Two key tasks of any investigation
The purpose of team conferences
Different types of conferences
Primary functions of the initial Police responders
** they are the temporary OC untill relieved by supervisor, CIB or O/C
Instances triggering a homicide investigation
Team conferences must be…..
Explain VAWSEEPO
V - identify and locate VICTIM
A - Make an initial APPRECIATION of the incident
W - Locate and contain WITNESSES
S - Preserve the SCENE
E - Note EXHIBITS(evidence) and preserve
E - Consider the ELEMENTS of the alleged offence
P - Identify what POWERS are available
O - Identify and apprehend OFFENDER.
Define Appreciation
An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.
Benefit of applying the appreciation technique
‑ Manages risk
‑ Reduces uncertainty
‑ Eliminates duplication
‑ Ensures nothing is overlooked
‑ Effective use of resources.
Appreciation steps
Questions to ask during “courses open” of the appreciation technique
Information to obtain from informants
To reduce risk of loss or contamination, the complainant/informant may be asked -
Three categories of victim’s medical status
When victim is alive but injured
If practicable, a detective should accompany the victim to hospital. Otherwise, a detective should attend hospital without delay.
How to ensure statement from a dying person is admissible
Demonstrate reliability and consider the circumstances as stated under Evidence Act 2006
Steps when preserving a scene
Explain common approach path
A path which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim, ensuring minimum disturbance to the scene.
What is a Crime scene log
A crime scene log records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene, as well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case
Purpose of Crime scene log
A scene guard and the log maintained by that person, is employed in order to ensure
Scene guard duties
Initial questioning of a witness
Initial actions to preserve a scene (Identify)
Initial action to preserve a scene (Secure)