Exhibits

Question 1

What is an exhibit?

Answer 1

An exhibit is any public or private property located at the scene of the crime that may need further investigation or analysis.

Question 2

What should you do on finding an exhibit?

Answer 2

Don’t move or touch it until it is examined
Consider significance for reconstruction
Consider photographing it in situ
Consider if fingerprints from it can assist your case
Notebook the position it was found, a brief description, place and time found and name of finder
Secure it using gloves to pick it up and tie on (not stick on) labels
Ensure chain of custody is maintained.

Question 3

What is the Chain of Custody?

Answer 3

Each person who has custody of an exhibit from its location until it is produced in court makes up the chain of evidence.

Each person must be able to detail how they cared for the exhibit while it was under their control.

If one step cannot be proved it could raise doubt as to whether it is in fact the exhibit found at the scene.

To help manage the chain of evidence you should ensure as few people as possible handle the exhibit.

Question 4

How do you avoid cross contamination?

Answer 4

A victim travels in the same car as the offender

The offender returns to the crime scene

Exhibits are inadequately secured and packaged

Police officers dealing with victims or witnesses come into contact with the suspect

Question 5

How do you Number Exhibits?

Answer 5

Numbering exhibits is always done numerically for two reasons

An alphabet is limited to 26 items

The defence exhibits use letters of the alphabet.

Question 6

Important rule to remember!

Answer 6

You cannot substitute an exhibit.

An honest explanation of loss or damage, even if it means an acquittal, is better than lying.

Question 7

What is the exhibit summary of action?

Answer 7

Exhibit Located
.
If it is in the possession of a witness, record their details and how it came into their possession.
Record the exhibit in your notebook.
Label the exhibit.
Secure it.

Complete the property record sheet POL268.
Place the exhibit into the exhibit store.

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

At the court hearing:

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 court.

After the court hearing:

An order for return to the lawful owner or destruction is made.
The exhibit remains with the court until the time for appeal has lapsed (normally 28 days).
You are responsible for uplifting the exhibit from court and returning it to the owner.