TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 334

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CONFIDENTIAL

10

5.

Immediate Police Action

In regard to police action at the scene, once an officer is appointed to be in-charge of the enquiries, he must assume overall and absolute control. The presence of officers senior in rank must not detract from the investigation officer's authority and responsibility.

6.

In the present case, the presence and continual participation of officers senior to the appointed investigation officer detracted from that officer's assumption of effective control and direction, particularly in relation to the fingerprint officer and the photographer.

7.

The fingerprint officer and the photographer were experts and highly experienced. They could have been expected to undertake the necessary tasks exercising their own initiative. However, the lack of a clear appointment of a single officer in-charge of the investigation with complete control did cause confusion as to exactly what they were expected to do.

8.

Aids to Investigation

Or the point that investigation officers should be in possession of a 'check list' to ensure that an investigation is thoroughly undertaken, this proposition is considered to be impracticable. The tactics, procedures and methods of investigation vary from case to case and there is no 'check list' which could be usefully adapted to suit all situations. The investigation officer's intelligence, experience, knowledge and professional ability play a great part. The existence of a 'check list' would be counter- productive and would place undue restraint on investigation officers.

9.

Additional Matters.

The classification of suicide, though justified, was reached ton early. This resulted in some investigative steps to eliminate other possibilities not being taken.

10.

Police General Orders state that the responsibility for the investigation of suicide cases rests with the SDI of the station concerned. Orders are silent on the responsibilities for the investigation of suicides of an unusual nature, such as this one.

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