Exhibits and Chain of evidence

Question 1

Exhibits:
Definition of exhibit

Answer 1

Any item that comes into possession of Police that may be relevant to an investigation or judicial process

Question 2

Exhibits:
Admissibility depends on how you…
(three answers)

Answer 2

• Collect it
• Secure and safeguard it
• Present it

Question 3

Exhibits:
Finding an exhibit
(considerations)

Answer 3

• do not move or touch it until you have examined it
• consider its significance for reconstruction
• consider photographing it in situ
• consider whether fingerprints from it can assist your case
• note in your notebook the position that you found it in
• label it and note a brief description of it, the place, date and time it was
found, and the name of the finder
• secure it appropriately
• ensure the chain of custody is maintained.
• Complete Property App.

Question 4

Exhibits:
Evaluating and exhibit
(What questions should you ask?)

Answer 4

• is the exhibit relevant to the enquiry?
• what can the exhibit tell us?
• should it be examined by an expert? If so, who?
• does the exhibit require special attention? It may need to be refrigerated, air-dried, or sealed in an air-tight container, for example who should produce the exhibit in court?

Question 5

Exhibits:
Storing Exhibits
(Ensure)

Answer 5

• dry wet or soiled items before storage
• store items in appropriate packaging depending on the nature of the item
• avoid the use of plastic packaging for items that need to breathe
• use a sharps container for items such as needles
• if documentary evidence is attached to the file, protect it by placing it between two pieces of cardboard.
Use the official exhibit storage facilities.

Question 6

Exhibits:
What happens to an exhibit at the conclusion of a court case?

Answer 6

Exhibits must be returned to the owner or person entitled to have possession of it unless:
• the Court has issued an order for destruction; or
• the item is liable to forfeiture to the Crown; or
• the item is still required for investigative or evidential purposes; or
• an application is made for disputed ownership or
• it is to be disposed of as an unlawful item

Question 7

Exhibits:
How does cross-contamination occur?

Answer 7

Two items come into contact with each other

Question 8

Exhibits:
Who makes up the “Chain of Evidence”?

Answer 8

Each person who has custody of an exhibit from its location until it is produced in court