It is recommended that OC Exhibits is a qualified detective, preferably 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 as contained in the IMT application or the PROP application
What is the purpose of OC Exhibits
OC Exhibits is responsible for establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems and for maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits.
Their duties will culminate in the provision of an accurately recorded exhibit package and the availability of exhibits as required throughout the Court process.
In smaller investigations, what may the OC Exhibits do in conjunction with the OC Investigations?
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
What specific matters regarding each exhibit must the OC Exhibits determine?
- Must ensure that all exhibits are fully examined, in accordance with Forensic Strategy meeting decisions
- Maintain an awareness of the significance of each exhibit and what examinations may be available
- Determine, plan, and record the examination and interrogation of every exhibit and establish its relevance to the investigation
Describe four of the responsibilities of the OC Exhibits in a serious crime investigation:
- Establishing and maintaining exhibit management systems
- Maintaining the physical security and continuity of all exhibits
- Conducting an appreciation and facilitate a thorough interrogation into every exhibit to establish the evidential value of each exhibit, investigative opportunities presented by each exhibit, and further enquiries that are needed
- Establishing the required standard for the recovery, handling, labelling, storage, submission to experts, presentation at Court, and disposal of exhibits
- The arranging for transportation of exhibits to and from court, for their security at the venue and their production, as directed by the prosecutor
Why is it important to develop a forensic strategy for the examination of exhibits?
It allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.
The strategy must be approved by the OC Investigation and continually reviewed throughout the investigation to keep abreast of any developments.
What actions should the OC Exhibits take when further enquiries are required in relation to an exhibit?
Update the OC Investigation and 2IC so that follow up enquiries can be initiated.
Describe the topics to be covered off during a forensic strategy meeting:
- What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits
- The priority each examination should receive
- Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction
- A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction
- An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation
Describe chain of custody and state its purpose:
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.
What must the OC Exhibits update the OC Investigation on?
- What exhibits have been found
- Any examination results
- Whether any further enquiries are required
The OC Exhibits must attend all investigation team conferences and:
- Make the Exhibits Register available
- Update others regarding exhibits which have been found and the results of expert examinations conducted
What is the purpose of a Forensic Strategy Meeting?
Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required, and the priority of those examinations.
