MODULE 3

US 230023

Question 1

1.1 Sources of information are: Witnesses, forensic report, Military Explosive Expert, security footage and
personnel, SAPS personnel part of the investigation of stolen cars, evidence and the homeless person found
at the drug house.
A complete crime analysis should provide answers to: What is problem? What is causing the problem? What
is the offenders profile? What is the victims profile? What is the impact of the problem? What are the most
important risk and vulnerability factors? What is the physical/geographical layout of the affected area?
Which areas may be affected by crime displacement? The steps involved in the process of analyzing a crime:
 Gather information
 Establishing the timeline
 Identifying Modus Operandi
 Examining the crime scene
 Conduct interviews and interrogations
 Analyzing forensic evidence
 Develop a profile
 Collaborate with other investigators
 Drawing conclusions
 Present your findings

It is important to note that the process of analyzing a crime can vary depending on the nature of the crime,
available resources and jurisdictional requirements. Legal and ethical guidelines should be followed
throughout the analysis process.

1.2 Detectives responsibilities include the investigation of serious and violent crimes, organized crimes,
economic crimes, drug related crimes and sexual offences. The docket will be allocated to a detective who works in
the Serious and Violent Crimes section but I will let members investigating economic crimes assist to form a task
team. They will be responsible to trace and recover the stolen property and firearms. As well as tracing and arresting
the persons suspected of committing the criminal acts. They will gather information and evidence, prepare the case
docket for trial and give testimony in court.

1.3 The intelligence process steps applied to the investigative environment

The intelligence process Investigative environment

1. Problem/task definition Study the Station matrix, Station CTA and Docket content
2. Planning and direction Level evaluation – to create direction (24 hour inspection and instruction)
 Acquiring assistance from all relevant stake holders (CIAC, CIMC, CIG, TSU,
experts and own informers)
(This may take place at other levels or simultaneous to other steps in the
process)
Access to information in docket to CI operatives.
3. Collection Assess the following for information gaps:
1. Statements – of victims, witnesses, accused and experts
(throughout the investigation process)
2. Evidence, physical evidence and court directed intelligence
- Technical Support
- Physical surveillance
- Informers/agents
(This may take place at other levels or simultaneous to other steps in the
process)
4. Evaluation  Regular level 1 Inspections (by commander)
 Evaluate statements and evidence for completeness and co-
relatedness on a continuous basis (Time line analysis can assist)
 Assessment of details of Matrix to establish commonalities or
related incidents
5. Collation Statements and evidence need to be collated into:
1. Matrix (Docket Analysis) – CIAC
2. Time line analysis _ CIMC
3. Profiling _ CIMC
4. Information from informers – CIG and own
5. Technical & Physical surveillance, notes, reports
6. Export reports
6. Analysis Linkages are established via collation and the analysis results are reported
back to the investigating officer
- Direction for investigation is given in this report
7. Interpretation - Recommendation and Interpretation of tactical (Geographic
approach) and Strategic Analysis (OCTA approach/task team) by the
analyst needs to be evaluated by the investigating officer for
practical application
8. Production Recommendations are received back and the investigator makes decisions
based on the current feedback:
1. Re-task stakeholders for information gaps which might still exist
2. Interviewing of suspects (possible joint ventures by CI operatives
and the investigating officer)
9. Dissemination 1. Relevant information to relevant stake holders
FLOW OF INFORMATION IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
10. Action 1. Tactical operations (Sting operations) with relevant stake holders
2. Charge suspects
3. Finalize warrants of arrest
4. Arrest suspects
5. Collection of evidence
6. Final statements
7. Court attendance
11. Feedback/closures 1. Final feedback to client
2. Relevant stake holders
3. Close docket and file according to organizational procedures

1.4 The purpose of arrest is to ensure that the suspect will appear before the court to answer a charge
against him/her, and not to punish a person for an offence for which they have not yet been found guilty
Arrest only when necessary.
Ensure it is a lawful arrest
 The arrest procedure is governed by the Criminal Procedure Act 1977, Act 51 of 1977 and it goes like
this:

