Part 16 - Exhibit Management Flashcards
(14 cards)
Purpose of OC exhibits:
responsible for establishing and maintaining exhibit management system for maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits. The duties culminate with the provision of an accurately recorded exhibit package and availability of exhibits required throughout the court process.
OC exhibits in conjunction with the OC investigation may 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.
OC exhibits must where appropriate, update OC investigation and 2IC with the relevant information relating to what?
- what exhibits have been found, and their movements
- The results of any exhibit examinations
- Whether any further enquiries are required.
Safe storage of exhibits - in the first instance, the OC exhibit should only accept an exhibit if:
- The exhibit label contains exhibit number and name of the operation. Other detail such as a description of the item, the details of the person finding it, the time, date and location are recorded in IMT or prop.
- The property is correctly packaged and sealed, and the label is visible and secure on the outside of the package.
- Any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken, for example, dry wet or blood stain clothing in an appropriate drying facility. Contact ESR where necessary.
Forensic strategy meetings are used to determine what?
What for forensic examination are required and the priority of those examinations.
They should be attended by OC investigation, 2IC OC exhibit and crime scene coordinator/OC scene.
They can also include specialist such as pathologist or forensic scientist .
Topics covered during a forensic strategy meeting may include:
- What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
- The priority of each examination
- Whether any future work is needed to assist a reconstruction
- A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
- And agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime and investigation
Seven step process in submission of exhibits for examination:
1) ensure exhibit examination decisions are confirmed through the forensic strategy meeting process.
2) record on IMT or prop all decisions
3) ensure the OC investigation has authorised the proposed examination.
4) prepare the necessary papers for ESR eg pol143
5) ensure any exhibits identified for examination are prepared before being delivered:
- Separately wrapped, all parcels sealed, labelled and numbered correctly, 143 attached and consistent with labels
* Whether any exhibits are damp or require special attention
6) deliver exhibit for scientific examination promptly to avoid deterioration and loss of evidence
7) informed the expert undertaking the examination of no longer require required.
Preparing for trial
OC investigation in conjunction with OC exhibits and other relevant investigation team must decide which exhibits are considered relevant, determine the significance of any forensic examinations and established the most appropriate manner in which exhibits, and examination results are to be presented at trial..
OC exhibit are responsible for arranging the transportation of exhibits two and from court, for their security at the venue and for their production as directed by the prosecutor .
Producing exhibit in court, this must be conducted in a manner which:
- Clearly demonstrates the evidential value of the exhibits, e.g. by mounting clothes on a mannequin or board
- Avoid any risk of physical injury, disease, accident, contamination, or damage.
Where there are a number of exhibits a schedule of court exhibit should be prepared .
Duties after the trial:
The OC exhibits must liaise with OC investigation and the crown prior to any decision being made as to disposal of exhibits in a high profile homicide or serious crime trials. These may be subject to a re-trial and it is better to err on the side of caution and retain the exhibits.
Chain of custody:
Well and exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate an IMT or prop:
- When they receive custody of the exhibit and from whom
- Where and how the exhibit was securely stored
- Wyn, 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.
Purpose of exhibit numbering system
- To be consistent
- Allow delegation of exhibit numbers to staff who will utilise them.
- Cope with multiple scenes
- Encompass or exhibits
Exhibit number ranges
5 numbers
Admin = 10000
Victim = 15000
Witnesses = 20000
Area Canvass = 25000
Scenes = 30000
Suspects = 70000
