Forensic Evidence Handling and Storage
150 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of packaging forensic material?

  • To ensure evidence is readily accessible for immediate analysis
  • To increase the weight of items for secure transport
  • To enhance the visibility of evidence in daylight
  • To preserve forensic material for examination (correct)

    • What information is included on the continuity label?

  • Only the time when the item was last examined
  • Identification number, description, and details of all officers who possessed the item (correct)
  • Details of the case at hand and the judge's name
  • A list of all forensic experts who handled the evidence

    • What feature of tamper evident bags ensures integrity?

  • They require a secondary lock for security
  • They are transparent for easy viewing of contents
  • They can be resealed multiple times
  • They have a self-sealing adhesive (correct)

    • Why is it important to create an integrity seal on evidence packaging?

    <p>To show that nothing has been added or taken from the item</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential risk if forensic material is not packaged correctly?

    <p>It could pose health and safety risks to officers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if there are breaks in the continuity chain of an item?

    <p>Refute any evidence relating to that item</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done before the Cyber Crime Centre can accept a request for examination?

    <p>Progress the triage facilities if available</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the eCop application?

    <p>To manage applications for forensic examination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required when seizing an item for DNA testing?

    <p>Facemask and 2 pairs of gloves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should an integrity label be used on an evidence box?

    <p>Only when the evidence box is the primary packaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle emphasizes that actions by law enforcement should not change data held on a computer?

    <p>Principle 1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for ensuring adherence to the law and principles during an investigation?

    <p>The person in charge of the investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the integrity label be applied to an evidence box?

    <p>One label at the closure with seams covered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes what needs to be created and preserved according to the principles for electronic evidence?

    <p>An audit trail or record of all processes applied</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of recording items on Niche?

    <p>To track the movement of the items securely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you do when taking possession of an item for identification?

    <p>Ensure it is secured and monitored</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT appropriate for packaging an item for safekeeping?

    <p>Taping it with duct tape</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can a person's fingerprints be taken without their consent if they have been convicted of a recordable offence?

    <p>If they have been cautioned for the offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a constable have to take fingerprints without consent if they suspect a person is committing an offence?

    <p>Reasonable suspicion about the person's name.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to be recorded when fingerprints are taken without consent?

    <p>The reason for taking the fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a constable has reasonable grounds for doubting a person's name, what aspect is not considered valid for taking fingerprints?

    <p>The constable's personal doubts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following must a person be informed about before their fingerprints are taken?

    <p>They must be informed of the reason for taking their fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario must a constable take fingerprints without the appropriate consent?

    <p>When the constable believes the person has committed an offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a person's fingerprints are required to be destroyed?

    <p>They may witness the destruction, and a record must be made.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is recommended for property that has been found?

    <p>Retain it at the site where it was found.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might an owner need to do after several days if their lost item has not been found?

    <p>Contact the police for a Niche search.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur if fingerprints are taken but the appropriate consent cannot be obtained?

    <p>The reason for taking fingerprints must be communicated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is suggested for identifying lost property?

    <p>Identifiable markings, physical description, or uniqueness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does PSNI generally not record reports of lost property?

    <p>It does not assist in reuniting the owner with found items.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the situation when fingerprints can be taken without consent?

    <p>If the person's identity is unknown or questioned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a constable takes fingerprints based on suspicion, what must not be the case?

    <p>The right to consent must be overridden.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should members of the public do if they wish to report lost property to the police?

    <p>Contact the location where they believe the item was lost.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition must property be returned to its owner if it has been seized?

    <p>If there is no possibility of gathering additional evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which criteria must be met for police to retain seized property based on the owner's identity?

    <p>The owner is unknown or its ownership is in doubt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done if there is no reasonable prospect of identifying the lawful owner of a seized item?

    <p>The item should be returned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After how many months is evidence-related property subject to review by the OR/IO?

    <p>11 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when there is doubt about the need for a seized item as evidence?

    <p>Guidance should be sought from an experienced investigator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum age at which an individual can provide their own consent for fingerprinting?

    <p>18 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which document must consent be recorded on if given at a police station?