1. Grounds for Arrest: any person can be arrested if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they
committed a crime.
2. Authority to arrest: only authorized persons are empowered to arrest someone. There is however
also such cases as citizen arrest, where private individuals can affect a arrest when a crime is
committed in their presence.
3. Notification of arrest: the arresting officer must inform the arrested person of the reason for the
arrest. The arrested person must also be informed of their rights, like the right to remain silent and
the right to legal representation.
4. Use of force: the use of force should be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.
5. Search and seizure: the arresting officer may conduct a search of the person being arrested and their
immediate surroundings. Any items seized during the search must be recorded and may be used as
evidence.
6. Detention: the person may be detained for a reasonable period of time for investigation purposes.
The detained person must be treated with dignity and in accordance with their constitutional rights.

1.5 The detective on call from the Detective Unit signs for the case docket in the Crime Office Control
Register and receives the case docket. The case Docket is then entered into the Detective Unit Control
Register. The detective acknowledges receipt of the case docket (function 4.8) and starts investigating
the case. When suspects are arrested, the suspects must be formally charged and a warning statement
must be taken.

There are different types of inspections done on dockets.

24 hour inspections: proper guidance must be given during this inspection.

Brought forward inspection: further inspection dates must be determined by the commander. Regular
inspections will indicate the progress made, mistakes and training needs of the investigator.

Monthly inspections: prescribed by SO 325. It is an effective manner of evaluation and monitoring the
progress of the investigator.

Court ready inspections: the docket must be inspected when the detective is satisfied that they have
sufficient evidence to take the case to court.

The process flow for case dockets are as follows:

- The report of the complainant

- The opening of a case docket
- First information of crime inspection, of the case docket
- Registration of the case docket
- The transfer of the case docket
To the Crime Office (if in existence)
- The purpose of the Crime Office
- Procedure of the case docket at the crime office

To the Detective Unit

- The purpose of the Detective Unit at the Station Level

- Procedure of the case docket at the Detective Unit at Station level
 - Disposing of Case Docket
- Transferring of the case docket to the Archives
- Re-opening of case dockets
- A detailed discussion regarding above mentioned follows

Question 2

2.1 Investigation services, known as the Division Detective Services fulfill an essential part of the Constitutional
responsibility of the South African Police. This division is primarily responsible for the investigation of crime. It is for
this reason that investigation services cannot focus on any issue which is not an integral part of the SA Police
Strategic Plan.

Understand the Organization’s Strategic Direction: gain a clear understanding of the strategic goals, objectives and
priorities. This involves studying the strategic plan, mission, vision and other relevant documents.

Identify Investigation Service Objectives: determine specific objectives for the investigation service that align with
the organization’s strategic direction. These objectives should be measurable, realistic and contribute to the overall
goals of the organization.

Conduct a Gap analysis

Develop an action plan

Align policies and procedures

Allocate resources

Communicate and engage

Monitor and evaluate

Foster collaboration

Review and adapt

By following these processes, an organization can effectively manage and align its investigation service activities
towards its strategic direction and ensure that investigations contribute to the achievement of organizational
objectives and priorities.

2.2 The SAPS has identified several strategic focus areas to guide its operations and priorities. This includes:
 Crime prevention: Aiming to prevent and reduce crime through pro-active policing strategies,
community engagement and targeted interventions in high crime areas
 Visible policing
 Crime detection and investigation
 Border security
 Public order policing
 Victim support and protection
 Professionalization and capacity building
 Collaboration and partnerships

These strategic focus areas guide SAPS in its efforts to fulfill its mandate of preventing, combatting and investigating
crime and ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans.

