Serious Crime Investigation Flashcards
(63 cards)
1
Q
What are the two key tasks of any investigation?
A
- gathering and preserving evidence
- accurate and detailed documentation
2
Q
To maintain high standards in the investigation process you must…?
(8 points)
A
- have an investigative mindset
- have the ability to apply the Appreciation Technique to think through issues to ensure the best possible course of action followed.
- always consider how your decisions will be scrutinized under cross-examination months later in Court when the case proceeds to trial
- pay meticulous attention to detail
- carry out your assigned tasks effeciently
- value the importance of professionalism, integrity and objectivity in conducting investigations
- maintain excellent communication skills (written and oral),
- work as a team
3
Q
What is the purpose of holding team conferences when investigating a major crime?
A
- keep all members of the team up to date with developments in the enquiry
- give team members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on important information
- give the 2IC the opportunity to pass on instructions to staff on file management and other administrative matters
- give the officer in charge the chance to brief the team on important investigative topics, priorities and which lines of inquiry to follow
4
Q
Who usually chairs the team conferences?
A
The officer in charge
5
Q
What must team conferences be?
A
Carefully
- planned
- recorded
- focused and managed to avoid excessive time use
6
Q
What are the different types of conference?
A
- Initial conference
- regular conference
- debriefing conference
- phase team conferences - run by the O/C phase and attended by his/her staff only
7
Q
To maintain confidentiality how should the venue be?
A
Secure from the public, media, and from interviews in progress nearby. To ensure ensure privacy and to avoid interruptions, all telephones should be diverted.
8
Q
Confidentiality and CHIS info.
A
Where confidential CHIS information is being discussed the importance of confidentiality cannot be overstated. The same applies regarding information that may possibly be required for later corroboration.
9
Q
What are the primary functions of initial attending staff at a homicide or serious crime?
A
- attending the scene at an early stage
- taking control of the situation
- co-ordinating tasks
10
Q
What type of incidents notified to Police are not initially identifiable as homicide?
(10 points)
A
- report of a missing person
- sudden unexplained death of an infant
- unexplained death
- report of abduction
- report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
- crime scene without a body present
- hit and run vehicular collision
- suicide
- fatal fire
- drug related deaths
11
Q
What is the acronym for the general investigation model?
A
VAWSEEPO
12
Q
What does VAWSEEPO stand for?
A
Victim
Appreciation
Witmesses
Scene
Exhibits
Elements
Powers
Offenders
13
Q
VAWSEEPO
victim
A
Identify and locate the victim(s)
14
Q
VAWSEEPO
Appreciation
A
Make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the lives of others
15
Q
VAWSEEPO
witnesses
A
Locate and contain witnesses
16
Q
VAWSEEPO
Scene
A
Preserve the scene (e.g. set boundaries)
17
Q
VAWSEEPO
exhibits
A
Note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed.
18
Q
VAWSEEPO
elements
A
Consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established
19
Q
VAWSEEPO
powers
A
Identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them
20
Q
VAWSEEPO
offender
A
Identify and apprehend suspect(s)
21
Q
What are the benifits of applying an appreciation technique?
A
- Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
- Increases the chance 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
22
Q
In AFCO define “Aim”
A
An aim is a short (one line) statement which succinctly demonstrates a single objective.
23
Q
In AFCO define “Factors”
A
A factor is any circumstance or fact that could possibly have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve your desired outcome
24
Q
In AFCO define “Courses Open”
A
Courses Open is a list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved, bearing in mind the factors and the deductions made from those factors.
25
In AFCO define "Plan"
A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the selected course into action in order to achieve the desired aim.
26
What information should you make every effort to obtain from an informant while en route?
- Identity and location of the suspect
- a firsthand account of what the complainant/informant knows
- precise details of the location of the scene
- circumstances leading to the discovery
- identity of the victim
- details of anyone else at the scene
- full contact details of the complainant/informant
- demeanor of the complainant/informant
- relationship of the complainant/informant, to the victim or suspect
- details of action the complainant/informant has taken and where they have been
- details of any hazards or safety issues that may affect Police approaching the scene/victim
27
What are some things an informant/complainant MAY be asked to do to preserve a scene?
- to return to the proximity of 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
- to prevent others from entering or touching the scene
- to await Police arrival and identify themselves to the first Police at the scene
28
What three categories can the physical condition of a victim fall into?
