Part 16. Exhibit Management Flashcards
Who should be appointed as an OC EXHBITS?
A qualified detective preferably with experience in
- mass exhibit handling
- forensic principles
- approved packaging/security procedures
- use of IMT/Prop
The OC exhibits should not be assigned any other responsibilities
What is the OC EXHIBITS responsible for?
Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems
Maintaining physical security and continuity of all exhibits
The OC EXHIBITS should only accept an exhibit if:
The exhibit is labelled with an exhibit number and name of operation
The exhibit is properly sealed and packaged
Any prompt action the preserve the exhibit has been taken (ie drying)
Where should exhibits be stored?
no exhibits should be taken into the investigation headquarters
A secure room should be available to the OC EXHIBITS (near but separate to the main investigation team)
OC EXHIBITS should control access and keep it locked at all times
What is the purpose of a forensic strategy meeting?
To determine which exhibit or forensic examinations are required, and the priority of these
What topics may be involved in a forensic strategy meeting?
What examinations ESR could conduct?
Priority of each examination?
Whether further work is needed for a reconstruction?
A plan for any work that needs doing?
An agreed reconstruction of events
What are the steps in forwarding an exhibit for examination?
- Ensure decision was confirmed at forensic strategy meeting
- Record all decisions in IMT
- Ensure OC INV has authorised it
- Prep Pol143s etc
- Ensure exhibits prepped and separately sealed, labelled, 143s filled out properly etc
- Deliver exhibits for examination promptly to avoid deterioration
- Inform ESR if exam is no longer required!
The OC EXHIBITS should dispose of exhibits after trial as directed and prep a report of exhibit disposal
What unique thing happens with exhibits seized pursuant to a PO or SW?
These exhibits must be disposed in accordance with sections 150&151 of the SASA2012
What is chain of custody and why is it important?
The chain of custody includes every person who has had custody of an exhibit from the time it was discovered until the time it is produced in court. It is used to demonstrate the integrity and therefore admissibility of exhibits
While an exhibit was under their control each person in the chain of custody should be able to demonstrate what 5 things? (And record this in INT/PROP)
- When they received custody of the exhibit and from whom
- Where/how the exhibit was stored
- When/why it was moved
- How it has been treated/preserved
- When/why it was transferred custody to another person &whom?
Common exhibit number ranges?
ADMIN 10000
VICTIM 1500
WITNESS 20000
AREA CAN 25000
SCENES 30000
SUSPECTS 70000
List some of the responsibilities of the OC EXHIBITS:
during investigation
- do everything with exhibits
- access IMT for labels, schedules etc
- est SOPs for your exhibits
- est number ranges
- brief OC INV on above
- est secure storage/processing area
- take charge of any exhibits
- audit exhibits in IMT/PROP
