Police Communication Strategies

Questions and Answers

What impression may a member of the public form when interacting with police officers?

A neutral impression without strong feelings

A negative impression of the police service

A positive impression of the police service (correct)

An impression that officers are unapproachable

What information can a Constable require from a possible witness?

Occupation

Name and address (correct)

Social security number

Email address

Under what circumstance can police officers consider using their powers on a witness?

When a witness is suspected of being involved in the crime

When a witness refuses to provide their personal details (correct)

When a witness is hesitant to cooperate

When a witness provides incomplete information

What does the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, Section 13, empower officers to do?

Identify suspects when their identity is unknown Signup and view all the answers

Where may a Constable exercise their powers to require particulars from a witness?

Any place they are legally entitled to be Signup and view all the answers

What must a Constable inform a potential witness of when requiring their particulars?

The general nature of the suspected offence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason police cannot force a person to give a statement?

It infringes on personal rights Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness be uncooperative during an encounter with police?

They may not want to be involved in legal matters Signup and view all the answers

If a witness provides the necessary information, what power does the Constable NOT have?

To require the witness to stay with them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dealing with witnesses is accurate?

Many witnesses are willing to cooperate Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes an offence under Section 13?

Failing to comply with the requirements without reasonable excuse Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary aspect police should consider when interacting with the public?

The impression left on the public Signup and view all the answers

What must a Constable have to suspect that an offence has been committed?

Reasonable grounds for suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What should police officers do when a witness provides their personal information unwillingly?

Use their powers as provided by law Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following details is NOT required from a witness by a Constable?

Email address Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a duty of a Constable when approaching a potential witness?

Informing them of the reason for their inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What behavior did the male exhibit when approached by PC Black?

Avoided eye contact and attempted to leave Signup and view all the answers

What information did the male refuse to provide when stopped?

Details about the assault Signup and view all the answers

At what time was the male observed leaving the pub?

0825 hrs Signup and view all the answers

What legal requirement was read to the male as per the aide memoire?

Section 13 requirement Signup and view all the answers

What was the scheduled shift time for the officer on duty?

0800 hrs to 1600 hrs Signup and view all the answers

What location was associated with the reported assault?

The Red Lion Signup and view all the answers

What complaint was the officer responding to at 0825 hrs?

An assault Signup and view all the answers

What was the demeanor of the male when he was approached for details about the assault?

Withdrawn and uncooperative Signup and view all the answers

What information should a witness provide when required under Section 13?

Name, address, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality Signup and view all the answers

What must be stated verbatim to the witness when gathering their particulars?

An offence has potentially been committed and I require your details. Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, what constitutes an offence under Section 1 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016?

Failing to provide details without reasonable excuse Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness be unhelpful when asked to provide their particulars?

They fear repercussions from the accused or distrust the police. Signup and view all the answers

What should always be used operationally and for court purposes regarding witness details?

Aide Memoire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the requirements under Section 13?

Witnesses must be informed of the nature of the offence before providing details. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for employing an Aide Memoire while gathering witness particulars?

It provides a standardized approach to ensure legal compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence for a witness who fails to comply with the request for their particulars?

They may be arrested for non-compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the behavior of the male when approached by the police officer?

He attempted to escape the area. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances was Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 invoked?

When the suspect refused to provide details. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the requirement under Section 13?

It requires suspects to provide their personal particulars. Signup and view all the answers

What was the male's response regarding providing a statement about the incident?

He refused to give a statement but recounted the assault verbally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence if a suspect does not comply with Section 13 requirements?

Further actions may be taken by the police to obtain compliance. Signup and view all the answers

How did the male's attitude potentially impact the investigation process?

It hindered the investigation by withholding information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about police powers under Section 13 is accurate?

Section 13 empowers police to compel individuals to provide particulars in specific situations. Signup and view all the answers

What element must police establish in invoking Section 13 with respect to a suspect?

The suspicion of involvement in a relevant incident. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Witness and Suspect Interaction

Public interaction shapes perceptions of police services; effective communication fosters positive views.
Most witnesses are willing to assist, but some may decline involvement for various reasons.
Witnesses must provide basic information (name, date of birth, birth place, address, nationality) when requested, otherwise police powers can be exercised.

Legal Framework

Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 grants police powers to require witness information.
Powers are applicable at crime scenes or any permissible location.
Police may inform a witness about their suspicion and the nature of the suspected offence while requesting details.

Compliance and Non-compliance

Failure to provide requested details without a reasonable excuse constitutes an offence.
Police cannot compel a witness to remain until verification of their details.
Specific wording must be used when informing witnesses of their obligations as per Section 13.

Reasons for Non-cooperation

Witness reluctance may stem from personal connections to suspects, fear of repercussions, negative past experiences with law enforcement, or a desire to avoid court proceedings.

Operational Guidelines

The Lord Advocate recommends consistent use of an Aide Memoire for interactions involving Section 13.
Documenting interactions and actions taken is crucial for accountability and court purposes.

Example Scenario

A case involving a male witness who refused to provide personal details but gave a verbal account of an assault highlights practical applications of Section 13.

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Description

This quiz examines the importance of effective communication when interacting with witnesses and the public in law enforcement. Understand how positive engagement can influence public perception of the police service. Enhance your skills in building rapport and managing expectations.