- Alive and uninjured
- Alive but injured
- Shows no signs of life
29
What to do when the victim is "Alive and uninjured"?
Where the victim is confirmed to have no injuries, proceed to *Preserving the scene*
30
What to do if the victim is "Alive but injured"?
- call ambo and consider resus if appropriate.
- note original body position and record any previous movements
- if transported by ambo, MUST get ambo crew details and destination
- if practicable, a Detective should ride in the ambo too, otherwise they should attend at the hospital
31
What are the steps when a Detective attends at hospital?
(11 points)
1. Obtain a medical opinion as to the victim's current medical condition.
2. Seize the victims clothing and other possessions of evidence.
3. Establish the victim's identity
4. Obtain a pre-transfusion blood sample using a Police Toxicology Kit.
5. Seize any discarded bandages used to cover gunshot wounds and record the position on the victim where each bandage had been applied
6. Arrange firearms residue samples if a firearm is suspected (including for suicide)
7. Note and photograph any injuries
8. Arrange DNA swabs to be taken from relevant areas.
9. Obtain details of any and all persons who visit or contact the victim.
10. Conducting a scoping interview with the victim if it will not adversely affect medical welfare.
If it is anticipated they may die, record an immediate statement and consider incase of hearsay
- the nature of the statement
- the contents of the statement
- the circumstances relating to the making of the statement
- circumstances relating to the veracity of the person, and
- circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person
11. Conduct prelim interviews with ambo staff.
32
What are the steps when the victim "Shows no signs of life"?
(13 points)
1. Consider calling ambo and resus if appropriate. Note original body position and record any previous movements.
2. Remain with the body until relieved by CIB or a supervisor
3. Arrange a doctor to pronounce 'life extinct' unless obvious.
4. Treat the 'victim as a scene (Do **not** move the body unnecessarily)
5. Instruct medical staff to leave clothes on the body
6. If medical treatment has been given, request medical equipment be left' in situ'
7. If possible conduct scoping interviews with medical staff for their actions, and cause of death
8. Ascertain if the victim spoke to anyone before death and record what was said
9. Record body position, lividity, obvious injuries and clothing
10. Objectively record everything using all 5 senses, including what seems unimportant
11. Record all exhibits
12. Sketch a plan including the position of the body and positions of exhibits
13. Provide full information to the OC Investigation at an early stage.
33
Initial Actions to preserve a scene.
**1. Identify**
(establish scene, common approach path (CAP), initial assessment, what & who)
**2. Secure**
(powers, remove all persons using common CAP, tape off scene, arrange & brief scene guard, logs, protect scene from weather/animals etc)
**3. Preserve**
(leave things in situ, consider stepping plates, be prepared to secure/record evidence if will be lost i.e. footprints in rain
**4. Consider**
if initial photography of scene/persons is necessary
**5. Record**
(scene log of all movements, full notes of precise details of the scene (particularly the victim), sketch, photo/video of scene, anything moved)
34
What is the purpose of a **crime scene log?**
To ensure
- there is no unauthorized entry into the scene
- integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
- intelligence opportunities are maximised
- contamination issues are managed
35
What are the duties of a scene guard?
- secure scene
- record details (name/QID/reason/timings)
- control movements (use of CAP)
- record movements
- brief others
- avoid disturbance (like using the toilet/making coffee)
- protect scene (animals etc)
- brief replacement
- respect security (don't gossip/share with public/media)
- demonstrate courtesy
- inform others
36
What should be asked during initial questioning of a witness?
- what happened
- where exactly the incident happened
- when it happened
- who was involved
- what the witness did
- where the witness went
- what the witness touched
- who touched the witness
- who else was present
- descriptions of those present
- what did those people say/do
37
Obtaining key material from witnesses
1. Obtain full details of all persons present
2. Assemble people. In a clear area, ensuring a police officer remains with them
3. If possible, isolate witnesses from each other to mitigate contamination/collusion
4. Identify witnesses and conduct a brief scoping interview, use TEDS.
5. Establish whether any persons have left the area
6. If the witness made calls, establish to who/number/answered
7. Record regos of nearby vehicle
8. Seize any CCTV relevant to routes
38
Procedures for suspects at the scene
1. Separate from others
2. Consider condition (injured/drunk/1M/handicap)
3. Ask them to remain and cooperate with police. Remove ASAP by consent or lawful justification
4. If refuse, are there grounds for arrest, and for what
5. To prevent cross contamination, if possible use officer who haven't entered the scene
6. If K9/detained - rights
7. Consider arrest search
8. Consider searching area nearby
9. Not appearance and behaviour/demeanor
10. Record everything the suspect says. Consider prelim interview.
11. Whenever possible, video recorded interview
12. Brief the O/C, advise of risks of cross-contamination
39
What briefing will an O/C expect once they arrive at the scene?
