Investigation and Interview Plan

This document discusses the investigation and interview plan for a case of domestic violence. It covers various strategies, such as witness strategy, forensic strategy, technological strategy, suspect strategy, multi-agency strategy, and withdrawal strategy. The document also includes an ABE peace interview plan and guidelines for implementing the plan. The subject of the document is related to criminal justice or law enforcement. The document type is likely a research paper or case study, and the assignment type may be a report or analysis. The content is relevant for students studying criminal justice, law enforcement, or related subjects at a university or college.

Running head: INVESTIGATION AND INTERVIEW PLAN
Investigation and Interview Plan
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Table of Contents
Investigation plan...........................................................................................................2
Witness strategy.........................................................................................................3
Forensic strategy........................................................................................................4
Technological strategy...............................................................................................4
Suspect strategy..........................................................................................................4
Multi agency strategy.................................................................................................5
Withdrawal strategy...................................................................................................6
ABE peace interview plan..............................................................................................6
Plan of implementation..............................................................................................6
Engaging witness to the interview process................................................................8
Clarification of account................................................................................................10
Conclusion....................................................................................................................10
Evaluation....................................................................................................................10
References....................................................................................................................12

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Investigation plan
At first; the victim, Helen Frost, must finish a DASH interview session to help
investigators to gain insight of incidents of violence. DASH procedure is well recognised as it
digs up old history and try to establish a relationship with the current state which have not
been recognised by the police and entire investigation team.
It will be uncomfortable for the witness to share her bitter experiences in front of the
accused offender, boyfriend John, however this is only way to record all the reactions and
information as important evidence. Helen is scared of the consequences of sharing her
experience of assault as she never opened up about such things to anybody. She used to
supress such terror to avoid more violence and refrain her from friends, family and
neighbourhood. The right of presenting recorded interview as a strong evidence comes from
the Act of Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence 1999. Methods to investigate sexual violence
will be required as described in Jackson (2015), as she admitted to be victim of forced sexual
interaction with John to dodge his violent attack. Another reason for her such non protesting
behaviour is, she was economically dependent on John. As a result, she does not have access
to joint Bank accounts and incapable to control the household and other expenses.
Helen’s medical report would be scrutinized to understand her medical history in due
course of this abusive relationship with John. Just after their son was born that period was
difficult for her to invest energy in sexual intimacy. At that time John not only forced her to
do so, he punched her on face and when she fell down he mercilessly hit Helen with belt.
According to Jackson (2015), this case falls under the violation of consent and can be
considered as marital rape. Helen was terrified when she was attacked with a knife.
Therefore, medical report is necessary in terms of gaining knowledge how intense the
violence was.

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Victims’ Personal Statement is a process where most of them are terrified or needed a
counselling due to the violent experience. They are always in need to have support during the
interrogative sessions. The attendant can be interviewed alone to ask about her health, her
thoughts if she shares something, and her concerns about the whole scenario and her
husband’s bail from the custody.
As a part of investigation team, I consider DASH process would be effective to
circulate awareness against such violence unless Helen and her son Kai would face risk
again. To proceed with the enquiry, following strategies will be maintained.
Witness strategy
Applying witness strategy is the moist common and reliable strategy in order to gain a
clear idea about what happened in Helen’s resident on that night of June, 2016. Our officers’
will be interrogated to record the first impression of the crime scene who were present that
day on her Essex Gardens house. On their arrival how John and Helen reacted that will be
vital to notice.
Next I feel it would be appropriate to make house to house interrogation in order to
gain knowledge about them two as a couple and how they were as social beings. Neighbours
are the silent witness of the ill-treatment over the years, asking them about them can reveal
some secret or unknown fact about them. As Helen revealed that her husband was jealous of
sharing her with anyone else even if with family, friends and neighbouring people. That is
why she was not allowed to talk to anybody. One thing has been clear from this incident that
John, himself needs mental counselling as he has his different perspective and he lives in a
parallel world. Statement would be recorded from neighbouring people too in order to
recognise clue against the accused husband.

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Forensic strategy
There are so many things in house which can be sent for forensic test in order to
evaluate blood stains, finger prints and other scientific evidences. Helen’s permission will be
required to collect samples from her house like John’s clothes. Blood stain and finger print
scanning are important as it can be used as evidences. While investigation session was going
on John denies to admit that it was Helen’s blood on his shirt that is why forensic report is
necessary to support or reject his statement. He was so arrogant that he scraped off some of
her hair and skin. John’s finer nails will be scanned too. All the samples must be carefully
handled and so the reports to avoid misplacement or undesired outcome.
Technological strategy
Technically, the public areas should be under CCTV coverage. Therefore, all the
nearby CCTV cameras will be taken under hold to check the footages. The body cam footage
of the in charge officers will be considered as important evidence as it has recorded the
performance of Helen and John at the time of arrival of investigation team. The CCTV and
body camera footages are important to present it as evidence of showing to the judges’ court
that how intensely hurt she was at that night.
Apart from video footage, photographs will be taken of the crime scene as evidence of
messy rooms, broken furniture and stain of blood or hair on the spot. Injured Helen will be
photographed as well as she has been photographed after healing as well to show the court as
proof that how badly she was beaten and tortured by her husband on that day.
Suspect strategy
The bail of suspect John will be confirmed on conditions like he cannot contact or
drop by at Helen’s place t Essex Gardens. After interviewing and Helen and asking her
mental state, after that only an interview could be arranged with crime suspect John. While

