OC exhibits

Question 1

Appointment (6)

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:

1. mass exhibit handling
2. forensic principles
3. methods of exhibit recovery
4. approved procedures for packaging and security of evidence
5. managing contamination and cross-contamination issues
6. use of standardised documentation as contained in the Serious Crime Template.

Question 2

Purpose (5) + 3

Answer 2

OC Exhibits is responsible for

1. establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems
2. for maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits.
3. accurately recorded exhibit package
4. availability of exhibits as required throughout the Court process.
5. conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish the:
   • evidential value of each exhibit
   • investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
   • further enquiries that are needed.

Question 3

Standard operating procedures

Answer 3

The OC Exhibits is responsible for:

1. establishing required standards for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage
2. submission to experts
3. presentation at Court and disposal of exhibits and ensuring these processes are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the OC Investigation and the Serious Crime Template
4. communicate required standards to all investigation team members, usually at investigation conferences.

Question 4

Safe storage of exhibits (3)

Answer 4

In the first instance the OC Exhibits should only accept an exhibit if:
• the exhibit label contains the exhibit number and the name of the operation. Other details such as a description of the item, the details of the person finding it, the time, date and location are recorded on the Scene Exhibit Schedule, as downloaded from the Serious Crime Template.
• the property is correctly packaged and sealed, and the exhibit label is visible and secured on the outside of the package
• any prompt action necessary to preserve the exhibit has been taken, for example, drying wet or bloodstained clothing in an appropriate drying facility.

Question 5

Examination of exhibits

Answer 5

The OC Exhibits must ensure that all exhibits are fully examined, in accordance with Forensic Strategy meeting decisions. The OC Exhibits maintains an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be available. The OC Exhibits will determine, plan and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation.

Question 6

Developing a Forensic Strategy

Answer 6

Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.

Question 7

Forensic Strategy meetings (5)

Answer 7

Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations.
Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include:
1. What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
2. The priority each examination should receive.
3. Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction.
4. A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
5. An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.

Question 8

Results of exhibit examinations

Answer 8

Where the OC Exhibits becomes aware that further enquiries are required in relation to a particular exhibit, this must be highlighted to the 2IC so that follow-up enquiries can be initiated.

Question 9

Preparing for trial

Answer 9

Before the commencement of the trial, the OC Investigation (in conjunction with the OC Exhibits and other relevant investigation team members) must decide which exhibits are considered relevant, determine the significance of any forensic examinations and establish the most appropriate manner in which exhibits and examination results are to be presented at trial.

Question 10

The chain of custody (5)

Answer 10

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.
To preserve the integrity of exhibits and limit the number of persons involved in the chain of custody, it is preferable that as few people as possible handle exhibits.
While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibit must be able to demonstrate:
1. when they received custody of the exhibit and from whom
2. where and how the exhibit was securely stored
3. when, why and how the exhibit was moved from one place to another
4. how the exhibit has been treated, safeguarded and preserved
5. when and why they transferred custody of an exhibit to another person, and to whom.

Question 11

Exhibit number ranges

Answer 11

Admin 		10000
Victim		15000
Witnesses	20000
Area Canvass 25000
Scenes 		30000
Suspects 	70000

Question 12

Scene exhibit schedule (8)

Answer 12

The Scene Exhibit Schedule should record the following information for each exhibit:

1. exhibit number
2. detailed description of the exhibit
3. name of the operation
4. location of the scene
5. exact location where the exhibit was found, at the scene
6. name of the finder
7. date and time it was seized
8. relevant signatures.