Managerial Communications

An Investigation of the communication Channel involving a

case file at the St. Johns Police Station

Group Members:

Rabina Adamson (407002716)

Kay Ferrance

Kerri Michael

Michael Stewart (00683314)

Cornel Tittle

Table of Contents
Managerial Communications......................................................................................1

An Investigation of the communication Channel involving a case file at the St. Johns
Police Station..............................................................................................................1

Group Members: ........................................................................................................1

Rabina Adamson (407002716)...................................................................................1

Kay Ferrance..............................................................................................................1

Kerri Michael...............................................................................................................1

Michael Stewart (00683314).......................................................................................1

Cornel Tittle................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents....................................................................................................... 1

Terms of reference..................................................................................................... 3

Introduction................................................................................................................ 4

Methodology............................................................................................................... 5

Main Facts..................................................................................................................6

Findings/Conclusion....................................................................................................8

Appendix.................................................................................................................... 9
 Terms of reference

This investigation focuses on the process, departments involved and the possible final outcomes of the

case file and taking (takes) into consideration some of the challenges that hinder/ slow the process of the

case file. The evaluation will target (is there something missing here?)
 Introduction

Our goal is to investigate the efficiency of the case files that passes through the Head of the Criminal

Investigation Department. Therefore, the scope of this research would be the Police Head Quarters on

American Road and the St. Johns Police Station on Lower Market Street as they are the two main hubs

that the cases files passes through. However, there were some problems found while conducting this

research which include the excessive use of paper, inadequate or insufficient training to write up proper

statements, lack of resources such as transportation to aid in investigations, and typist(s) in the High

Court. Lastly we provide suggestions on how to improve (reduce) the inefficiencies and limitations.
 Methodology

Interviews were conducted with Corporal Samuel of the IT Division at the Police Head Quarters,

Sergeant Edwards in charge of the Prosecution Department at the St. John’s Police Station, and Mrs.

Joanna Walsh Crown Council 1 DDP Division.

Our initial course of action was to conduct unstructured interviews, and make observations and give out

questionnaires to persons involved in the different stages of the case file life cycle. After conducting our

fist unstructured interview with Corporal Samuel, he advised us not to give out questionnaires unless he

vetted them first, because “most officers wouldn’t be able to answer all questions provided on a

questionnaires.”

Unstructured interviews, observations and references to secondary sources were used to gather the

information for this report.

 Main Facts

The Statement process usually takes (consist of) four main steps from the time it is written to when it

reaches its optimal (final) destinations of either the Magistrates Court or High Court (with the latter for

indictable? offences) in the case of only serious matters. However, not all cases have sufficient evidence

to complete the process. These (The) steps include:

Step 1: When a report is made, the statement is handwritten to record in full details the circumstances of

the incident. Noting the name of the witness, age, profession, and address, also questions as to what

happened, and what time it happened (questioning why, when, where, and how). The statements recorded

from the witnesses are then placed into a case file, and any further investigations carried out are placed

into the case file in (chronological order) the order in which the incident occurred. If there is sufficient

evidence the investigator either report or arrests and charge the offender for the offence(s).

Step 2: The case file is then submitted to a Sergeant or Senior Police Officer who vets the case to make

sure all details in the case file is correct. Then it is submitted to the head of the Criminal Investigation

Department (CID) who looks over the case and gives instructions, as to whether to make necessary

corrections or if further investigation is needed before it is handed over to the Department of Public

Prosecution Office (DPP).

Step 3: The DPP vet the cases and sends it back to the head of the CID if any legal corrections are to be

made. Based on the evidence the DPP decide if the case is a summary case to be tried in the Magistrates

Court or an indictable case to be tried in the High Court. They also decide which prosecution officer is

best fit to handle the individual case and in exceptional cases which require special litigation, the crown

council themselves would prosecute the case in the Magistrate Court. However, only the Magistrate has
the authority given to him by the law of the state, to decide whether the case should be tried in his court or

committed to the High Court in accordance to the law, or to dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence.

Step 4: All cases committed to the High Court from The Magistrates Court are then vetted, typed and

sorted by way of priority of the cases. Then a list is sent to the DPP stating the cases which will be tried in

the particular assizes to be held in either of the yearly periods: January, May or September. When the case

is being tried in the High Court, all witnesses have to give oral evidence before a panel of nine jurors

taking as the form of a verbal deposition. If any witnesses are unable to be present at the Court hearing

because they may be travelling, ill or deceased, a court clerk reads the statement; also, if a specialized

person writes the statement, the statement is read by another professional of their stature. Having heard

the evidence provided by the statements the jury decides if the accused is guilty or not, then the Judge

gives the punishment based on the offence and in accordance to the law.
 Findings/Conclusion

List of findings gathered from observations.

1. Handwritten process of recording the statements is an excessive use of paper (paper wastage) and

time consuming.

2. Transportation shortage prolongs the duration of completing an investigation.

3. Typist(s) at the High Court is overburdened with typing all case files submitted from the

Magistrate’s Court.
Appendix