investigation on arrival and explain what has happened, identify media members and where
they are located.
You are the first at the scene of a homicide and you are advised that the suspect is still present. What should be your first priority in relation to the suspect?
PRISON
Preliminary interview with suspect
Record all comments made and action taken with suspect
Isolate suspect from other suspects/witnesses/victims
Search and surveillance powers of detention/search or arrest if possible – consider cautioning
Obtain cooperation and ask them to remain if no powers
Note and consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or suffer from a medical or mental impairment or other special consideration.
Define Apperciation?
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 factors and is an ongoing process allowing osund decision making through each new piece of information.
What do scene guards need to record?
Crime scene log:
-details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt or leave the scene
-any other activities around scene percieved to be relvant.
