1. Session 8: Investigation Function
7/4/2019
Introduction to AIIMS
Session 8: Investigation Function
This session provides and an overview of the Investigation function, the role of the Investigation Officer, and the structure and role of the Investigation Function.
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

2. This session will cover the following topics
7/4/2019
This session will cover the following topics
Scope of the Investigation Function in Victoria. Role of the Investigation Officer. Structure of the Investigation Function. Units within the Investigation Function.
Topics covered in this session:
Scope of the Investigation Function in Victoria
Role of the Investigation Officer
Structure of the Investigation Function
Units within the Investigation Function

3. 7/4/2019
AIIMS can have either an Investigation Unit or an Investigation Function
Investigation tasks can undertaken by an Investigation Unit within the Operations Function. If necessary, an Investigation Function can be established in its own right.
Investigation tasks will generally be undertaken by an Investigation Unit within the Operations Function, however, the Incident Controller may determine that the complexity, scale or nature of the incident requires that Investigation should be established as a Function in its own right. If this occurs the responsibilities of the Investigation Unit move to the Intelligence Function in the Incident management Structure and there will be no longer be an Investigation Unit in the Operations Function.
Bearing in mind that AIMS is a flexible system, the complexity, size or duration of an incident may mean that Intelligence tasks are unable to be performed by an Intelligence Unit within the Operations Function. The Incident Controller may determine that Intelligence tasks should be carried out by establishing an Intelligence Function in the Incident Management Structure.
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

4. 7/4/2019
The Investigation Function has key responsibilities including the following
Preservation of the scene and protection of evidence. Examination of the scene and collection of any evidence. Management of exhibits and evidence. Identifying and interviewing witnesses.
Investigation Function – Key Responsibilities:
Preservation of the scene and protection of evidence
Examination of the scene and collection of any evidence
Management of exhibits and evidence
Identifying and interviewing witnesses
Management of relevant information in cooperation with the Intelligence Function
Review of response to the incident
Establish and manage an Investigation Function in line with the size and complexity of the incident
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

5. 7/4/2019
The Investigation Function has key responsibilities including the following
Management of relevant information in cooperation with the Intelligence Function. Reviewing response to the incident. Establishing and managing an Investigation Function in line with the size and complexity of the incident.
Investigation Function – Key Responsibilities:
Preservation of the scene and protection of evidence
Examination of the scene and collection of any evidence
Management of exhibits and evidence
Identifying and interviewing witnesses
Management of relevant information in cooperation with the Intelligence Function
Review of response to the incident
Establish and manage an Investigation Function in line with the size and complexity of the incident
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

6. The Investigation Function has a defined scope
7/4/2019
The Investigation Function has a defined scope
Investigations will vary significantly depending on the nature of the hazard and who is ultimately responsible for the investigation.
Investigations can be conducted to determine:
the cause of the incident; and/or
factors contributing to the impact of the incident, or
the management of the incident.
Investigations during an incident may relate to:
For a bio-security matter or pandemic, to determine how a disease entered or spread within an area
For a flood, to capture information on levee performance or breaches
For a fire, t determine the cause or point of origin of the fire
For a structural collapse, to an engineering or construction issue, and
For any event, to determine the effectiveness of the response, or to examine unexpected events during the incident
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

7. 7/4/2019
The structure of the Investigation Function will be defined by the work required
The Investigation Officer manages the Investigation Function.
Investigation
The structure of the Investigation Function will be determined by the specific nature of the incident
The Investigation Officer manages the Investigation Function,
The structure of the Investigation Function will be determined by the specific nature of the incident and staffed accordingly.
Note:
Investigations initiated during an incident will often continue following the resolution of the incident. The Investigation Officer must ensure that any evidence or material gathered for the Incident Controller is available and accessible to agency personnel who will be carrying the investigation to its conclusion

8. The Investigation Function relies on key information flows
7/4/2019
The Investigation Function relies on key information flows
Much of the investigation material gathered can be used extensively following the resolution of the incident. The link between the Investigation and Operations functions is critical, given that those with most information essential to the Investigation Officer’s role will be in the field.
Information flow between Intelligence and Investigation will also be critical.
It is important that all within the incident management Structure are briefed on the existence of the Investigation and relevant circumstances, so that they can avoid actions that might interfere unnecessarily with the investigation. It is also important for all relevant elements of the Incident Management Structure to liaise with the investigator through the chain of command.
Reference:
AIIMS Manual 2017

9. 7/4/2019
In summary, we looked at these details of the AIIMS Investigation Function
Scope of the Investigation Function in Victoria. Role of the Investigation Officer. Structure of the Investigation Function. Units within the Investigation Function.
Review the content of this session:
Scope of the Investigation Function in Victoria
Role of the Investigation Officer
Structure of the Investigation Function
Units within the Investigation Function
Suggested questions:
What is the role of the Investigation Function in AIIMS?
Who is responsible for managing the Investigation Function and how is this position established?
What determines the structure of the Investigation Function?