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doing that he will be counter questioned with the data collected from interrogating Helen.
These interviews will be performed under trained officials of ABE.
Not only within a boundary of four walls, but also his character is not good as his
name has been recorded as an offender of a non-domestic case of violence. Both in domestic
and social life John was misbehaving, arrogant and has potential to hurt people violently.
In this due course, John’s injury has been taken into account too along with sending
him for a valid medical report.
Apart from being social offender, register has been checked if he has committed any
crime of sexual violence as of now. Moreover. His previous conjugal relationships will be
evaluated and if required girls who were involved with him might be consulted in order to
understand the features of his behaviour.
During their separation, Helen said John was abusive over phone and sent messages
which were unacceptably dirty and rude too. Such textual conversations can be revived from
phones and will be some of the strong evidences against him. He used to have a dominating
characteristics as he always pressurize his wife and do not allow her to talk to anybody except
him.
Multi agency strategy
I would recommend to consult Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference
(MARAC) and local NGOs to take best care of Helen at this state as after the bail she will be
under high alert regarding potential risk of harm. The responsibility must be delivered to a
responsible group of people who work efficiently for abundant women and children. Multi
Agency will be consulted to give the best suited safety measure plan for the mother and baby
Kai.

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Withdrawal strategy
It has been scientifically proved, as stated in Åse (2015), that there is a mental
disorder called Stockholm syndrome where people starts looking at their abuser with pity and
believe all the unpleasant incidents are a bad dream or something like that. I doubt Helen can
be diagnosed with this disorder as she has a tendency of keep going back to him even after
some violent experience. Therefore, if she repeats such behaviour and decides to withdraw
her statement a trained withdrawal statement officer will record her grievances and further
counsel her not to behave that way or ask her if she wants to reconsider the matter
diplomatically.
Apart from the video recording of statements during Dash interview sessions and
video footage of body cams of that night are strong evidences to proceed with the case.
Although, victim has denied out of terror or out of her mental imbalance; still the case can be
prosecuted based on such strong evidences gathered by various authentic sources against the
accused offender John. Being hostile the main witness can change their views where no faults
of the suspect and their family can be presented in front of court. That is why, recorded
sessions are more authentic than a pen and paper mode of interviewing a witness.
ABE peace interview plan
Plan of implementation
Helen Frost witnessed an incident of domestic violence at her residential place, 6
Essex Gardens Sandford, where she had been assaulted. Apparently, she is good-looking with
silky brunette hair. Her height is around 5 feet 7 inches, which does not really compliment
her weight that is 40 kg. She has been consistently experiencing such unpleasant behaviour
from her husband which made her live separately until their son Kai was born in 2015. While

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sharing some of her worst experiences she said her husband punched on her face and the
recent incident has crossed all the boundaries of Risk.
In such a situation, interviewing her will be morally difficult yet it has to be done in
terms of serving justice against the violation of legislation and morality. Before the actual
interview, there are some necessities which must be arranged for maintaining a record.
Although, audio recorder and video shooting is the most contemporary form of creating
evidences still, pen and paper can be kept for taking important notes. Interview must be
booked in advance in such cases. Under the act of Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act
1999, a video recorded interview of an intimidated witness is considered as the most
powerful evidence regarding a case. The interview will be soft to make it less stressful for the
victim at Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) Best Suite.
Witness will be asked if she is comfortable to drop by at the place of interview alone,
otherwise arrangement will be made for picking het up from her resident. ABE trained
interviewer will be interviewed the witness to create best supported evidence for the case and
according to their opinion the car which is going to be unmarked considering witness’s
safety. Through the DASH interview Helen revealed that as victim was forced to have sexual
intercourse and she did to avoid any kind of conflict and violence. Out of terror she gave up,
therefore questions occur whether there is a need of a Sexual Offences Investigative
Techniques officer there. Helen, the witness will be allowed to bring someone trustworthy
with her in case of any required support during the entire session.
While fixing the interview appointment with the witness, schedule must be decided
keeping the duration of the alleged offender’s custody. No pressure will be created while
preparing the evidence and no irrelevant questions can be asked which would make her feel
stressed. The schedule will be fixed as per Helen's suitability. There will be live monitoring

