16) - Exhibits

Question 1

Purpose - OC Exhibits

Answer 1

• Establishing and maintaining exhibit management Systems
• Prepare and produce Exhibits in court
• Maintaining the physical Security and continuity of all exhibits

Question 2

In smaller investigations the OC Exhibits (in conjunction with the OC Investigation) may also conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish the:

Answer 2

• Evidential Value of each exhibit
• Investigative Opportunities presented by each exhibit
• Further Enquiries that are needed

Question 3

Safe storage of exhibits

In the first instance the OC Exhibits should only accept an exhibit if it is:

%%

Answer 3

• Preserved correctly
• Labelled with an assigned exhibit number and the name of the operation
• Recorded correctly on the scene exhibits schedule
• Packaged, labelled and sealed correctly in accordance with SOP

Standard knowledge. Label, record and package exhibits. (plus preserve)

Question 4

Examination of exhibits

Of note only

Answer 4

The OC Exhibits must ensure that all exhibits are fully examined, in accordance with Forensic Strategy meeting decisions.

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.

Question 5

Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include:

Forensic Strategy Meetings

Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations.

Answer 5

• A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the Reconstruction
• What Examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits
• The Priority each examination should receive
• An Agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.

Question 6

Producing exhibits in Court

The O/C Exhibits is responsible for preparing the exhibits for production at Court.

This must be conducted in a manner which:

Answer 6

• Demonstrates the evidential value of the exhibits
• Avoids risk of physical injury, disease, accident

Question 7

Chain of Custody

While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate:

Answer 7

Received
* when they received custody of the exhibit and from whom

Taken to store
* when, why and how the exhibit was moved from one place to another

Placed in store
* where and how the exhibit was securely stored

Preserved
* how the exhibit has been treated, safeguarded and preserved

Sent for exam
* when and why they transferred custody of an exhibit to another person, and to whom.

Question 8

Exhibit numbering

The exhibit numbering system should be simple, efficient and provide the following key attributes:

Of note only

Answer 8

• Consistency
• Be compatible with Technology
• Allow delegation of Exhibit numbers to staff who will utilise them
• Encompass all Exhibit types
• Cope with multiple Scenes

Question 9

Exhibit numbering

Exhibit number ranges

Answer 9

Admin - 10000
Victim - 15000
Witnesses - 20000
Area Canvass - 25000
Scenes - 30000
Suspects - 70000

Question 10

Appointment of OC Exhibits

Answer 10

The appointment of OC Exhibits with previous experience in
- mass exhibit handling
- forensic principles
- methods of exhibit recovery
- approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
- use of standardized documentation