Part 16 - Exhibit Management Flashcards
The appointment of OC Exhibits should be:
Suitably qualified in terms of training and relevant experience.
In a homicide investigation it is recommended that the OC Exhibits is a qualified Detective, preferably with previous experience in:
- mass exhibit handling
- forensic principles
- methods of exhibit recovery
- approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
- managing contamination and cross-contamination issues
- use of standardised documentation
Ensure the OC Exhibits has all the resources necessary to carry out their responsibilities.
Where possible the OC Exhibits should not be assigned any other responsibilities as their duties will fully engage them from the early stages through to the preparation of exhibits at any subsequent Court proceedings
What is the role of OC Exhibits responsible for?
- establishing required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits
- establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems and
- maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits
The role of OC Exhibits is flexible, depending on the scale of the investigation.
What specific matters regarding each exhibit must OC exhibits determine?
The OC Exhibits may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish:
- the evidential value of each exhibit
- the investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
- further enquiries that are needed.
Safe storage of exhibits
OC exhibits should only accept exhibits if?
- the label contains the exhibit number and name of operation. Other details are recorded in IMT or PROP
- it is correctly packaged and sealed and the exhibit label is visible and secured on the outside
- any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken eg drying wet clothing
Whether sealed or not, no exhibits should be taken into the Investigation Headquarters.
A secure room should be available for exclusive use by the OC Exhibits
Examination of exhibits
Must know
The OC Exhibits maintains an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be available.
The OC Exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation
Developing a Forensic Strategy
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for exhibits?
Must know
Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.
The strategy must be approved by the OC Investigation and continually reviewed throughout the investigation to keep abreast of any developments
Why are Forensic Strategy meetings held?
To determine which exhibit or forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations
Who attends a forensic strategy meeting?
OC Investigations
OC exhibits
OC scene
OC body
Pathologist
ESR
Fingerprint officer
SOCO
2IC
Crime scene coordinator
Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include:
Must know
- What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
- The priority each examination should receive.
- Whether any further work is required to assist a reconstruction.
- A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
- An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.
What must the OC Exhibits do following any Forensic Strategy meeting?
The OC Exhibits must record on the Exhibits Register, all decisions made about the types of examinations to be conducted and the priority allocated to the examination of each exhibit.
Results of exhibit examinations
Must know
The OC Exhibits must:
- update the Exhibits Register with the results of exhibit examinations and
- should bring such information to the attention of the OC Investigation and
- not assume that they are aware of it by any other means.
Action of OC exhibit when there are further enquiries
Must know
When the OC Exhibits becomes aware that further enquiries are required in relation to a particular exhibit, this must be highlighted to the 2IC so that follow-up enquiries can be initiated
Before the commencement of the trial, the OC Investigation in conjunction with the OC Exhibits, must:
- decide which exhibits are considered relevant,
- determine the significance of any forensic examinations and
- establish the most appropriate manner in which exhibits and examination results are to be presented at trial
In preparation for trial, The OC Exhibits is responsible for:
- arranging the transportation of exhibits to and from Court
- their security at the venue and
- their production, as directed by the Prosecutor
Describe the chain of custody and it’s purpose
Must know
The chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of an exhibit, from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court.
It is used to demonstrate the integrity and admissibility of exhibits.
The chain of custody is normally achieved by referring to the Scene Exhibit Schedule and recording the physical location in IMT or PROP