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officer who will analyse her body language and behaviour during the session along with that
witness will be allowed to take break amidst of interview if she feels exhausted or
uncomfortable. Witness will provided with chances and it is up to her wish if she wants to
continue with the interview or not in such situations. In that case, ABE can ask for next dates
for recording evidences.
These kind of interviews must be planned so smartly that evidence can be recorded
investing time for one or two sessions. There are certain processes which must be followed in
order to avoid any obstacle in the procedure of investigation.
Engaging witness to the interview process
It is important to establish a relationship of mutual bonding and trust with Helen, the
witness to make the session easier for her. It will make her comfortable around interviewer
and conversation would be hustle and hesitation free. Normal neutral conversation will be
more acceptable rather than beginning it with asking her the description of that unpleasant
night. As interviewers are trained it will not be a problem if something has been said
coherently, for further analysis recording will help to identify missed or supressed idea
behind the words.
After initiating the conversation with asking neutral questions interviewer will link
the topic with that night of violence and start recording the description of what she saw and
experienced. Helen must be given freedom to narrate the whole story before countering more
questions regarding that. Interviewer can strategically prompts questions like if there is
something which she has been missing throughout the narration to get the more specific
answers. Otherwise, she can be asked for giving extra information which might she thinks as
helpful to proceed with the investigation. The body language, behaviour, where she pauses

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where she is confident; everything must be noted and analysed in order to check the
authenticity of narration.
It has been understood that she was the only witness present there yet it is relevant to
know that what made her present on that spot. Her background and relationship with the
couple must be revealed. It will create perception and will provide an acceleration towards
enquiry. The victim used to be in a prolonged relationship with the man and as it has been
observed from various researches like Dillon et al. (2013), that the more time a victim spends
with her abuser they developed a tendency not to leave them or they start to consider them
incapable of changing their situation. Sometimes, they do not resist and supress the idea of
being assaulted. They try to make themselves believe that nothing happened or take such
incidents as a nightmare or hallucination. This is a mental imbalance which can be called
Stockholm syndrome which likely to be identified among sexually or morally assaulted
human beings. Several incidents like from her personal experience of violence has come up
during the DASH interview. Those incidents include how her boyfriend John punched her
once and tried to interrogate and threaten her to remove evidence if there is any. Besides,
collecting information of the case incidents of her personal experience of violence started to
be revealed. Helen has been living without her family more than one year and lost contact
with all of her friends. She is not allowed to contact with them as there is a possibility if
Helen shares such things with friends questions will occur regarding her safety against such
abusive behaviour. It is disheartening how she has been depending on John and does not have
any control over her life. She is not economically stable on her own that is why John is
overpowering. That is where she has admitted this life as if it was destined.
As Helen does not work and depend on John it is not difficult to understand that who
has control over financial matters. However, it must be enquired that what he does for living
and what really is behind such misbehaving character. Helen must mention her previous

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experiences of physical injuries during such incidents without hesitation. In most of the cases,
women do not share such things out of fear and shame yet they have to develop the sense that
shame is for the offender not for the victim. She tried to live separately from John until he
appeared again and again at her doorstep looking for her at a drunken state. Apart from
friends and family she is not allowed to socialize in her neighbourhood as well. She is
forbidden to do things like a normal person and sustaining as a hostage. The interviewer ask
for any abusive written text messages to use them as evidence against John.
Clarification of account
The next part is analysing the information whatever have been collected. The
summary of the information must be reviewed to be assure and clarify the doubts. It is
possible that Helen gets scared of the entire process as she is living a life of a hostage it is
interviewers’ responsibility to make her feel comfortable along with making her realize of the
morally right actions.
Helen can be asked if she accidentally asked help from any of her friends or visited
their place secretly or shared anything about injuries. In case, she has shared or people have
noticed unusual signs; witness can be recorded from her friends too as a form of evidence.
Doctors associated with treatment can be interrogated too in this due course. The enquiry
team is consistently looking for an evidence which can be present to support the recorded
interview as a form of text message of video clip that has been received by Helen from John.
Conclusion
An abrupt ending of the interview is not expected. Helen must understand what she
has been doing and saying in front of ABE professionals. Towards the end, Helen will be
asked if there is anything she wants enquire about. In this course, the entire information can
be revised up and investigation will can be proceed with initiating the next step.

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Evaluation
While evaluating gathered information, it can be understood if all the necessary data
has been present or not. In case of any doubt, interview can be rescheduled again for the
purpose of creating evidences flawlessly. Such evaluation programme will help interviewer to
schedule and arrange better policies or techniques in order to improve the procedure of such
sessions. After one session investigation team must be aware enough to search for more new
data relevant to the case.

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References
Åse, C. (2015). Crisis Narratives and Masculinist Protection: Gendering the Original
Stockholm Syndrome. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 17(4), 595-610.
Dillon, G., Hussain, R., Loxton, D., & Rahman, S. (2013). Mental and physical health and
intimate partner violence against women: A review of the literature. International
journal of family medicine, 2013.
Jackson, A. L. (2015). State contexts and the criminalization of marital rape across the United
States. Social science research, 51, 290-306.

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