Part 16 Exhibit management in homicide or serious crime investigations

Question 1

Before receiving an exhibit, the OC Exhibits must ensure the person who seized the exhibit has:

S/A

Answer 1

1. Correctly preserved the exhibit
2. Labelled each exhibit with exhibit number and name of op
3. Correctly recorded exhibit in IMT or PROP
4. Labeled, separately packaged and sealed exhibit

Question 2

If you become aware that further enquires are needed in relation to an exhibit, who must you advise?

Answer 2

2IC

Question 3

Exhibit number ranges:

S/A

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Topics covered during a forensic strategy meeting may include:

S/A

Answer 4

1. What examinations can be conducted on exhibits
2. Priority of each examination
3. Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction
4. A plan for any work to be completed to assist the reconstruction

Question 5

What is the purpose of developing a strategy for the examination of exhibits?

S/A

Answer 5

1. Allows OC exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.
2. Must be approved by OC investigation, and continually reviewed throughout investigation to keep in line with any developments

Question 6

Chain of custody:

While an exhibit was under their control, each person with custody of the exhibits must be able to demonstrate in IMT or PROP:

S/A

Answer 6

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 was treated, safeguarded and preserved

Question 7

In smaller investigations the OC Exhibits may also conduct an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation of every exhibit, to establish the:

S/A M/C

Answer 7

1. Evidential value of each exhibit
2. Investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit
3. Further enquires that are needed

Question 8

What is OC exhibits responsible for?

Answer 8

Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems and maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits.

Question 9

Who attends a forensic strategy meeting?

Answer 9

1. OC investigation
2. 2IC
3. OC exhibits
4. OC scene
5. Anyone deemed necessary by OC investigation, eg ESR

Question 10

OC exhibits is responsible for preparing the exhibits for production at court. This must be conducted in a manner which:

Answer 10

1. Clearly demonstrates the evidential value
2. Avoids risk of injury, disease, accident, contamination or damage