Setting goals and objectives for the investigating unit that reflect alignment with the strategic focus areas of the
organization, the following steps can be taken:

- Review the strategic focus areas

- Identify relevant focus areas for investigation
- Determine specific goals
 - Make goals measurable
- Set realistic time-bound objectives
- Align objectives with key performance indicators
- Ensure integration with overall performance management
- Communicate and cascade goals
- Monitor progress and provide feedback
- Evaluate and report on achievements

2.3 The task team will be tasked to work with other stakeholders to do weekly tracing operations. Using the
information received from CIAC to obtain search warrants for known addresses where arrests were made of
suspects in the past, or known drug houses. Ensuring visible patrols in the high crime areas.

2.4 Performance of the investigation units and their members are reviewed against set goals and objectives.

Activities aligned with goals: ongoing assessment of how an organization or project is performing against its action
plans.

Targets, baselines and indicators: Targets should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.

Baselines: refers to the current level of performance

Monitoring: involves collecting, analyzing and reporting data on inputs, outputs, service delivery indicators and
targets.

Service delivery indicators: they indicate “how” the “what” will be measured.

Evaluate the results of the program: aimed at measuring the impact of the intervention on a problem that has been
identified.

Question 3

3.1 Crime statistics, information and records are interpreted to inform future interventions for continuous
improvement of investigation processes. Compile crime pattern analysis. Depicting possible crime hotspots. Linking
criminal activity by using intelligence reports. The early detection of crime tendencies can assist law enforcement
agencies to cope with the possible threat of crime before the crime gets out of hand.

3.2 Any future intervention regarding crime occurrences will depend on information sourcing from statistics, crime
pattern analysis, and analyzing crime threats. Management must monitor the crime situation and take appropriate
steps, relying on the findings of intelligence and how it relates to the investigation environment.

3.3 Macro organizations e.g. the police service is driven by administrative policies, processes and procedures. The
following investigation processes needs to be noted; handling of exhibits, registration of complaints and crime
feedback reports.

Property in the CSC environment is divided into three basic categories: found property, prisoners’ property and
exhibits/evidence. The CSC Commander must understand the regulations and procedures that deals with property in
the CSC. An exhibit is any property or object which is found on the crime scene or elsewhere which can be of use in
the investigation of a crime. It can also link a person to a crime. Prisoners’ property is property found on a prisoner
when they are arrested and must be handed in at the CSC for safekeeping. Found property is property that is
abandoned or which is found by a person and handed in at the police station.

There are two main registers in which all property in the CSC are booked into. The Prisoners’ Property Register,
which is used for the personal belongings of the accused. Then any property that is regarded as an exhibit, that is
bulky or dangerous property or found property must be written in the SAPS 13 register.

Question 4
4.1 The incident must be critically analyzed to determine the nature of the intervention required.

Describe the situation. A simple statement that clearly identifies the problem. Discuss the characteristics of the
problem presently being faced. Include historical information relative to the problem. When there is group conflict,
discuss the information available on the groups who may oppose the original target group’s view and who may begin
counter demonstrations or actions. It has been proven that this may present a greater threat to the peace than that
of the original problem. Provide a brief description of the area of operations and include significant terrain features
such as obstacles which restrict movement of both the destabilizer and your own forces. A paragraph on the
intentions of the destabilizer and what the influence of it will be on the environment. A paragraph on the
possibilities that might occur based on the assessment made. These are the threats that are outside the framework
of what can be expected based on the given intentions.

Planners must be pro-active in developing the situation paragraph. Some techniques that have been proven effective
include:

A complete crime analysis should provide answers to the following issues –

o What is the problem?

o What is causing the problem?
o What is the offenders’ profile?
o What is the victims’ profile?
o What is the impact of the problem?
o What are the most important risk and vulnerability factors?
o What is the geographical/ physical layout of the affected area?
o Which areas may be affected by crime displacement?

The above information is essential when compiling a crime profile.

