Exhibit Management

Question 1

It is recommended that the OC Exhibits is a qualified detective, preferably with previous experience in…(6)

Answer 1

-mass exhibit HANDLING.
-FORENSIC principles.
-methods of exhibit RECOVERY.
-approved procedures for PACKAGING.
-managing CONTAMINATION and cross-contamination issues.
-use of standardised documentation (IMT and PROP).

Question 2

During any investigation, the OC Exhibits is responsible for…? (2)

Answer 2

-establishing and maintaining exhibit management SYSTEMS

-maintaining the physical SECURITY and CONTINUITY of all exhibits.

Question 3

In smaller investigations, the OC Exhibits and OC Inv. will establish…(3)

Answer 3

-evidential VALUE of each exhibit.
-investigative OPPORTUNITIES presented by each exhibit.
-further ENQUIRIES that are needed.

Question 4

OC Exhibits must update OC Inv. and 2IC regarding…(3)

Answer 4

-what exhibits have been FOUND and their movements.
-the results of any exhibit CONTAMINATIONS.
-whether any further ENQUIRIES are needed.

Question 5

OC Exhibits should only accept an exhibit if…(3)

Answer 5

-the exhibit label contains the EXHIBIT NUMBER and OPERATION NAME. Other details in IMT or PROP.
-the property is correctly PACKAGED and SEALED, exhibit label is VISIBLE and SECURE.
-any PROMPT ACTION necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken (drying).

Question 6

Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy Meeting may include…(5)

Answer 6

-what EXAMINATIONS ESR and others could conduct.
-PRIORITY that each exhibit should receive.
-whether any further work is needed to assist a RECONSTRUCTION.
-if so, a PLAN for any work to be completed to assist a reconstruction.
-an AGREED RECONSTRUCTION of the events relevant to the crime.

Question 7

Steps when forwarding an exhibit for examination…(7)

Answer 7

-ensure exhibit exam DECISIONS are CONFIRMED at Forensic Strategy meeting.
-RECORD decisions in IMT or PROP re: types of exam for each exhibit.
-ENSURE OC Inv. has authorised the exam.
-prepare necessary PAPERWORK for ESR or others (POL 143).
-ensure exhibits are PREPARED for delivery.
-DELIVER PROMPTLY to avoid deterioration and loss of evidence.
-INFORM the expert if an exam is no longer required.

Question 8

OC Exhibits must produce exhibits in court in a manner which…(2)

Answer 8

-clearly DEMONSTRATES the EVIDENTIAL VALUE of the exhibit.
-AVOIDS any RISK of injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage.

Question 9

While an exhibit is in your control, you must be able to demonstrate in IMT or PROP…(5)

Answer 9

-when they RECEIVED custody and from WHOM.
-where and how the exhibit was securely STORED.
-when, why and how the exhibit was MOVED from one place to another.
-how the exhibit has been TREATED, SAFEGUARDED and PRESERVED.
-when and why they TRANSFERRED CUSTODY to another person and to WHOM.

Question 10

Key attributes of an exhibit numbering system (5)

Answer 10

-be CONSISTENT.
-allow for DELEGATION of exhibit numbers to staff who will utilise them.
-cope with MULTIPLE SCENES.
-be COMPATIBLE with technology (allow searching)
-ENCOMPASS all exhibits, e.g. MEKs, documents, blood samples and photographs sent to ESR.