Exhibits

Question 1

What is the meaning of the term ‘chain of evidence’?

Answer 1

every person who has contact with an exhibit from its location until it is produced in court make up the chain of evidence.

Question 2

Why is the chain of evidence so important?

Answer 2

The chain of evidence shows a link between the exhibit, victim and offender.

If one of the steps of the chain of evidence is missing or cannot be proved, it could raise doubt about the exhibit.

Question 3

What is the procedure for dealing with an exhibit from its initial location until it is produced in court?

Answer 3

AT THE SCENE:
Locate the exhibit
Record details in notebook
Label exhibit 
Secure it

AT POLICE STATION:
Complete POL268

BEFORE COURT:
Obtain exhibit from exhibit store
Check it was as it was left
Endorse POL268
Prepare it for court (present it best way possible)
Take it to court

AT COURT:
Advise prosecutor that it is available
Exhibit is referred to when giving evidence
One witness to produce it