Understanding Major and Serious Investigations

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Questions and Answers

What is included in Category 'A' investigations?

Fraud and financial crimes

Burglary and theft

Homicide and terrorism offences (correct)

Drug-related crimes

Which of the following best describes the role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)?

To have comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and processes (correct)

To provide regular updates to the gold commander

To manage the logistics of the investigation

To implement the investigative strategy

What is a characteristic of Category 'B' investigations?

They require a Senior Investigating Officer at all times

They involve minor injuries and small financial loss

They do not involve any unlawful purpose

They can lead to imprisonment for a term of three years or more (correct)

In the absence of the SIO, what is one of the responsibilities of the Deputy Senior Investigating Officer (DSIO)?

To manage the logistics of the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is an expectation of strategic investigators?

They provide updates to the gold commander on investigation progress Signup and view all the answers

What type of offences does Category 'C' include?

Serious offences not categorized elsewhere Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT included in the knowledge required for a Senior Investigating Officer?

Local laws and regulations specific to minor crimes Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus for investigations categorized as 'A'?

The nature of the crime involving violence or serious harm Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the PIP4 concerning the SIO during an investigation?

To provide advice and support to manage the investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which document provides guidance that should be considered in all investigations?

Benchmarks for Investigative Standard and Related Considerations Signup and view all the answers

Why is the systematic recording of decision-making by the SIO essential during investigations?

To justify relevant decisions made during the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What obligation do police officers have concerning risk management during investigations?

To identify, assess, and manage risks to prevent harm Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might police officers be required to make complex decisions?

When faced with misleading information Signup and view all the answers

Which model is emphasized for application in all cases of police decision-making?

National Decision Model Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of an investigation is particularly highlighted for its importance?

Justification of decisions made during the investigation Signup and view all the answers

How often should the PIP4 meet with the SIO during an investigation?

Regularly to review the progress of the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as vital for the success of any investigation?

An organized and methodical approach Signup and view all the answers

Which category of investigation is likely the most severe?

Category A - Major Investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which section is likely to address the administrative procedures for managing investigations?

Administration of Investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in the document details regarding investigations?

Implementation Date Signup and view all the answers

Which type of investigation would likely not focus on major criminal activities?

Category D - Routine Investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of initiating early liaison with individuals having local knowledge during a criminal investigation?

It aids in the quick elimination of suspects. Signup and view all the answers

What section would provide insight into the specific risk factors for investigations?

Investigation Risk Management Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of passive data generators?

Capturing live testimonies from witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial when ensuring that full antecedents are recorded regarding suspects?

Providing a detailed modus operandi. Signup and view all the answers

Which document detail would inform about the evaluation and assessment of an investigation?

To be Reviewed Date Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should an investigator document reasons for deviating from standard procedures when treating a suspect?

If there are valid concerns justifying unique treatment. Signup and view all the answers

In the structure of the investigation document, which section deals with definitions of terms used?

Abbreviations and Glossary Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes passive data generators from other forms of record keeping?

They gather data automatically without human judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely function of the 'Identifying Suspect(s)' section?

To provide methods for suspect identification Signup and view all the answers

Which type of investigation focuses on the most significant crimes that risk public safety?

Category C - Significant Investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which step is essential after linking a suspect to an offense?

Creating a strategy for their arrest. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible content of 'Other Investigative Matters'?

Protocols for special investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a primary use of CCTV in investigations?

Preserving evidence related to the crime location. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of absconders or persons on home leave is worth considering during investigations?

They may have relevant information or connection to the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is likely the purpose of appointing investigators in major and serious crimes?

To ensure thorough and specific expertise in investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect would the 'Investigative Standards' section address?

Establishment of ethical practices during investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Deputy SIO following guidance from the SIO?

Preparation and submission of evidential documents Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for arranging the resourcing of the MIR?

Deputy Div.Com. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if charges are discontinued or there is an acquittal?

Conduct a review directed by the Chairman of the Crime and Intelligence Steering Group Signup and view all the answers

What additional techniques can be employed for suspect identification?

Artist impressions and video-fits Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the reviewing officer when a case ends with no positive result?

Chairman of the Crime and Intelligence Steering Group Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured regarding the force-wide crime circulation?

It should contain comprehensive details of suspect descriptions and modus operandi Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions should a case review be initiated by the Chairman?

At any time from the commencement of an investigation that is of major, public, or force interest Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Media Ops liaison play in suspect identification?

Developing and distributing descriptions via media Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Categorisation of Investigations

Category A (Major Investigation): Includes homicide, attempted homicide, infanticide, kidnapping, and terrorism offences.
Category B (Serious Investigation): Involves violent actions resulting in serious injury, substantial financial loss, collective unlawful activity, or any offence potentially resulting in three years’ imprisonment or more.

Appointed Investigators for Major and Serious Crime

Senior Investigating Officer (SIO): Must be knowledgeable about criminal law, victim rights, crime circumstances, offender behavior, and investigation policies.
Deputy Senior Investigating Officer (DSIO): Assists the SIO, develops investigative strategy, and manages investigation logistics.
Strategic Investigator (PIP4): Sets parameters with the SIO, provides progress updates to gold commander, and reviews operational strategies.

Investigative Standards

Adherence to benchmarks for investigative standards is essential for all investigations.
Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM) must be referenced for serious and major crime cases.

Identification of Suspect(s)

Utilize witness identification techniques and ensure comprehensive crime circulation for suspect descriptions.
Employ additional identification methods like artist impressions and video-forensic techniques.
Maintain close liaison with community contacts and preserve CCTV and relevant digital evidence.

Passive Data Generators

Automated systems like CCTV and ANPR that collate information without direct criminal investigation purposes can be accessed by investigators.
Key data includes financial records, electronic evidence, and telecommunications information.

Arrest of Suspect(s)

Identify whether to arrest a suspect based on gathered material.
Develop an arrest strategy while ensuring routine meetings with the SIO for ongoing investigation review.

Investigation Risk Management

Police must identify, assess, and manage risks to mitigate harm, property damage, or reputational risks.
Use the National Decision Model to guide complex decision-making processes.

Reviews

Ongoing perusal of crime investigation files is necessary unless the reviewer is the SIO of the case.
A review should be conducted following the termination of prosecutions or acquittals, as directed by the Crime and Intelligence Steering Group.

Key Considerations

Systematic recording of decisions by the SIO or investigating officer is crucial for accountability and justification.
All investigations demand meticulous documentation of lines of inquiry pursued or ignored.

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Description

This quiz covers the categorization of investigations, focusing on major and serious crimes. Participants will learn about the distinct categories such as homicide, kidnapping, and violent crimes, as well as the roles of appointed investigators like the Senior Investigating Officer. Test your knowledge on the systematic approach to criminal investigations.