Witness Management

Question 1

List 4 methods of identifying witnesses in an investigation.

Answer 1

• Viewing CCTV
• Media release
• Area canvas
• Interviews of witnesses
• Suspect interviews
• Road checkpoints

Question 2

Why is it important to consider Witnesses as a scene?

Answer 2

Witnesses proximate to the scene

Recover all available physical evidence:
- DNA
- Fingerprints
- Clothes
- Footwear
- Fibres
- Body fluids

Question 3

What action should be taken if the Victim is suspected to have vital information or media on their cell phone?

Answer 3

• Obtain informed consent from the witness
• Advise the witness to retain the recording and make arrangements to obtain

Question 4

Outlines reasons why it may sometimes be appropriate to conduct a prelim interview as soon as possible?.

Answer 4

• Early I.D. or arrest of suspect
• Recover of evidence
• Prevention of the disposal and destruction of evidence
• Prevention of the commission of offences

Question 5

In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a preliminary account from the Witness. Outline guidelines around preliminary interviews.

Answer 5

• Conducted using the “Investigative Interviewing Witness Guide”
• Limited to using TEDS questions
• Brief account

Question 6

When making an assessment of the witness, what points should be considered (list 2)

Answer 6

• Personal characteristics
• Availability of the witness
• Special assistance required
• Optimum approach

Question 7

Why Is it important to obtain as much detail as possible from Witnesses?

Question 8

Why is it sometimes beneficial to interview the Officer who spoke to the informant?

Question 9

Witness control during court proceedings. Ensure the Witness does not:

Question 10

If during Court proceedings, the Defence mentions an Alibi Witness, what action should the O/C take?

Answer 10

• Enquiries to determine the veracity of the Alibi
• NIA checks
• Forward results to Crown including statements

Question 11

Why is it important to conduct a risk assessment of all Witnesses?

Answer 11

Establish the extent a witness might be at risk to intimidation or physical harm.

Question 12

What actions should be taken if a witness declines to be interviewed?

Answer 12

• Inform the O/C investigation
• Information provided by the witness