Exhibits

Question 1

Exhibit management – Appointment:

Answer 1

In homicide and other serious crime investigations, the person appointed to the role of OC Exhibits should be suitably qualified in terms of training and relevant experience.

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
• Approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
• Managing contamination and cross-contamination issues
• Use of standardised documentation as contained in the Serious Crime Template.

Question 2

In small investigations the OC exhibits in conjunction with the OC investigation may conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit. What is the purpose of this procedure?

Answer 2

To establish the:

• Evidential value of each exhibit
• Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
• Further enquiries that are needed

Question 3

OC exhibits responsibilities:

Answer 3

During any investigation, the OC Exhibits is responsible for establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems and for maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits. Their duties will culminate in the provision of an accurately recorded exhibit package and the availability of exhibits as required throughout the Court process.

Question 4

You have been appointed OC Exhibits. What instructions regarding the handover of exhibits to the OC exhibits must you give to all staff who are locating and handling exhibits?

Answer 4

The OC Exhibits must communicate required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling of the exhibits to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.

Question 5

Chain of custody

Answer 5

The chain of custody includes every individual who has had custody of an exhibit from the time it was first discovered until the time it is produced in Court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity, and therefore admissibility, of exhibits.

Question 6

Exhibits register:

Answer 6

The Exhibits Register is an electronic document which forms the master record of every exhibit obtained during an investigation.
The OC Exhibits is responsible for entering information from each Scene Exhibit Schedule onto the Exhibit Register, where they will also enter details of all exhibit examinations.
To protect the integrity of the electronic Exhibits Register, only the OC Exhibits and typist should have password access to make alterations to it, although every member of the investigation should be able to view it.

Question 7

Prior to a criminal trial relating to a serious offence, who makes the decision as to what exhibits are to be prepared and produced at trial?

Answer 7

The OC Investigation (in conjunction with the OC Exhibits and other relevant investigation team members)