CPNZ Basic Training 006 – Basic Observation Techniques

There are three types of patrol used by CPNZ. They are: Mobile patrol Mobile patrol Static Patrol Static Patrol Foot Patrol Foot Patrol Each are self explaining with the exception of a Static Patrol which is when you are stationary and observing a specific event.

Observation Techniques With the premise that CPNZ is engaged in a highly visible ‘Prevention’ role, your patrol need to be visible. The role is to PREVENT offences occurring NOT to catch offenders. Mobile Patrols should travel at a speed that observers can observe and be appropriate to what they are doing.

Observation Techniques The drivers job is to drive. The observers job is to observe and record. Consider parking (or becoming ‘Static’) and let the traffic or people go past you. Then the driver can also become an observer. If you are on foot, work in pairs and be highly visible.

Observation Techniques CPNZ has policies covering a wide range of topics. For patrolling there are: Interim Patrolling Policy 2012 Interim Patrolling Policy 2012 Patrolling of Schools Policy 2012 Patrolling of Schools Policy 2012 These policies are important and available on the CPNZ website. It is important that Patrollers are aware of these.

Observation starts with the familiarisation of your area. It assists to put events into context. This also assists in turning Lineup briefings into patrol plans specifically for your area. Observation Techniques

POLICE – Observations to report: – Urgent or suspicious matters, possibly requiring action (Police Decision!) – Witnessed / witnessing something Police have requested assistance on. – Response to call which may, or may not, be specifically addressed to your patrol, e.g.: cell phone call; or advised as 10/1 broadcast; or call to Police unit, which may be several minutes away.

The Five ‘W’s’ Who What Where When Weapons Minimum information required is that listed above. Consider what you are going to say. Observation Techniques

Who What Where When Weapons Five young males are fighting outside Roger’s Bar…... at this time using fists and bats, and one possible knife Observation Techniques

Suspicious Vehicle(s) Reg. Number. (Ideally front and back!) Type - Car / Truck / Van / Motorcycle Make / Model Colour(s) / Markings Condition / Damage Location / Direction of Travel Reason for Suspicion Observation Techniques

Suspicious person(s) Male / Female – Age / Race / Build / Height / Skin Colour Hair / Facial Hair - Colour / Length / Style Face - Shape / Eyes / Mouth / Spectacles Clothing - Style / Colours / Markings / Head ware Shoes - Colour / Style Observation Techniques

Suspicious person(s) Jewellery - Type / Location / Colour Scars / Tattoos - Location / Description Special features - Limps / Twitches / Missing Limbs, etc. Voice(s) – Tone / Accent / Distinctive Features / Lisp With ALL of the above, you will have a very good description. Observation Techniques

Recording the correct number plate has become more difficult since the introduction of up to 3 Letters and up to 3 Numbers.  The easiest way is to decide before the patrol which person will remember the Letters and which the Numbers.  The rate of correct rego number recording increases. Observation Techniques

Record your observations as they occur or as soon as practicable afterwards. The written information carried a greater evidential value than something remembered after the patrol has ended. The original hand written patrol report could end up as an exhibit – make it legible! Observation Techniques

Sometimes it is more practicable to become static and observe a situation for a while before reporting or recording it. If you record a vehicle registration number, also write down why you thought it was important to record it. Observation Techniques

Observation is a skill that develops with time and experience. Don’t expect to be good at it as soon as you start. The same applies for the recording of the information. Your recording of detail again develops with time and experience. Observation Summarised

CPNZ Basic Training 006 – Basic Observation ends