Prioritizing crime problems implies that the crime prevention official must choose which problems are to be focused
on. This should be a team effort involving dedicated role players. To prioritize will largely depend on the seriousness
of the problem. With limited resources at the crime prevention official’s disposal, it is impossible to focus on all
problems at the same time. Problems that need urgent attention should be tackled first. The final choice may be
focused on one or a combination of the following:

 The impact of the crime

 Less serious crimes, causing serious problems
 Risk and vulnerability factors
 Geographical/physical layout of the area
 Access and escape routes
 Specific institutions, e.g. schools, hospital, etc.

Operational analysis involves the evaluation of information and factors relevant to police actions aimed at
combatting and preventing crime. It is further aimed at the identification of specific and immediate crime problems
with reference to the “who” and the “how”.

Crime pattern analysis can be defined as an analysis of the incidence of crime in terms of time and space dimensions,
as well as explanation of crime based on analysis of modus operandi and target, victim and suspect particulars. This
is done to identify distinct patterns pertaining to the above.

Interpretation is the mental exercise resulting in the integration of analyzed products and the formulation of a
conclusion which will lead to recommendations of future actions to address the specific crime problem. The scope
and objectives can be concluded from the above analysis.

4.2 The seriousness of the crime problem and increased public demand necessitate a systematic problem solving
approach. Investigating crime is one of the National priorities and will be the responsibility of all police stations to
operationalize the strategic objective. The nature of the problem at operational level will determine what specific
steps to plan and implement.
4.3 It is essential that available human and physical resources are optimally distributed and utilized at police station
level to enable the Service to render services of an acceptable standard to the community. The purpose of this
instruction is to give direction to management at provincial and area levels on the optimal distribution of available
human and physical resources at police station level by utilizing the Resource Program which has been developed to
determine the number of posts and physical resources required to perform policing activities in accordance with the
operational plan at station level.

4.4 Unity of command: For every objective, ensure unity in effort under one responsible commander.

More than one commander may lead to communication problems, duplication of efforts and a failure to achieve
many of the principles listed here. While coordination may be achieved by cooperation, it is however best achieved
by vesting a single commander with the requisite authority to direct and to coordinate all forces employed in pursuit
of a common goal.

Simplicity: Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to ensure thorough understanding.

Plans must be as simple and direct as the situation will allow. It encourages flexibility in execution and allows
commanders to capitalize on unexpected events.

4.5 All information relating to the operation is recorded in the operational diaries for record keep purposes and to be
kept for a period of three years. Information received during the operation can be used to debrief members, to point
out mistakes made by members during the operation and used to make future operations more effective.

Evaluate the results of the program. It is aimed at measuring the impact of the intervention on a problem that has
been identified. To measure effective policing is not an easy process and can be judged by the total absence of crime
or an obvious decline in crime. Try to establish how the situation has changed since the intervention. The following
signs may indicate the effectiveness of the intervention:

- Decline in identified crimes

- Decline in signs of social disorder
- Decline in undesirable characters
- Decline in street children
- Decline in prostitution activities
- Decline in insurance claims
- Increased number of community members participating in CPF activities
- Increased number of youth programs

US 230029

Question 1

Section 205 (3) of the Constitution (1996) contains the broad authorization to police. This subsection obliges
(mandates) the South African Police Service to perform the following general policing functions:

The prevention of crime;

The combatting of crime;

The investigation of crime;

The maintenance of public order;

To protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; and

To uphold and enforce the law. (Constitution, 1996)

Section 206 allows for the establishment of municipal police services by municipalities to enhance public safety and
security at a local level. It emphasizes the cooperation and coordination between SAPS and municipal police services.
Section 152 highlights the role of local government in promoting a safe and healthy environment for communities. It
emphasizes the need for cooperation and coordination between national, provincial and local government spheres
in matters of public safety.

Section 195 sets out the principles that should guide public administration, including the promotion of effective,
efficient and transparent service delivery. These principles can be applied to the coordination and management of
crime prevention projects.

