Closing off, sealing and withholding residental property
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.041733
I note you seek access to the following information:
- What are the requirements for the police to close off/seal/withhold a residential property if a crime did not occur to that residential building but did occur to the building adjacent but not attached to it?
- Do the police have rights to seal off an unattached residential building simply for being adjacent next to a property where a crime may have occurred (i.e. arson)? What is the usual timeframe for this?
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Police have a power under Common Law to establish crime scenes in order to fully investigate serious crime (there are also specific powers relating to Terrorism offences).
Police must act reasonably and only cordon off areas they believe may contain evidence.
Below shows what those reasonable considerations may be.
Initial investigation - frontline
The initial stage of an investigation is an opportunity to gather crucial evidence and will often leave a lasting impression on victims and witnesses which in turn will impact on their trust and confidence in the service we provide.
The actions detailed below set out what is expected of an officer with regards to victims, witnesses, suspects, crime scenes and forensic opportunities at the start of an investigation. Officers are expected to use their judgement and to continually identify, assess and manage risk whilst completing these steps.
These actions are intended as a guide to help you when you first arrive at an incident. It is not intended to be a definitive list as to all of the actions you must take, it is intended as a minimum standard. Any other actions taken in the circumstances you face must be justified and then recorded on the crime report - CONNECT investigation.
3.1 General Actions when you arrive at a scene / commence an investigation.
3.1.1 If you are first to arrive on scene assume supervisory responsibility and update CAD.
3.1.2 You must ensure that all officers in attendance are recorded on the CAD record.
3.1.3 Is this a critical incident? Ensure this is declared and recorded on the CAD to initiate the correct procedures. Use the appropriate flag when recording on CONNECT investigation.
3.1.4 Provide medical aid where appropriate. Request LAS where necessary.
3.1.5 Identify whether you will need further resources. This may be more ERPT officers or it could be other resources such as TSG, Dog Units, Firearms Units, EXPO, LAS, LFB, FME etc. Ensure the details of all attending resources are recorded on the CAD.
3.1.6 Establish full details of the incident. You must investigate all alleged offences. You should establish what happened, when it happened, where it happened, who was involved and why.
3.1.7 Record all investigative actions taken at scene. You can either record actions directly onto CONNECT investigation or use your PNB or an EAB and transcribe the notes onto CONNECT investigation.
3.1.8 Ensure the safeguarding of any person involved in the investigation by assessing all victims/witnesses/suspects/persons in line with the Vulnerability Assessment Framework (VAF). If deemed vulnerable, follow the policing response as per the appropriate toolkit for adults and children. Complete a CONNECT PMP and flag appropriately on CONNECT investigation.
3.1.9 Make a note in an EAB of anything which may be of evidential value or use in a later enquiry. Record any admissions or significant statements/unsolicited comments and ask the suspect to sign it.
3.1.10 Is this a critical incident, hate crime, domestic abuse or threat to life? Show relevant flags on CONNECT investigation report.
3.1.11 Take appropriate action where a child is involved/present and any of the Every Child Matters Key Outcomes are not being achieved.
3.1.12 Ascertain and accurately record details of stolen property on CONNECT investigation, including serial numbers, IMEI numbers, unique identifiable references or marks.
3.1.13 You must complete a CONNECT investigation before the end of your tour of duty. Ensure this CONNECT investigation number is recorded on the working CAD.
3.1.14 Record any relevant intelligence on CONNECT intelligence.
3.1.15 If the Investigating Officer is known personally to any suspect or witness a supervisor MUST be informed to preserve impartiality and transparency.
3.2 Scenes – Specific actions to take to best secure and preserve a crime scene
3.2.1 Identify the crime scene. Remember there may be more than one. Ensure all scenes are preserved and cordon them off if necessary.
3.2.2 Identify any risks or hazards. Take steps to minimize or manage them and ensure they are communicated to other resources attending.
3.2.3 If a crime scene log is required, start it at the earliest opportunity. If a log is not available, you may use an EAB or PNB until one is made available.
3.2.4 You must accurately record the venue and include a postcode to assist intelligence gathering around crime hotspots.
3.2.5 Consider whether you will require any equipment to aid scene preservation such as tents, lighting, power or screens. Property Services can be contacted 24/7 via CCC.
3.2.6 Inform CCC if you need to divert public transport.
3.2.7 Consider searching the scene and/or the route taken by the suspect/s.
3.2.8 Search the scene for CCTV. CCTV should be seized, exhibited and the details entered on the CONNECT investigation. If you are unable to seize it view it in situ and complete an MG11 detailing what you have seen. Record negative CCTV enquiries on the CONNECT investigation.
3.2.11 Consider the suitability of tasking the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team. The ANPR Investigations team can be contacted 24 hours a day.
3.3 Forensics – actions to preserve forensic evidence.
3.3.1 Consult with a Scene Examiner at the earliest opportunity. If one is not available, contact Central Ops.
3.3.2 Prevent cross contamination by controlling the scene, victims, suspects and exhibits. Avoid unnecessary disturbance of the scene by both police and the public. Wear gloves where possible.
3.3.3 Consider forensic examination of the victim(s) and suspect(s). Consider seizing clothing, swabs, nail clippings, whether you require an Early Evidence Kit, use of a drying room etc.
3.3.4 All exhibits should be packaged and stored correctly.