Part 16 - Exhibit Management Flashcards
OC Exhibits - Appointment
Recommended qualified Detective 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 in IMT or PROP
OC Exhibits - Purpose
In small investigatiuons the OC Exhibits (in conjuction with OC Investigation) may conduct appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish the:
- evidential value of each exhibit
- investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
- futher enquiries that are needed
Forensic Strategy meetings
Forensic Strategy meetings attended by OC Investigation, 2IC, OC Exhibits, Crime Scene Co-ordinator/OC Scene, anyone else deemed necessary by OC Investigation such as pathologist, ESR, Fingerprint Officer, SOC, OC Body.
Allowing inspection of exhibits
OC Exhibits must facilitate the inspection of exhibits by defence cousel under CDA2008 s19(1)
Preparing for trial
Before commencement of trial OC Investigation (in conjunction with 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 ane exam results are to be presented at trial.
OC Exhibits is responsible for arranging the transportation of exhibits to and from Court, for security at the venue and for their production as directed by the Prosecutor.
Producing exhibits in Court
OC Exhibits is responsible for preparing the exhibits for production at Court. This must be conducted in a manner which:
- clearly demonstrates the evidential value of the exhibits, e.g. by mounting clothings on a mannequin or board
- avoids any risk of physical injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage
A schedule of Court exhibits should be prepared which will itself become an exhibit. This schedule is a valuable asset to the OC Exhibits as well as to all other parties involved in the hearing.
Duties after trial
Following the trial and after the expory of the appearl period, OC Exhibits should return all exhibits to the Police secure exhibit storage area. OC Investigation will determine which items should be retained and the method of disposal of others.
In high-profile homicide or serious crime trials care should be taken with disposal of exhibits which may possibly be subject to further judicial review. OC Exhibits must liaise with OC Investigations and the Crown prior to any decision made as to the disposal of exhibits in such trials.
OC Exhibits should dispose of exhibits as directed and prepare and submit a report of disposal to the 2IC. Should include appropriate recepts for exhibits returned and certificates of destruction for others.