    <p>PACE 14/1A</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For someone aged 13, whose consent is necessary for taking fingerprints?

    <p>The individual and their parent or guardian both must consent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be ensured if fingerprints are taken outside of a police station?

    <p>Consent should also be obtained in writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines 'appropriate consent' in relation to fingerprinting for minors?

    <p>Consent from both the individual and their parent or guardian is required for ages 14-17</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition must consent for fingerprinting be documented in writing?

    <p>When consent is given at a police station</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which case can fingerprints be taken without the individual's consent?

    <p>If they have previously been convicted of a recordable offense</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for a person’s footwear impression to be taken at a police station without consent?

    <p>The person must be detained for a recordable offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen before taking a footwear impression without the appropriate consent?

    <p>The reason for taking the impression must be communicated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is it permissible for an officer to take an impression of footwear without consent?

    <p>If the impression taken previously was of poor quality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an officer inform the person about if a footwear impression is taken at a police station?

    <p>That it may be subject to a speculative search.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the proper procedure regarding documentation after taking a footwear impression?

    <p>The record of the impression should be made on the custody record.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What document governs the procedure for taking footwear impressions in this context?

    <p>Police and Criminal Evidence Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what instance can a constable take a footwear impression without consent according to PACE?

    <p>When the individual is being processed for a serious offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must NOT happen for a footwear impression to be taken without consent?

    <p>Another officer must approve the request.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be recorded on the custody record after a footwear impression is taken?

    <p>The reason for taking the impression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition allows footwear impressions to be taken without consent from a detained person?

    <p>If they have not previously been issued a footwear impression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should members of the public do if they wish to report lost property?

    <p>Advise the police of the last known location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does PSNI generally not record reports of lost property?

    <p>It does not assist in reuniting owners with found items.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is recommended for property that has been found?

    <p>Retain it at the site where it was found.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might an owner need to do after several days if their lost item has not been found?

    <p>Contact police for a Niche search.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is suggested for identifying lost property?

    <p>Providing identifiable markings and a physical description.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key purpose of taking an inked or livescan fingerprint?

    <p>To verify a person's criminal record</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be obtained in writing if consent for taking fingerprints is given at a police station?

    <p>Appropriate consent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be checked before taking fingerprints from a person?

    <p>The condition of their hands for cuts or wounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method used to develop a latent imprint?

    <p>Utilizing powder or chemical means</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario should a fingerprint impression not be taken?

    <p>The person has an open cut or wound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which equipment is NOT typically used when taking an inked set of fingerprints?

    <p>Fingerprint scanner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situation can fingerprints be taken without consent according to the legislation?

    <p>If a person is suspected of a recordable offence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When must a record be created if force is used?

    <p>When a person is informed about their fingerprints being the subject of a speculative search.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who must provide consent for fingerprinting if the individual is aged 13?

    <p>A guardian or parent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What documentation should be completed when consent for fingerprints is given at a police station?

    <p>Form PACE 14/1A</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen if fingerprints are taken outside a police station?

    <p>Written consent should also be obtained</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines 'appropriate consent' for individuals aged 14 and older?

    <p>Consent from the individual alone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates that consent is appropriate when taking fingerprints from minors?

    <p>Consent is given by a parent or guardian where applicable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information must be recorded on the custody record when a person is detained at a police station?

    <p>The reason for the detention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances can a person be required to attend a police station for fingerprinting post-conviction?

    <p>If they were cautioned or convicted of a recordable offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What constitutes a conditional power of arrest regarding fingerprinting requirements?

    <p>The individual must receive a notice period of at least seven days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be true about electronic fingerprinting according to approved procedures?

    <p>Only devices approved by the Secretary of State may be used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a requirement for arrests made without a warrant under the specified conditions?

    <p>A record of the requirement must be kept.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur if a person fails to comply with a fingerprinting requirement within the set time frame?

    <p>The individual may be arrested without a warrant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes when an individual must be given notice to attend for fingerprinting?

    <p>No more than one month after their conviction must be adhered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a person has had incomplete or insufficient quality fingerprints taken, what action may be taken?

