4.1 Training of investigators should cover the
primary purposes of an investigation:
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.1 In any cases where persons on board have been
abducted or have been held hostage, the primary objective of any law
enforcement operation or investigation must be their safe release.
Their rescue and safety should take precedence over all other considerations.
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.2 Arrest of offenders.
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.3 Securing of evidence, especially if an examination
by experts is needed.
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.4 Dissemination of information which may help
prevent other offences.
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.5 Recovery of property stolen.
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.6 Cooperation with the authority responsible
for dealing with any particular incident.
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.7 Gathering and assessing related information
from all available sources.
4.2 Investigators should be trained and experienced
in conventional criminal investigative techniques, and should be as
familiar as possible with a ship environment. Maritime knowledge will,
of course, be an advantage, and access to persons with knowledge of
maritime procedures useful, but it is investigative skills which are
vital.
4.3 Written procedures in the national language
on how to conduct an investigation could be useful. Such procedures
should be updated and adjusted in light of experiences gained and
with due regard for national legislation.
4.4 Trainers may wish to emphasize that offenders
could still be at the scene of the crime when investigators arrive
on scene.
4.5 Investigators should be trained how to handle
persons who have experienced very stressful situations. Learning techniques
on how to question persons suffering from post-traumatic stress could
prove useful.