The South African Police Service is mandated to exist in Section 199 (1) of the Constitution. The Constitution is not
the only regulator that guides policing. The South African Police Service Act of1995 provides the legal framework for
the establishment, organization and functioning of the SAPS. Here are some key sections of the SAPS Act that are
relevant to crime prevention:

Section 205 outlines the functions and powers of the SAPS. It states that one of the SAPS’s functions is to prevent,
combat and investigate crime. While the Act does not specifically mention crime prevention as a function, it is
implied within the broader mandate of combating crime.

Section 207 provides for the establishment of specialized units within the SAPS such as Organized Crime Unit, the
Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units and the Crime Intelligence Division. These units focus on
specific types of crime and contribute to crime prevention through targeted investigations, intelligence gathering
and proactive strategies.

Section 219 allows for the establishment of Community Police Forums at the provincial and local levels. CPF’s are
intended to promote cooperation between the community and SAPS in preventing crime, enhancing public safety
and addressing the specific needs of communities.

Section 220 provides for the establishment of Community Safety Forums at the provincial and local levels. CSF’s aim
to facilitate collaboration between SAPS, other government departments and community organizations in addressing
broader safety and crime prevention issues.

Section 221 allows for the establishment of Sector Policing Forums at the local level. SPFs promote community
participation in crime prevention efforts by dividing areas into sectors and encouraging regular engagement between
SAPS and community members.

Armed robberies and Robberies with other weapons are happening more frequently. Especially in the early hours
while people are waiting at the bus stops or taxi ranks. As well as when people come home from work after dark.
Even school children walking to school has become targets, as it is still dark after 07:00 in the morning. With load
shedding being an integral part of our lives now, it also contributes to creating a favorable environment for criminals.

People walking alone in the dark are making themselves vulnerable to becoming a victim. Both male and females are
targeted.

According to the crime analysis there has been an increase in armed robberies and robberies with other weapon.
The usual times being between 05:00 and 08:00 in the morning and 18:30 and 21:00 at night. The scene of the
crimes is usually open fields that people walk over to get to the taxi or bus routes and streets with no or low lights.

More visible patrols at those times would assist in warding off these criminals. Making sure all the streetlights are in
a working condition as well as having spotlights placed on or near the open fields that are used by people to get to
the main roads. Establishment of neighborhood watch and street committees to assist with patrols during the above
times frames. Bushes on the fields to be cut down in order to not give the criminals cover to hide. Awareness
campaigns to be done in the area to ensure people are aware of what is happening and tips on safety.

Question 2

See annexure A

US 253980

Question 1
The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act no. 25 of 2002 govern digital evidence, along with all other
aspects of computer law.

Digital evidence is firstly: Information provided to the investigator during an investigation by means of a computer
disk, CD-ROM, computer printout, is reviewed as evidence and just as useable as physical documentation, under the
following conditions:

 The information was generated during the ordinary source of business,

 It is accompanied by an affidavit certifying it as such and being a correct representation of the original
information.

Digital evidence is secondly: Where the investigator seizes physical computer hardware or media, and where
subsequent forensic examination of the computer or computer media reveals digital evidence relevant to the
investigation.

Digital evidence supplied by a third party should only be in relation to data messages made during the normal course
of business for the person or institution concerned. In other words, this only applies to information that an
investigator may require from an institution, and the records are stored in a digital form by that institution.

The evidence supplied by the third party must meet the following criteria:

 A statement must accompany the evidence stating the nature of the information provided, the medium in
which the information is provided, and certify that is was generated during the normal course of business
and that it is a correct copy of that information.
 If the evidence is provided in the form of printouts, the person providing the information should initial each
page of the printouts.
 If the evidence is provided in electronic format, it must be provided on a read only medium, such as a CD-
ROM disk. It must also be provided in a format that is useable by the Unit (Excel, Access, etc.)

Be cautious of individuals, which might have a motive to provide false records or dubious evidence.