- what has occurred
- what action has been taken
- what has not been done
- what needs to be done
40
What are the 3 key elements of a homicide?
- Victim
- Suspect
- Location
41
Responsibilities of the OC Body
The OC body must:
- ensure death certificate has been certified by Dr or qualified paramedic
- mai train security & continuity of body/samples/exhibits from scene to post-mortem
-note and record observations
- note details of medical staff who have attended the victim
- record what actions have been taken by ANY part in respect of the body
- establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
- ensure the body is photographed in-situ & consider video recording
- on authority of OC investigation, arrange transport of the body
- complete 4B
- on authority of O investigation, arrange formal ID
- obtain medical records from patholigist
- attend post-mortem with OC investigation
- attend briefing & debriefing of/with pathologist & OC
- ensure Police photographer takes sufficient photos of body clothed, disrobed, and during post-mortem
- preserve evidence from body
- record and label all "body" exhibits
- arrange for prints if required
- ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
42
What responsibilities are for OC investigation and NOT OC body?
- notify Coroner early of the death
- arrange the post mortem exam
- consult the Pathologist before post-mortem regarding relevance of X-ray, CT/CAT scans
43
Crime Scene attendance, who?
OC will determine whether Pathologist and/or Crown will attend scene to see body in-situ.
If on-call Pathologist is too far, local may be used.
44
Key areas to be considered in preparing to brief interested parties
- photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene
- actions of the first responders
- identity of the body
- history of the body (medical, drugs found, action taken, or other developments)
- time frames of finding the body
- any special evidential expectations and requirements
- environmental factors (weather, temperatures, appliances, pollen)
- any other info from experts
45
Appreciation prior to body removal
- Notification to and response from the Coroner
- views of Pathologist, ESR forensic scientist, Crown Solicitor attending the scene
- Requirement for any examination or action before removal
- best method and route for removal
- chain of custody from scene to mortuary
- safe custody of exhibits
- family and/or cultural considerations
- record a SOP for protective clothing to be followed
46
Establishing if the body has moved. Where the body has been disturbed....
Record what movements have taken place as soon as possible
- 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
47
Samples at the scene
Specimines should only be taken at the scene (after consultation with experts) if evidence would otherwise be lost. i.e.
- larvae and insects
- potential fingerprint evidence from skin/clothing worn by body
- DNA swabs
- extraneous loose fibers like hairs, fibers, glass, paint or other fragments
- firearm residue samples
48
Recording details and removing the body
1. Record the position by sketch, direct a Police photographer. Consider video recording
2. On consultation with OC, consider marking and recording the position of the body before moving it, eg. measuring from 2 fixed points
3. Record all details of the position including:
- position of the limbs
- appearance of the body
- Wounds and clothing
- direction of any trails of blood present
- Lividity, if present
- Extent of any rigor mortis present
4. **Important** consider health risks
5. Cover hands, feet and head with paper bags & secure with tape.
6. Ensure clothing is not continated by contact with foreign objects
7. Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a body bag
8. Carefully search underneath where the body lay
9. Retain as exhibits all materials used to transport the body
10. Obtain OC approval to move body
11. Once directed to by OC arrange undertaker. Remember security and continuity of body as a scene
49
Appreciation prior to post-mortem (factors to consider)
- ID of body at the mortuary
- Authority from the Coroner to conduct post-mortem
- Consultation with pathologist
- safe custody of exhibits
- identifying who should attend post-mortem
- Requirement for any specific sampling
- Appropriate resources at post-mortem for exhibits & photographing
- Family/cultural considerations
- Any likely requirement for a second or subsequent post-mortem
50
What is the purpose of a post-mortem?
