Part 16 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What other specific matters regarding each exhibit must
the OC exhibits determine?
The OC Exhibits maintains an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be avaliable. The OC Exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation.
Describe the role of OC exhibits in smaller vs large investigations?
The role of OC Exhibits is flexible, depending on the scale of the investigation.
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:
* evidential value of each exhibit
* investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
* further enquiries that are needed.
In respect of operations of this nature, it is likely that the OC Exhibits would be directed to carry out these enquiries.
The processes for homicide or other larger scale investigations is where the OC Exhibits arranges for others to examine exhibits through the Forensic Strategy meeting process.
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for the exam of exhibits?
Strategy: 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.
What must OC Exhibits do when they recieve results of an exam?
The OC Exhibits must update the Exhibits Register with the results
of exhibit examinations. The OC Exhibits should bring such information to the attention of the OC Investigation and not assume that they are aware of it by any other means.
What should the OC Exhibits do if 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.
Describe the chain of custody?
The chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of anexhibit, from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity, and therefore admissibility, of exhibits.
While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate:
- when they received custody of the exhibit 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 of an exhibit to another person, and to whom.
O/C exhibits is responsible for the evidential value of each exhibit and what else?
establishing required standards for the recovery, handling,
labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits and ensuring these processes are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the OC Investigation and
the Serious Crime Template. The OC Exhibits must communicate required standards to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.
List some of the responsibilities OC exhibits has in a serious crime investigation?
To maintain physical security of exhibits (safe storage)
To maintain the continuity of all exhibits (chain of custody)
To establish and maintain exhibit management systems
To ensure all exhibits are fully examined in accordance with the Forensic Strategy meeting
decisions
To submit exhibits for examination
To produce exhibits in court
To facilitate the inspection of exhibits by defence counsel.
Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include:
- What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
- The priority each examination should receive.
- Whether any further work is needed 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..
Following any Forensic Strategy meeting, the OC Exhibits must record on the Exhibits Register, all decisions taken about the types of examinations to be conducted and the priority allocated to the
examination of each exhibit.
The OC exhibits must, where appropriate, update the OC investigation and 2IC with relevant information relating to:
What exhibits have been found and their movements
The results of any exhibit examinations
Whether any further enquiries are required
What team conferences should OC exhibits attend?
The OC Exhibits must attend all Forensic Strategy Meetings and investigation briefings to facilitate information sharing and where possible, take responsibility for maintaining liaison between OC
investigation, 2IC, Crime Scene Co-Ordinator/OC Scene, ESR and other specialists.
What action can be taken to preserve the
integrity of the exhibits register?
To protect the integrity of the electronic Exhibits Register, only the OC Exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it, although every member of the investigation should
be able to view it. An Exhibits Register template can be downloaded from the Serious Crime Template.