Question 2

The following aids and experts can contribute to investigating a robbery case. An investigator must show initiative
when determining which of these aids and experts should be used. Remember that all experts are resources but not
all resources are experts. An informer can be a resource but is not necessarily an expert.

Fingerprint experts can take fingerprints at the scene

Official police photographer can photograph the scene
A draughtsperson to draw a plan
Ballistic expert can determine which weapons was used
Forensic science expert can do forensic tests like identifying blood samples
Police tracker dogs are called in to track the suspect
Members of the Dog Unit, Air Wing and the traffic police can help to trace criminals on the run.

The investigator must make a decision, to continue examining the crime scene with the resources at his/her disposal
or does he require expert assistance. It is important to know what experts are available and the contribution they
can make to the investigation.

LCRC: comparing of fingerprints is the most reliable method of identification on the crime scene. In practice,
fingerprint expert attached to LCRC are responsible for collecting a wide range of evidence on crime scenes. In rural
areas they are often regarded as the primary evidence collectors.

Photographer: taking photographs of scenes, injured, deceased and suspected persons and exhibits.
The photographer of the LCRC is responsible for taking detailed photographs at the crime scene. People such as the
injured, deceased and suspects are photographed when available. Photo albums at crime scenes are compiled to be
used in the reconstruction of crime scenes at court. The position of exhibits and evidence such as blood stains need
to photographed as well. Photo albums are indexed and the photographs are sequenced and numbered. This will
ensure that the crime scene is reconstructed correctly in chronological order in court.

Draughtsman: a proper plan of a scene or sketch of a person must be prepared for the purposes of rendering
evidence or identification. At accident and crime scenes it is vitally important to draw detailed, on scale sketches of
the scenes. These sketches will have important evidential value when the actual events need to be reconstructed in
court. It is very important that evidences should not be disturbed or moved at the scene before the exact position of
exhibits has been recorded.

District Surgeon or State Pathologist

Medical examinations or autopsies may be conducted if necessary. The district surgeon is a qualified medical
practitioner, registered with the SA Medical and dental Health Council, who is employed by the State.

Mobile Forensic laboratory

Scientific collection and preservation of evidence will be conducted at the scene. This resource is available at big
centres and can be dispatched to rural areas during disasters, big accidents, etc. this resource is usually used for high
profile cases. Under the usual circumstances this function is performed by LCRC personnel.

CRC or LCRC functions: the primary purpose of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) is to render a scientific
support service to police officers by investigating crime scenes at which it is suspected that the perpetrator left
identifiable prints at the scene. Identifiable prints not only include finger, palm or sole prints but also tool markings,
shoe imprints and tyre imprints. The crime scene prints are compared with the existing records at the LCRC with the
aim of identifying the criminals and linking them with the specific crime scene.

Capturing the crime scene by means of photography, videos and plans for investigation and trial purposes.

Crime scenes, exhibits and related objects must be photographed in detail. The LCRC develops these films and prints
photographs which accompany the complete plan of the crime scene in the photo album.

The crime scene is searched by the LCRC personnel for forensic clues. These clues are collected, packaged and
dispatched to the FSL for analysis and identification purposes. This includes the collection of bodily secretions such
as saliva, semen, hair, blood and chemical components such as ground samples, plants, glass and paint.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)

The purpose of the FSL is to analyze various materials and items in order to individualize them. Reports are
submitted in respect of the analysis done and evidence is rendered should the findings be positive. The FSL is one of
the investigating officer’s most comprehensive investigative aids and forms an integral part of the investigation and
judicial process in a variety of cases.

Biology Unit

The purpose of this unit is to examine and analyze all matter of biological origin in order to determine the nature and
origin of it. Biological matter includes any living organism or part of it.

Disputed Document Unit

The investigations and analysis of disputed documents include the investigation of production, origin, authenticity of
documents, relevant material and equipment. This includes handwriting individualization, identifying the origins of
documents, determining the authenticity of documents and the age of documents.

