SFJ CI104
Manage the initial response to major investigations
/ This unit is about managing the initial response to a major investigation, until a Senior Investigating Officer takes command of the investigation. This may be over an extended period of time.
The unit focuses on the initial information gathering and evaluation of the incident, identifying and prioritising actions and ensuring the preservation of material.
The actual responsibility for managing major investigations is covered by the linked unit CI103 Manage major investigations.
There is one element
1 Manage the initial response to major investigations
Target Group
This unit is intended for those officers who manage the initial response to major investigations before a Senior Investigating Officer is appointed to lead the investigation.
Performance criteria
You must be able to: / P1 take initial responsibility for the investigation and review the actions taken by others during the instigation and initial response to the incident
P2 formulate an initial investigation plan, ensuring the implementation of any fast-track actions
P3 visit and review the parameters of the scene(s) and implement measures to protect, preserve and recover material
P4 establish an appropriate management system to record instructions given and material gathered, in accordance with current policy and guidelines
P5 identify the resource requirements for the initial response in consultation with an SIO
P6 ensure that appropriate support is provided for the immediate needs of victims, witnesses, staff and suspects
P7 review outcomes of fast-track actions and set appropriate lines of enquiry
P8 ensure a debrief of all those involved in the initial response is held and all material is recorded and retained
P9 brief BCU and Force Command on the incident and on any community issues that require immediate action
P10 fully document all decisions, actions, options and rationale in accordance with current policy and legislation
P11 brief the appointed SIO on all investigative actions and decisions undertaken during the initial response to ensure effective handover of responsibility for a major investigation
Knowledge and understanding
You need to know and understand: / Legal and organisational requirements
K1 current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and practice advice for managing the initial response to major investigations
K2 current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation to race, diversity and human rights
K3 current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation to health and safety
You need to know and understand: / Managing the initial response to investigations
K4 the support and protection which should be provided to victim(s), witnesses, staff and suspects
K5 the key personnel required in a major investigation
K6 how to obtain material for an investigation
K7 the sources of relevant material and how to access them
K8 the reasons for preserving the initial scene(s) and how to minimise contamination and loss of potential evidence
K9 the types of material which may be present at the scene(s)
K10 the various forms of contamination of material (e.g. cross contamination, witness intimidation)
K11 how to be proactive in respect of contamination of material
K12 the reasons why the integrity and continuity of material must be maintained
K13 how to identify fast-track actions
K14 how lines of enquiry should be identified
K15 the importance of recording, retaining and revealing all the material gathered in an investigation and how to ensure this happens
K16 how to brief BCU and Force Command on the incident and relevant community matters
K17 how to brief the SIO and ensure effective handover of responsibility for the investigation
K18 the types of documentation which must be completed and how to complete it correctly
Additional Information
Scope/range related to performance criteria / 1. fast-track actions1.1 identify suspects
1.2 intelligence opportunities
1.3 scene forensics
1.4 crime scene assessment
1.5 witness search
1.6 victim enquiries
1.7 possible motives
1.8 media
1.9 post-mortems
1.10 significant witness interview
1.11 other critical actions
1.12 identify passive data opportunities
2. material
2.1 information
2.2 objects
2.3 third party material or the existence of it
Developed by / Skills for Justice
Version number / 2
Date approved / April 2009
Indicative review date / April 2014
Validity / Current
Status / Original
Originating organisation / Skills for Justice
Original URN / SFJ CI104
Relevant occupations / Public Services; Public Service and Other Associate Professionals;
Suite / Policing and Law Enforcement
Key words / managing investigations policing law enforcement
SFJ CI104 Manage the initial response to major investigations 5