Exhibit Handling and Continuity Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets how exhibits and property are seized, packaged, recorded, stored, moved and disposed of so that continuity can be proved in court.

1.Seizure

The seizing member must record the exact location, date and time of seizure and the circumstances, and must photograph the item in place where practicable. Items must be seized under a lawful power, and the power must be recorded in the incident record. The seizing member is responsible for the item until it is entered in the Property and Exhibits Register.

2.Packaging and labelling

Each item must be packaged separately in an approved bag or container suited to the item, with biological material in breathable packaging and electronic devices in signal blocking bags. The exhibit label must show the exhibit number, incident reference, description, seizing member, date and time. Sealed bags must be signed across the seal.

• Firearms: rendered safe, ammunition packaged separately
• Drugs: weighed and sealed in the presence of a second member
• Cash: counted by two members and the count recorded
• Electronic devices: powered off and placed in a signal blocking bag

3.Recording

Every item must be entered in the Property and Exhibits Register before the end of the seizing member's shift, with a unique exhibit number. The register entry must show the storage location and every subsequent movement. An entry must never be deleted; corrections are made by a new dated entry.

4.Storage

Exhibits must be stored in the exhibit rooms, safes or vehicle compound as set out in the register options and never left in vehicles, desks or lockers overnight. Firearms and drugs must be stored in the dedicated safes with dual control. Access to exhibit storage is restricted to the exhibit officer and authorised members and is logged.

5.Movement and analysis

Every movement of an exhibit, including to a laboratory, court or another station, must be recorded in the register with the name of the receiving person and the time. Items sent for analysis must be accompanied by the analysis request form and returned with the result. Continuity statements must be obtained from every person who handled the item.

6.Return and disposal

Property will be returned to its owner when it is no longer required, against a signed receipt. Exhibits will only be destroyed or forfeited on a court order or on written authority of the Detective Senior Sergeant after the matter is finalised. Disposal must be witnessed and recorded.

7.Audits

The exhibit officer will audit the exhibit rooms and safes every quarter and reconcile every item against the register. Discrepancies must be reported to the Detective Senior Sergeant on the day of the audit and recorded in the Incident Log. Audit results will be reported to the governance meeting.