Forensic Chemistry Unit

Forensic chemistry is defined as the application of the natural sciences with scientific techniques, to assist the
investigator by submitting impartial evidence before court. This section of the FSL can assist in the following fields of
expertise: Prohibited substances e.g. drugs and medicines, toxicology e.g. insecticides, weed killers, traditional
medicines, arson investigations and related chemistry, firearm-related forensic analysis e.g. primary residue, forensic
metallurgy e.g. they physical comparison of metals, analysis of precious stones and diverse analysis e.g. fibres, glass
ink, etc.

Forensic Ballistic Unit

Forensic ballistic may be defined as the scientific study of firearms and ammunition technology related to the judicial
process.

Informers: an informer is a person who provides an investigator with information about criminals or criminal activity,
for compensation or other motives.

As technology improves and the ingenuity of criminals increase, investigators cannot always keep up with the
changes and modus operandi of criminals. Successful informers have access to people or syndicates about whom
information is required. As informers are often part of the criminal world, they experience all the changes and can
provide valuable information. In many cases informers have become indispensable for the successful completion of
an investigation.

Question 3

The following hints will ensure proper protection and preservation of exhibits and evidence at the scene:

 Measures need to be taken to prevent exhibits from becoming mixed up (Rough sketch)
 Avoid contamination: The members who arrive at the scene first should limit unnecessary movement and
handling of objects at the scene.
 The position of exhibits must be indicated clearly on a rough sketch of the crime scene. This rough sketch
must be made by the member who first arrives with his/her pocketbook.
 The member will assist the Detective with the collecting of evidence by using prescribed Crime Kits, holder
for liquids and proper casing for fragile articles.
 Projectiles embedded in soft surfaces should be protected against further degeneration from environmental
influences. Exhibits must not be exposed to the elements for example heat, cold, rain, wind.
 As the member first at the scene, it should be kept in mind that our sole purpose is to ensure that neither
the scene, nor the exhibits are contaminated, but preserved.
 The members first at the scene always need to preserve and collect evidence under the supervision and
guidance of the Detective and other experts on the scene.

Question 4

In general, four types of crime scenes can be identified:

 Potential crime scenes, e.g. when a peaceful and orderly march suddenly changes into criminal conduct.
 Active crime scene, e.g. riots, violence and crime, all of which take place simultaneously, such as attacks on
and from hostels, on police stations, schools, hospitals, mass burials, mine unrest, etc;
 Passive crime scenes, a crime scene left behind by a criminal, e.g. a murder scene;
 Disasters, e.g. at sea (usually ships), on land (extensive accidents, industrial disasters, train accidents or
natural disasters) and in the air (aircraft)

Question 5
Handling deceased persons

When the body of a person is found at the scene of a crime, the police official must immediately determine whether
the person is still alive. This can be determined through examination of the body. Medical personnel will determine if
the person is still alive in cases where the police fail to do so. Medical personnel will confirm that the person is dead
and they will be responsible for certifying the person as dead. If it is obvious from the type of wounds or injuries that
a person is dead, the use of expert assistance to confirm this fact may not be required.

At crime scenes like accidents on national roads, it is strongly advised that bodies declared dead should be removed.
This should be done after the position of the bodies have been clearly marked. The purpose of quick removal is to
avoid unnecessary trauma and public inquisitiveness.

Deceased persons need to be dealt with and be removed from the scene by members of the Medico Legal
Laboratory with the greatest respect for the dignity of the corpse. Bodies must be removed from the scene in
specified Medico Legal Laboratory vehicles. The patrol vehicle may not be used to remove bodies. Patrol vehicles can
be used if accompanied by a specified Medico Legal Laboratory (in rural areas).

Interviewing is therefore an information-gathering process, which includes interviews with complainants, victims,
witnesses, and informers and even suspects.