    <p>They must be fingerprinted again regardless of previous compliance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately reflects the documentation required when fingerprints are taken?

    <p>Documentation must include the reason for fingerprinting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for using gloves when bagging and sealing cash?

    <p>To maintain the integrity of any forensic evidence on the cash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should cash be double bagged and sealed using clean bags?

    <p>To prevent any leakage of contaminants during storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is advisable when sealing cash in the presence of the subject?

    <p>Both officers should sign the exhibit labels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should NOT be taken to preserve forensic evidence on cash?

    <p>Counting the cash during the process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical step to take when cash is found during a search?

    <p>Recording the location of the 'cash find' on the search log.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be ensured about data held on a computer or storage media by law enforcement agencies?

    <p>Data should remain unaltered for legal proceedings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the person accessing original data on a computer during an investigation?

    <p>They must be competent and able to explain their actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle requires the preservation of an independent audit trail for all processes applied to electronic evidence?

    <p>Principle 3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be submitted through the appropriate channels for examination at the Cyber Crime Centre?

    <p>Items requiring forensic examination as outlined in an application.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What overall responsibility does the person in charge of an investigation have regarding the law?

    <p>To ensure that laws and principles are followed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct technique for rolling a finger to take a fingerprint?

    <p>Roll the finger to the opposite side and finish with the nail perpendicular.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the palms be inked and printed according to the described method?

    <p>Use the roller to cover the palm and then press it against the form while rolling towards the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when rolling multiple fingerprints?

    <p>Re-roll the ink plate before taking plain impressions and avoid using the same area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the prime objective in taking palm impressions?

    <p>A clear, good-quality palm impression is prioritized, even if fingers do not fit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what direction should the thumbs be rolled when taking prints?

    <p>Roll them simultaneously towards the body and lift.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial consideration when inking and rolling palm impressions?

    <p>Inking should cover from the base of the fingers to past the wrist flexion crease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the roller be used to ensure a good application of ink on the palm?

    <p>Ensure an even coat of ink is applied using a properly inked roller.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle should guide the retention of evidence during an investigation?

    <p>Only items deemed essential should be retained.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of police officers regarding evidence-related property?

    <p>To seize, record, and retain potentially relevant material.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with evidence if a member with relevant authority is unavailable?

    <p>Submit a workflow to property staff with details for collection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance can a seized item be retained indefinitely?

    <p>If it is deemed essential for ongoing investigations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how property staff handle evidence packaging?

    <p>They verify packaging against forensic evidence best practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum duration an item can be retained under Article 24 of PACE?

    <p>As long as it is deemed necessary for the investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with evidence-related property once collected?

    <p>It must be recorded and logged onto NICHE property immediately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What constitutes appropriate retention of evidence that is digitally captured?

    <p>Copies can be retained as long as the original is returned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If property is not secured immediately after seizure, what could be a potential consequence?

    <p>It may lead to a breach in the continuity of the evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the standard procedure for handling mobile phone handsets at the point of seizure?

    <p>Turn off the handset and package it immediately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what circumstance can a mobile phone handset remain on after seizure?

    <p>Under urgent risk to life conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using a Faraday bag for seized mobile phones?

    <p>To prevent accidental activation and network interaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the battery life of a mobile phone placed in a Faraday bag?

    <p>It diminishes rapidly due to network connection attempts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with the battery of a Blackberry device after switching it off upon seizure?

    <p>Remove the battery immediately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should mobile phones typically be packaged after seizure?

    <p>In the approved cardboard box packaging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should officers consider before the packaging of mobile phones?

    <p>Legislation and compliance requirements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of not following proper mobile phone seizure protocols?

    <p>Potential legal challenges regarding evidence integrity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method for storing cash within the property/finance system?

    <p>Minimize physical cash holdings unless necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done within 48 hours after seizing cash under PACE or POCA legislation?

    <p>Submit an application to the local District Court for retention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should NOT be included on the identification label for seized items?

    <p>Weight of the item.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation is it appropriate for an officer to store cash in a sealed package?

    <p>When authority from an Inspector is obtained.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be recorded regarding the type of drug during property input on NICHE?

