Exhibits

Question 0

Admissibility depends on…

Answer 0

How you collect it, secure/safeguard it, present it

Question 1

Define exhibit:

Answer 1

Any public/private property located at any scene of crime that may need further investigation/analysis
- May be produced in court

Question 2

Procedure on finding an exhibit

Answer 2

Don't move/touch until examined
Consider significants for reconstruction
Photograph it
Fingerprinting require?
Note details of position and location
Label, secure
Maintain chain of custody

Question 3

Procedure evaluating exhibits

Answer 3

Is it relevant?
What can it tell us?
Expert examination required?
Special attention required?
Who produces it in court?

Question 4

Procedure on storing exhibits

Answer 4

Dry wet/soiled items before storage
Store in paper bags
Use sharps containers for needles
Place documents between cardboard 
Use official storage facilities

Question 5

What to do at the scene

Answer 5

Locate, record details in notebook, label, secure it

Question 6

What to do at the police station

Answer 6

POL 268

Question 7

What to do before a court hearing

Answer 7

Obtain exhibit from exhibit store
Check it
Endorse property office copy of POL 268
Prep for court
Take to court

Question 8

What to do at court

Answer 8

Advise prosecutor of exhibit

Question 9

What to do after court

Answer 9

Order for the return
Exhibit remains at court until appeal has lapsed
You are responsible for uplifting from court and returning to owner

Question 10

Chain of evidence is…

Answer 10

Each person who has custody of an exhibit from its location until it gets to court.

Question 11

Exhibit register

Answer 11

A specialised notebook for exhibits where there are multiples or forensic examination is required. Consult with supervisor before starting one