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Evaluation of the role of the first responder at the crime scene

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dc.contributor.advisor Olivier, Nicolaas Jacobus Campher
dc.contributor.advisor Horne, Juanida
dc.contributor.author Phago, Refilwe Juliet
dc.date.accessioned 2018-06-04T08:32:50Z
dc.date.available 2018-06-04T08:32:50Z
dc.date.issued 2017-12-21
dc.identifier.citation Phago, Refilwe Juliet (2017) Evaluation of the role of the first responder at the crime scene, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24237>
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24237
dc.description.abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of the first responder at the crime scene, focusing on visible policing members at Ivory Park Police Station situated in Gauteng Province. A qualitative approach was employed in which the multiple data sources of literature, documents (SAPS directives) and structured interviews were compared in an attempt to substantiate the research findings. The interviews were conducted with visible policing members who attended to crime scenes as first responders and with detective branch commanders. This research discussed a number of key concepts: crime scene, criminal investigation, first responder, Locard’s Principle and physical evidence. It explained that criminal investigation is a logical and systematic process of gathering, locating and collecting evidence and the subsequent apprehension of perpetrators of crime in an attempt to secure a conviction. The objectives of criminal investigation are to detect crime; locate and identify possible offenders; gather, collect and process evidence; arrest offenders; recover stolen property; and bring the perpetrators before court to secure a conviction. The basic purpose of investigation is to prevent crime. Locard’s Principle, also known as the “the contact theory”, is that every contact leaves a trace. This research also suggests the processes that must be followed when crime is reported, the meaning of preliminary investigation, and the basic considerations during preliminary investigation, the main mistakes made by the first responder and the solutions to the identified mistakes. It is imperative that visible policing members familiarise themselves with the purpose of investigation and develop an understanding of the term “Locard’s Principle”, the process that must be followed when crime is reported, the basic considerations in the preliminary investigation of a crime and the main mistakes made by the first responders at the scene of crime, as these carry significant weight in the execution of their daily duties. These must be understood by the first responder as they contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of offenders. This research hopes to assist in securing convictions and decreasing the number of repeat offenders who commit crimes. en
dc.format.extent 1 online resource (x, 97 leaves)
dc.language.iso en en
dc.subject Crime scene en
dc.subject Criminal investigation en
dc.subject First responder en
dc.subject Locard’s Principle en
dc.subject Physical evidence en
dc.subject.ddc 363.2520968221
dc.subject.lcsh Crime scene searches -- South Africa -- Ivory Park en
dc.subject.lcsh Criminal investigation -- South Africa -- Ivory Park en
dc.subject.lcsh Evidence, Criminal -- South Africa -- Ivory Park en
dc.subject.lcsh First responders -- South Africa -- Ivory Park en
dc.subject.lcsh Police -- South Africa -- Ivory Park
dc.title Evaluation of the role of the first responder at the crime scene en
dc.type Dissertation en
dc.description.department Criminology and Security Science en
dc.description.degree M.A. (Criminal Justice)


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