Organisation: Children’s Education and Care Assurance
Job Title: Investigating Officer
Proven experience in conducting investigations and monitoring activities in a regulatory environment
Working as a detective with the New Zealand Police force, I undertook many investigations for a wide variety of offences, including homicides, sexual offences, serious assaults, racial attacks, drug offences, sudden deaths, arson, burglaries, fraud and other types of dishonesty offences. To become a detective, I was required to complete two and a half years of intensive and demanding in-service training which involved me passing a number of formidable examinations and qualifications courses.
I was responsible for the collection, handling and documentation of exhibits to ensure the chain of evidence was maintained. Due to the broad range of offences investigated, I worked under an extensive range of statutes and legislation which included the Children, Young Persons, and the Families Act 1989, the Crimes Act 1961, and the Summary Offences Act 1981. Throughout the investigations process my actions were dictated by a regulatory environment, so I needed to ensure that everything was fair, transparent and that the whole process was lawful in order to achieve the end result.
The Intelligence Unit identified an increase in the theft at night of high-end Subarus from shopping malls and addresses in the city of Christchurch. Members of the team committing these offences would drive around late at night looking for target vehicles, they would then text message the details to the rest of the team and they would meet at an arranged location to commit the offence.
Information supplied by an informant provided evidence of the identity of the team committing these offences. Utilising legislation, I was able to then do a cell phone analysis on the target person. Employing other investigative tools such as surveillance, I was able to catch the target and co-offenders in the act of stealing a motor vehicle from a shopping mall. Further analysis of their cell phones showed they were in the process of trying to sell the stolen motor vehicle.
The result of my investigation was a successful arrest and prosecution. The target pleaded guilty and was sentenced to imprisonment. Subsequent analysis of the target’s cell phone indicated involvement in drug dealing offences and the target was charged with two additional drug charges which were also pleaded guilty to.
Demonstrated well developed written skills including the preparation of reports, submissions and correspondence
A requirement of the investigation process is to write a detailed and thorough report regarding the circumstance details, evidence, findings during the investigation, what legislation this refers to, and any relevant case law.
These reports are required before a prosecution can occur, when a legal opinion is sought (for example, to identify changes in legislation, prosecution guidelines, and to determine the chances of a successful prosecution), and to request the opinion of senior supervisors or detective inspectors.
Reports were prepared for the defence counsel to keep them informed of what was going on in matters before the courts. Additionally, reports were written to correspond with victims and their support agencies to ensure they were fully aware of the state of proceedings of the matter before the court and to enable the victims to receive adequate support.
The nature of the work I performed was high-end crimes so my reports were required to be detailed and thorough. These cases may appear before the High Court so reports needed to be of a high standard.
Information contained in the reports included the circumstances of the incident, followed by a synopsis of all supporting evidence, details of supporting case law and legal terms. I had to make sure I took into consideration case law, prosecution guidelines, and the need to request legal opinion.
I have compiled numerous reports for crown prosecutors, summarising all investigations I conducted which progressed to trial, for example, sexual assault and racial attack cases. Communication was also made through email and writing to other agencies such as the Health Department, and forensic scientists who would assist with evidence.
During my time in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), I provided the Australian Federal Police with weekly reports on the general duties staff and managers within the central police unit.
Demonstrated well developed interpersonal communication and leadership skills, including the ability to liaise, consult and negotiate with key stakeholders
As Acting Detective Sergeant with the New Zealand Police, I would act as a mentor to those in my squad and would oversee investigations within a team. My leadership skills were aimed at improving success – leadership is all about standards and guidelines, ensuring that all team members had operational capacity i.e. that they had the right skills to do the jobs, and they had the right tools or enablers to complete the task successfully. A portion of this was liaising with forensic scientists, scenes of crime, other officers and, at times, the police legal team.
My role in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was as an advisor and mentor. My aim was to pass on my leadership skills and to ensure that professional standards, ethics, and values were applied to policing. I worked with shift inspectors to constables and was required to mentor the inspector I supervised, accompanying him at incidents to see how he acted and reacted. After the incident I would debrief the inspector and we would discuss how he would be able to improve his investigative techniques.
While in RAMSI, I accompanied a Sergeant to an incident at the markets involving a dispute that was very volatile. The Sergeant was unable to establish a leader’s presence, required to gain control of the situation. I assisted in this situation and gained control, speaking to both parties and defusing the situation through communication. Due to the tension in the air, I recommended leaving a police presence in the area.
On our way back to the station I debriefed the Sergeant on his performance during the incident. I explained that from the moment you arrive on scene you begin a quick appreciation process, which is, looking at the situation, getting a feel for the ground, looking at what’s going on (aim), all information received, and ways to remedy the situation (the plan to deal with the situation) – all within a matter of seconds. During the debrief I had with the Sergeant, I identified the main issue experienced was the Sergeant not being forthcoming with providing leadership and his staff were looking for a leader. We discussed what went right and what went wrong and techniques he could use to be assertive and take control of the situation.
The information provided during the debriefs and the assistance I provided the Sergeant resulted in an improvement in his communication; he became more assertive instead of trying to be everyone’s friend, commanded a leader’s presence, and was able to make a decision on the spot and under pressure.
Experience in analysing complex matters in an investigative framework
I investigated a complex matter involving two sexual assaults. The perpetrator targeted elderly women who were alone. This investigation was made complex due to the offender being very forensically aware and using a number of aides to hide his identity by leaving minimal forensic evidence at the scene.
