Exhibit Management

Question 1

Appointment of O/C exhibits

Answer 1

In a homicide investigation it is recommended that the OC Exhibits is a qualified Detective, preferably with previous experience in:

• mass exhibit handling
• forensic principles
• methods of exhibit recovery
• managing contamination and cross-contamination issues

Question 2

What is the O/C exhibit responsible for?

Answer 2

• establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems

- maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits.

Question 3

What is to be established when the O/C exhibit conducts an appreciation ?

Answer 3

• evidential value of each exhibit
• investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
• further enquiries that are needed.

Question 4

SOP - What is the OC exhibits responsible for establishing?

Answer 4

• required standards for the recovery
• handling
• labelling
• storage
• presentation at Court
• disposal of exhibits

Question 5

What information must O/C exhibit update to the O/C investigation?

Answer 5

• what exhibits have been found, and their movements
• the results of any exhibit examinations
• whether any further enquiries are required.

Question 6

In the first instant the O/C exhibit should only accept an exhibit if?

Answer 6

• exhibit label contains the exhibit number and the name of the operation.
• property is correctly packaged and sealed, and exhibit label is visible and secured on the outside of the package.
• any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken.

Question 7

Why is a forensic strategy meeting held?

Answer 7

To determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations.

Question 8

Who attends a forensic strategy meeting?

Answer 8

• OC Investigation
• 2IC
• OC Exhibits
• Crime Scene Co-ordinator
• OC Scene

Question 9

Results of exhibit examination

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

Preparing for trial

Answer 10

Before trial, the OC Investigation and OC exhibits must:

• decide which exhibits are considered relevant
• determine the significance of any forensic examinations
• establish the most appropriate manner the exhibits and exam results are to be presented at trial

Question 11

In what manner should exhibits be produced in Court?

Answer 11

• clearly demonstrates the evidential value of the exhibits, eg. by mounting clothes on a mannequin or board
• avoids any risk of physical injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage.

Question 12

What must someone be able to demonstrate while an exhibit is under their control?

Answer 12

• when they received custody and who from
• where exhibit was securely stored
• how was it stored
• when and why an exhibit was moved from one place to another