    <p>The specific substance alleged by the officer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the proper angle to stand while taking fingerprints?

    <p>90 degrees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a person is sweating before fingerprinting?

    <p>Wipe each finger immediately before applying ink</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from applying too much pressure during fingerprinting?

    <p>Fat ridges and low contrast</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should fingerprints be rolled during the printing process?

    <p>From side to side with a single movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why must only one prisoner be fingerprinted at a time?

    <p>It prevents mixing up fingerprint sets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of taking elimination fingerprints?

    <p>To clear non-suspects from suspicion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with equipment after taking fingerprints?

    <p>Clean it thoroughly after use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these actions can contribute to a poor fingerprint impression?

    <p>Allowing fingers to slip during printing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is it important to document details of rank, number, and date after taking fingerprints?

    <p>To establish a chain of evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical step before applying ink for fingerprinting?

    <p>Make sure fingers are clean and dried</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance can a constable take a footwear impression without consent?

    <p>If the person is detained for a recordable offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an officer inform a person about before taking a footwear impression?

    <p>That it may be subject to a speculative search.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the recording of reasons for taking a footwear impression without consent?

    <p>The reason should be recorded as soon as practicable after the impression is taken.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition must be met for taking a footwear impression from a detained individual?

    <p>The individual must be charged with a recordable offence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What documentation is required if consent for a footwear impression is given at the police station?

    <p>Consent must be documented in writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum number of times an impression of footwear can be taken during an investigation?

    <p>As many times as necessary based on investigation needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen immediately after a footwear impression is taken at a police station?

    <p>The fact that the individual was informed of the speculative search possibility must be recorded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an officer disclose if an impression of footwear is taken without appropriate consent?

    <p>The reason for taking the impression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the authority to take footwear impressions without consent at a police station?

    <p>Any officer within the police station.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if the original material obtained during an investigation is perishable?

    <p>A copy should be retained instead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a footwear impression has already been taken but was of insufficient quality?

    <p>A second impression can be taken without needing further consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dictates whether material obtained in a criminal investigation should be retained?

    <p>Legislative provision and evidential requirements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the absence of a member with relevant authority, what should the seizing officer do regarding property?

    <p>Notify property staff with identification details.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ensures that evidence-related property is not left in an unsecured location?

    <p>Specific guidelines prohibiting unsecured storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to PACE Article 24, how long can seized items be retained?

    <p>As long as necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the handling and packaging of evidence?

    <p>To use ad-hoc packaging materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when there is doubt about the necessity of a seized item as evidence?

    <p>Resolve in favor of retention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body of legislation provides guidelines on the duration for retaining seized property?

    <p>The Police and Criminal Evidence Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of property staff concerning packaging of evidence-related items?

    <p>To quality assure the packaging against forensic best practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if no reasonable prospect exists for identifying the lawful owner of a seized item?

    <p>Take steps to dispose of the item according to protocol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Packaging Evidence

    • Packaging preserves forensic material for examination
    • It keeps evidence safe from damage and avoids risks to officers
    • The packaging maintains the integrity of the items for later examination
    • Paper bags, boxes and tamper-evident bags are commonly used
    • Integrity seals ensure that evidence remains unchanged and untampered with

    Continuity of Evidence

    • A continuity label documents every officer who handles the item
    • The label includes the officer's details, date, time and a unique identifier
    • This ensures a full chain of custody, allowing accountability for every movement
    • Any breaks in the chain can compromise the evidence's admissibility in court

    Storage of Property

    • All items are recorded on Niche, a computer log, in addition to the physical label
    • Items are kept in district property offices or specialized departments
    • Officers can take temporary possession for investigations but must ensure security
    • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn when handling potential DNA evidence

    Fingerprinting

    • Police can take fingerprints without consent in specific circumstances
    • A convicted person, a person receiving a caution, or a person reasonably suspected of a crime can be fingerprinted without consent
    • The person must be informed of the grounds and reason for taking fingerprints without consent
    • Fingerprints taken without consent do not count toward the limit of fingerprints taken during an investigation

