Part 10 - Witness Management

Question 1

What are key things to consider for a witness?

Answer 1

• Forensic evidence, where they so proximate evidence transfered?
• Recordings, did they take an audio, vide or photograph?

Question 2

Preliminary witness interviews, this information may lead to:

Answer 2

• early identification or arrest of a suspect
• recovery of evidence or information relevant to the offence.
• prevention of the immediate disposal or destruction of evidence connected to the investigation.
  -Prevention of the commission of other offences

Question 3

Appointment of an interviewer:

• The selection of an appropriate interview is an important step in the development of a witness. These issues should be considered:

Answer 3

• the level of training
• interviews of adult witnesses who are considered investigately important, should be conducted by an accredited level three specialist adult witness interview, or accredited level two advance interviewer.
  -interviews of witnesses in complex crime investigations (other than investigatively important) should be conducted by L2.
• Forensic child interviewer should be utilised for any interview of a child or person suffering from an intellectual impairment.
• The experience the officer has an interviewing witnesses in major investigations and any additional skills may be advantageous in the circumstance.
• The suitability of the officer to undertake the interview. This should include a consideration of any welfare issues and whether any previous experience is likely to inhibit or encourage a rapport with the interviewee.

Question 4

Witness interview plan normally covers;

Answer 4

• The time and location of the interview
• The amount of information to be disclosed to the interviewer
• Setting interview objectives
• Supporting the interview, for example using a monitor
• The structure of the interview, e.g. recorded on video or written.

Question 5

FLO - responsibly to witnesses:

Answer 5

Ensure the victims next of kin are regularly updated of the progress of both the enquiry and court proceedings, as directed by the 2IC

Question 6

OC witnesses and 2IC - responsibility to witnesses

Answer 6

Ensuring court attendance:
- Maintain contact with all prosecution witnesses, ensuring they’re summonsed, and available to appear in court as required.

Court Proceedings:
Ensure witnesses are fully briefed as to their responsibilities and that they are updated throughout the investigation and court process .

Witness intimidation :
- By maintaining constant contact police are more likely to become aware of any threat or intimidation.

Witness order:
- easiest for OC exhibits to go first so they can produce exhibits which can later be referred to.

Almost consider media strategy and requirements for interpreting and name suppression.

WITNESS CONTROL:
ensure that witnesses do not :
- 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

Refreshing memory :
At court, request that the witness refresh their memory by reading any previous signed statements or interview transcripts .

Question 8

Alibi witnesses - the investigator must:

Answer 8

-Make enquiries to determine the veracity of the alibi
- Conduct enquiries as directed by the OC investigation and the Crown solicitor including NIA checks
- Forward the results of those enquiries to the solicitor, including any statements obtained.