- determining where possible, the mode and time of death
- establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene have contributed towards the death of the victim
- determining the nature and size of any weapons used
- determining the height and stature of the suspect
- providing areas of interest of subsequent interviews of witmesses/suspects
- negating possible defenses
- identifying the victim (if ID not established)
51
Who MAY attend a post-mortem under s38 of the Coroners Act 2006?
- the Pathologist
- the Coroner
- any other pathologist assisting (if authorised by the Coroner)
- a doctor who treated the deceased
- a doctor, nurse, or funeral director representing the deceased (if authorised by the Coroner)
- a doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged (if authorised by the Coroner)
- any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by the Coroner)
- Police
- any other person authorized by the Coroner
52
Police who should attend a post-mortem
- OC investigation
- OC body
- a designated exhibit officer for the post mortem (if required)
- Police photographer
- SOCO or fingerprint officer, if required.
53
Which two parties should be given particular consideration to obtain the Coroner's approval to attend a post-mortem?
- ESR forensic scientist
- Crown Solicitor
54
What other experts may an O wish to consult about a post-mortem?
- odontologist
- biologist
- medical illustrator
- toxicologist
- ballistics expert
- crime scene examiner
- entomologist
- anthropologist
- DVI
55
What equipment is require for a post-mortem?
- MEK
- Toxicology kit
- Body label
- dedicated notebook and pens
- exhibit schedule
- copy of the POL47
- POL265 Deceased Person Certificate
- POL265A Deceased Person Identification
- Exhibit packaging supplies (envelopes, tape, exhibit labels, exhibit sacks)
- protective clothing (paper suit, gloves, mask)
- photographs from scene showing body in-situ
- a range of exhibit numbers for the post-mortem
- pre-printed labels of possible
- roll of brown paper, for placing layers between folds of blood stained clothing
- Firearms residue kit (if relevant)
56
What MUST the OC Body do on arrival at the mortuary?
1. Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body.
2. Ensure the body is labeled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge
3. Retain any key used to secure the body, until it is required for the post-mortem
4. Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the post-mortem
5. Arrange formal ID of the body
57
Methods of ID-ing a body where visual ID is impossible
- fingerprints
- DNA profiling (3-4 weeks, or 48hrs for urgent)
- dental records, through Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
- eye examination records
- medical exam records, (scars, birthmarks, implants, prosthetics, x-rays, surgical wounds, amputations, and tattoos.
- personal effects
- facial reconstruction
58
What info can be provided about skeletal remains?
- whether the remains are actually bones
- whether the bones are human
- the age, gender, height, and race of the person
59
What relevant information should the Pathologist be supplied with?
- Copy of POL47
- MEK
- Toxicology kit
- medical records of the deceased
- Comprehensive photos and/or video taken at the scene. Including images of exhibits, weapons, body in-situ.
60
Steps for stripping a body
1. Must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist
2. Remove from secure mortuary fridge and assist to take in post-mortem exam room
3. Remove body from body bag, causing minimal disturbance
4. Take possession of the body bag, sheets, or wrapping as exhibits
5. If necessary direct photographer to take additional photograpgs
6. Remove clothing items.
- avoid cutting of clothing if possible, if you must then cut where less likely to be evidence
- search pockets and record each pocket contents
7. Make inventory of clothing and possessions as each is removed
8. Label each item
9. Seal each item in a separate paper bag/container
10. Ensure exhibits do not cross-contaminate
11. Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits until post-mortem commences
12. For head wounds, consider placing a fine seive to catch debris during washing
61
Mortuary photographs should include...
- the body, before it is stripped
- the body, after it is stripped
- close ups of any wounds, marks, internal injuries, unusual features. Must include a measuring scale.
62
What procedures should the Pathologist follow?
- record a description of the body, including: height, weight, build, eye colour and hair(density, colour, baldness)
- record the body's external appearance (front and back) including: injuries, bruises, scars, scratches, discoloration, and imperfections such as false teeth or false leg
- use specialist kits as required, eg, MEK, Toxicology kit, Firearms discharge residue kit, or post-mortem kit.
63
Common/possible post-mortem samples
- blood
- stomach contents
- head and pubic hair
- urine
- ocular fluid
- bile
- liver
- lungs (burnt body/drowning)
- organs
- nasal cavities (pollen analysis)