    Cyber Crime Reporting

    • Triage of computers and electronic devices happens at DESUs if the facilities are available
    • Forensic examination requests are made via eCop, a dedicated portal on your computer
    • Cyber Crime Centre manages eCop and handles examination requests
    • Businesses and individuals can report similar incidents online via the Cyber Reporting Portal on the PSNI website

    Principles of Handling Electronic Evidence

    • No action should alter data on a computer or storage media that may be used in court
    • Only competent individuals who can explain their actions and their implications should access original data
    • An audit trail of all processes should be created and preserved for independent review
    • The person in charge of the investigation is ultimately responsible for ensuring these principles are followed

    Property: Theft Act (NI) 1969

    • Property includes money, personal property, real property, things in action, plants, wild creatures, tangible and intangible items
    • Real property can be stolen in specific circumstances
    • Property is considered "belonging to another" if a person has a proprietary right, possession, or control over it
    • Intention to permanently deprive is shown by treating another's property as your own
    • Electricity cannot be stolen, but it is an offense to abstract it under the Theft Act (NI) 1969

    Lost and Found Property

    • Police will not record lost property reports.
    • Lost property should be retained at the site where it was found.
    • Contact police after several days if a lost item may have been recorded, like a mobile phone, for a Niche search.

    Packaging

    • Not discussed in the document.

    Fingerprint Legislation

    • Fingerprints are used for identification and elimination.
    • Consent must be given in writing if it is given at a police station.
    • Fingerprint collection can be done electronically.

    Property Management

    • Article 24 (1) gives police the power to retain seized items.
    • Evidence-related property should be returned.
    • Photographs or videos of evidence can be used in place of the original item.
    • Property can be retained if the lawful owner is not known or in doubt, and if there is reasonable belief that it has been obtained through an offense.
    • Evidence-related property is subject to property review after 11 months.
    • Medication recovered from a reported death must be retained until the conclusion of any inquest proceedings.
    • Volume Crime (VC) items account for 70% of all property seized by police in the investigation of potential offenses.
    • VC items should be disposed of after one year if no suspect has been identified.
    • VC items should only be retained until all lines of enquiry are exhausted.
    • VC items should be disposed of if suspects have not been identified or if they have not been made amenable.

    Fingerprint Legislation

    • Fingerprints are a valuable tool for individual identification, also for elimination purposes.
    • Obtaining fingerprints requires consent, except for specific circumstances.
    • Written consent is mandatory when given at a police station.
    • Consent for individuals under 18 years old requires parental or guardian approval.
    • Electronic fingerprinting requires adherence to Secretary of State approved procedures.
    • Police have the power to arrest individuals who refuse fingerprint requests after a conviction.
    • Latent Imprints are invisible sweat marks requiring enhancement with powder or chemicals.
    • Inked or Livescan fingerprints are taken for various purposes including verification, filing, comparison, production in court, and elimination.

    Taking Inked Fingerprints

    • Ensure the individual has clean hands.
    • Do not take prints of digits with open wounds or cuts.
    • The use of ink pads or pre-inked strips for fingerprints is not suitable in a custody suite.

    Theft

    • Theft is defined as dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it.
    • Dishonesty is not defined in the Act, but it can be determined by the court. Section 2(1) of the Theft Act (NI) 1969 clarifies circumstances where a person will not be considered dishonest.
    • Section 2(2) of the Theft Act (NI) 1969 states that taking property for sale without payment may be considered dishonest, even with the intention to pay.

    Cash Handling and Forensic Considerations

    • When bagging and sealing cash, wear gloves and double bag with clean bags.
    • Take photographs of the cash.
    • Estimate the amount of cash present and seal it while both officers are present.
    • Both officers should sign the exhibit labels.
    • Ensure the cash is placed in a secure location until it can be sent for analysis.
    • If the cash is found during a search, record it as recovered property on the search form.
    • To avoid contaminating the evidence, don't count the cash unless it is determined it won't be forensically examined.
    • Avoid taking the cash to potentially contaminated locations.
    • Secure the cash in a way that prevents contact with contaminated surfaces.

