Exhibits

Question 1

What is the definition of an exhibit?

Answer 1

Any item that comes into possession of Police that may be relevant to an investigation or judicial process.

Question 2

The admissibility of an article or document as evidence will often depend on how you? (X3)

Answer 2

• Collect it
• Secure and Safeguard
• Present it

Question 3

What must you ensure when storing exhibits appropriately?

Answer 3

• Dry wet or soiled items before storage
• Store in appropriate packaging
• Avoid plastic packaging for items that need to breathe
• Use a sharps container for items such as needles
• Protect documents

Question 4

If you are unsure the best way to preserve an exhibit, seek advice from?

Answer 4

Your supervisor, or an expert such as a Scene of Crime officer.

Question 5

Where do you store exhibits?

Answer 5

The official exhibit storage facilities

Question 6

Where do you not store exhibits?

Answer 6

Your locker

Question 7

Forensic evidence is increasingly important; what should we avoid?

Answer 7

Cross contamination

Question 8

What do we do with perishable exhibits?

Answer 8

They must be protected from deterioration until they are produced in court.

Question 9

How do we handle the exhibit; at a scene?

Answer 9

• Locate
• If in possession of a witness, record details and how they came into possession of it.
• record the exhibits details in your notebook
• Label
• Secure

Question 10

How do we handle the exhibit; at the police station?

Answer 10

Complete the Property Record Sheet (Police 268)

Question 11

How do we handle the exhibit; before the court hearing?

Answer 11

• Obtain the exhibit from the exhibit store
• Check that it is as it was left
• Endorse the property office copy of the 268 or the exhibit register
• Prepare the exhibit for production in court
• Take the exhibit to court

Question 12

How do we handle the exhibit; at the court hearing?

Answer 12

• Advise the prosecutor that the exhibit is available
• The exhibit is referred to during the giving of evidence
• One witness will produce the exhibit to the court

Question 13

How do we handle the exhibit; after the court hearing?

Answer 13

• An order for the return of the exhibit to the lawful owner or destruction or forfeiture occupier is made, if applicable.
• The exhibit may remain with the court for normally 28 days
• You are responsible for uplifting the exhibit and returning it to the owner or disposing in accordance with policy

Question 14

The O/C Exhibits or Exhibits Officer is responsible for?

Answer 14

• Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems

* Maintaining physical security and continuity

Question 15

Why are exhibits numbered, and not lettered?

Answer 15

• Alphabet is used for defence exhibits

* Alphabetical system is limited to 26 items

Question 16

How many people should handle the exhibit, to help manage the chain of evidence?

Answer 16

As few people as possible