We were able to extract a small trace of forensic material from the scene. This was not enough for a full DNA profile and was insufficient to run across a DNA database but allowed for a partial DNA profile.
Our next step was to utilise the services of a criminal profiler who made comparisons between the two sexual assault cases. There were words the offender used in both crimes which were quite unusual words, as well as commonality regarding the method of entry, time of offence, location of offence, nature of offence, as well as other similarities.
From this, an analysis was performed using information from England and Canada, and the profiler was able to say that the characteristics shared between the two offences were unique, so the crimes had to have been perpetrated by the same person.
This person was later arrested committing a burglary. The shoe patterns on the offender’s shoes were similar to the shoe patterns from the scene of one of the sexual attacks. On examination of the offender’s bag a screwdriver was located, the description of the screwdriver matched the tool markings found in the window frame of the second sexual attack. Due to these commonalities, I obtained a high court order for a DNA profile and analysed the offender’s DNA against the partial DNA profile taken from the site of the first sexual assault.
Due to the DNA profile obtained, it was established that all male relatives on the father’s side had the same profile/characteristics. I then proceeded to conduct enquiries to eliminate other male relatives as suspects in the sexual offence. I had a small team assisting me with the investigation and they approached associates and tried to obtain evidence from them.
This matter was taken to trial. The trial lasted three weeks and also pertained to other burglary matters. The offender was found guilty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment and preventative detention (this means once the offender serves the minimum timeframe they will be re-evaluated, if they are not fit to go into the community they will not be released, if they are released they will forever be on parole).
Capacity to manage a diverse, high volume caseload and the ability to plan and priorities work to meet agreed deadlines and organisational requirements
As an investigator, I was constantly being inundated with files. On receipt of files, I needed to look at the nature of the file, the seriousness of the offence, and the time constraints I had to work within, to determine which file would be actioned first. Legislative requirements relating to times to provide deadlines and disclosure by set timeframes for the defence council were also taken into consideration.
It is a requirement to remain resilient and proactive under pressure, while constantly reacting to the changes in the work environment and continuously evaluating and prioritising work based on the seriousness of cases that have been allocated. For example, I would construct a to-do list and then be given a homicide investigation, taking me away from my case load for two or three weeks. I needed to be able to balance the time spent working on the homicide, which is a serious offence, while also ensuring I allocated time to fulfil my other case load requirements for courts and other trials I had previously completed. Not providing information in the correct time could result in charges being withdrawn, or cases being thrown out. I needed to make sure I did the best I could for the victims of these crimes.
To ensure work continued on the other cases I utilised my ability to determine which steps were required to progress these cases and I would commence these enquiries or other requirements in the background while focusing on my main case. I would form an investigation plan so things didn’t stagnate and would utilise other agencies to perform enquiries to keep these cases moving.
Following this process and forming an investigation plan ensured I was able to focus on my main case while ensuring existing cases were progressed.
Consistently model and demonstrate the ACT Government Respect, Equity and Diversity Framework and lead safe work practices that are in accordance with the Directorate’s Work Health and Safety policies, procedures and roles and responsibilities
Throughout my career I have always been accepting of other cultures, as well as being mindful of differing views and opinions. I have always been able to accept these different views and opinions based on things such as cultural beliefs, and sexuality, and I always remain open and fair.
I am aware of the indigenous community in Australia. In New Zealand I was mindful of the multiculturalism and the Treaty of Waitangi which was first signed in 1840 and recognised Maori ownership of their lands, forests and other properties, and gave the Maori the rights of British subjects.
Working in the police force I have dealt with a wide range of victims and offenders from many cultures. I have also engaged with families at sensitive times regarding a death and am mindful of the family’s beliefs and culture. If unsure of a cultural belief, I am prepared to ask so I don’t unintentionally upset or cause distress to the family.
While working in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), I worked with a multicultural police force that included representatives from fifteen specific nations. In the New Zealand Army where I worked as a peace keeper in East Timor, I worked with foreign armies, including the Nepalese Army, Irish Rangers, and the Fijian Army.
The most important thing I have learned in my career and life is to always treat people the way I would like to be treated myself. I treat them with respect, dignity, and professionalism, regardless of the circumstances I have met them under.
I am always mindful of my safety and the safety of others and take all possible steps to minimise risks to myself and my staff while complying with health regulations and safety policies. This includes ensuring that the staff under my leadership are aware of these regulations and comply with these to protect their safety.
For the police force this included wearing the correct appointments (e.g. handcuffs, batons, spray), carrying the correct safety equipment (e.g. reflective vest, adequate water, sun hats), and ensuring cars had first aid kits which were fully stocked. These first aid kits were used for officers and offenders, for example, if you sprayed an offender with capsicum spray and they experienced breathing difficulties, you had to have Ventolin on hand.
Eligibility / Other requirements
A current driver’s licence
I hold a current full open licence issued by the ACT Government.
Knowledge and understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law (ACT) Act 2011,
the Children and Young People Act 2008, the Education and Care Services National Regulations
2011 and the ACT Childcare Services Standards.
As a member of the New Zealand Police force I have always been required to work within legislation and familiarise myself with changes within that legislation. I have an exceptional ability in becoming adept with legislation and legislation changes and am able to apply this in practice.
Diploma or Tertiary qualification in investigations, a relevant discipline and/or equivalent experience
I possess the following qualifications
Diploma in New Zealand Policing
Level 3 in Investigative Studies – cross credited to Australia
Qualified detective 2010
NSW Private Investigator’s Licence
