An evaluation of first responder police performance in a housebreaking crime scene at Honeydew policing area

Abstract

Unsolved housebreaking cases in South Africa are a major concern. This raises a question about first responder police performance in housebreaking crime scenes. This study evaluated the first responder police performance in a specific housebreaking crime scene in the Honeydew Policing Area of Gauteng province. A qualitative research approach was adopted, in which a literature review, archives and oral face-to-face interviews were utilised to substantiate the research findings. Interviews were conducted with detectives and visible policing officials who are inter alia responsible for responding to housebreaking crime scenes. A crime scene is any area where a crime has occurred and the study examined several key related ideas, namely crime scene contamination, evidence/chain of custody, first responder, and housebreaking. The findings reveal that the purpose of visiting the crime scene as a first responder involves the process of planning and implementing measures to take command and secure the crime scene; ensure the authenticity and uniqueness of evidence and exhibits; and investigate. The preliminary investigation is the first phase of a lengthy investigation process. The study found that the first responding officers who attend housebreaking crime scenes lack knowledge about securing the crime scene, resulting in contamination of the crime scene. Evidence contamination can have a negative impact on whether or not an investigation is successful. Unfortunately, similar mistakes have occurred in several South African cases. This raises the question of whether first responders have adequate training in crime scene management and evidence preservation. It is recommended that first responders and detectives at Honeydew Police Station should continually be informed of the contents of the SAPS National Instruction 1: Crime scene management of 2015 by means of training interventions. This will provide first responders (visible policing officers and detectives) with the critical knowledge and skills for efficient crime scene management, process planning and implementation, and will also help eliminate the most common mistakes made by first responders at the scene of a crime, because these carry significant weight in the execution of their daily duties. The Honeydew community, the local South African Police Service, and other relevant stakeholders need to fully understand the modus operandi of a housebreaking crime. Understanding the modus operandi would provide a detailed source of information and influence strategies for effectively responding to this crime. These must be understood by the first responders so they can successfully investigate and prosecute perpetrators. This research provides suggestions that will assist in obtaining convictions and reducing the number of housebreaking cases.