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OVM2601 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) -
Investigative Principles for Policing IIA
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
QUESTION 1
ACROSS
2. Description of the alleged offender by the victim/complainant or witness
IDENTIKIT
6. Observing people, goods and activities from a distance
SURVEILLANCE
9. Evidence transferred from the suspect to the victim to identify the victim
TRACE
10. … parade is a direct method to identify a suspect by a victim
IDENTIFICATION
DOWN
1. To establish links between crime scenes
LINKAGE
3. Person present when a crime occurred
WITNESS
4. … chemistry includes toxicological and serological examinations
FORENSIC
, 2|Page
5. Principle of “Putting people first” in service delivery
BATHOPELE
7. Specific identification of a victim
INDIVIDUALISATION
8. Taking control over a crime scene
SECURING
QUESTION 2
2.1 Identify the search method used by the investigator in the image. (2)
The search method used in the image is the Strip (Line) Search Method.
This is evident from the arrows in the image indicating that investigators are moving in
straight, parallel lines across the crime scene. The method involves searching the scene
systematically in one direction and then possibly repeating the process at a right angle
to ensure thorough coverage.
2.2 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the search method identified in
2.1. (5)
Advantages of the Strip (Line) Search Method:
1. Systematic coverage – The method ensures that the entire crime scene is
covered in an organised and structured manner.
2. Suitable for large, open areas – It is particularly effective in outdoor scenes
such as fields, farms, parking areas or open plots, like the smallholding in this
scenario.
3. Simple to implement – It does not require complex coordination and can easily
be conducted by several investigators walking in parallel lines.
4. Reduces oversight – Because investigators move in straight lines, the chances
of missing visible evidence are reduced.
OVM2601 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) -
Investigative Principles for Policing IIA
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
QUESTION 1
ACROSS
2. Description of the alleged offender by the victim/complainant or witness
IDENTIKIT
6. Observing people, goods and activities from a distance
SURVEILLANCE
9. Evidence transferred from the suspect to the victim to identify the victim
TRACE
10. … parade is a direct method to identify a suspect by a victim
IDENTIFICATION
DOWN
1. To establish links between crime scenes
LINKAGE
3. Person present when a crime occurred
WITNESS
4. … chemistry includes toxicological and serological examinations
FORENSIC
, 2|Page
5. Principle of “Putting people first” in service delivery
BATHOPELE
7. Specific identification of a victim
INDIVIDUALISATION
8. Taking control over a crime scene
SECURING
QUESTION 2
2.1 Identify the search method used by the investigator in the image. (2)
The search method used in the image is the Strip (Line) Search Method.
This is evident from the arrows in the image indicating that investigators are moving in
straight, parallel lines across the crime scene. The method involves searching the scene
systematically in one direction and then possibly repeating the process at a right angle
to ensure thorough coverage.
2.2 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the search method identified in
2.1. (5)
Advantages of the Strip (Line) Search Method:
1. Systematic coverage – The method ensures that the entire crime scene is
covered in an organised and structured manner.
2. Suitable for large, open areas – It is particularly effective in outdoor scenes
such as fields, farms, parking areas or open plots, like the smallholding in this
scenario.
3. Simple to implement – It does not require complex coordination and can easily
be conducted by several investigators walking in parallel lines.
4. Reduces oversight – Because investigators move in straight lines, the chances
of missing visible evidence are reduced.