    Fingerprint Procedures

    • Roll the finger onto the inked plate, starting with the nail perpendicular to the plate.
    • Lift the finger and roll it onto the form, again with the nail perpendicular.
    • Ensure each fingerprint impression uses a different area of ink.
    • After rolling, take plain impressions by placing all fingers onto the inked plate and transferring to the form.
    • Take palm prints by rolling the fingerprint roller over the inked surface and applying it to the palm.
    • Place the form on the roller, aligning the line with the roller.
    • Place the hand on the form and roll towards the body.
    • Repeat the process with the left hand, re-inking the roller as needed.

    Evidence and Property Management

    • Officers have a responsibility to seize, record, and retain evidence relevant to a criminal investigation.
    • Property should be logged directly onto the NICHE property system if an authorized member is available.
    • If not, the seizing officer should workflow property staff stating the identification numbers, location, and officer responsible.
    • Property staff must ensure evidence is packaged correctly for forensic purposes.
    • Evidence may be retained only as long as is necessary for the investigation.
    • Some District Electronic Support Units (DESU) can triage laptops and other computing equipment.

    Forensic Examination of Electronic Devices

    • Requests for forensic examination of electronic devices and media must be made through the Cyber Crime Centre using the eCop application.
    • Outline the investigation and the reasoning behind the requested examination.

    General Principles for Electronic Evidence

    • No actions should alter data held on a computer or storage media.
    • Accessing original data should be performed by a competent individual who can explain their actions.
    • An audit trail should be maintained to document all processes applied to computer-based evidence.
    • The investigating officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and principles.

    Theft, Robbery and Burglary

    • Theft is taking property dishonestly with the intention to permanently deprive the owner.
    • Robbery occurs when a person is robbed of property with violence or the threat of violence.
    • Burglary is theft or the intention to steal from a building.

    Dishonesty in Theft

    • Dishonesty is not defined in the Theft Act (NI) 1969 but is addressed in Section 2.
    • A person is not dishonest if they believe they had the lawful right to take the item.
    • A person is not dishonest if they believe they would have had the owner's consent if the owner had known the circumstances.
    • A person is not dishonest if they believe they cannot discover the owner by taking reasonable steps.
    • A person may be deemed dishonest if they take property for sale without payment, even if they intended to pay.

    Mobile Phone Packaging

    • Mobile phones should be switched off at the point of seizure unless there is an urgent risk to life.
    • The officer seizing the phone should record any decision to leave the phone on and the justification.
    • Blackberry batteries should be removed after switching off the phone.
    • Handset packaging in approved cardboard boxes prevents unintentional reactivation.
    • Handsets seized under exceptional circumstances (urgent risk to life) should be placed in a Faraday bag as soon as possible to prevent further network interaction.
    • The battery life of a handset in a Faraday bag diminishes rapidly.
    • Faraday bags are available from CSI.

    Impressions of Footwear

    • Consent to take an impression of footwear must be in writing if given at a police station.
    • A constable can take an impression of footwear without written consent if the person is detained at a police station and has been arrested, charged with, or informed that they will be reported for a recordable offence and has not already had a complete and sufficient quality impression taken.
    • An officer must inform the person that their footwear impression may be subject to a speculative search before taking the impression.
    • The fact that the person has been informed of this possibility and the reason for taking the impression without consent should be recorded on their custody record.

    Fingerprinting

    • Clear impressions should show black ridges and white furrows.
    • Hands should be cleaned and dried before taking prints.
    • Stand at a 90-degree angle to the person being fingerprinted.
    • Do not apply excessive pressure during inking or printing.
    • Roll fingers from nail edge to nail edge in one movement.
    • Avoid slipping or double-printing.
    • Roll palms downwards from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
    • Maintain control of the finger/palm at all times.
    • Place fingers in the correct boxes on the form.
    • Take your time and avoid rushing.
    • Fingerprint only one prisoner at a time to avoid mixing up prints.
    • Ensure fingerprint forms are fully completed, signed by the officer, and include rank, number, and date.
    • Clean equipment after use.

    Elimination Prints

    • Elimination prints should be taken from individuals who may have legitimately accessed a crime scene, including injured parties, their friends, and family.
    • Every effort should be made to take elimination prints and submit them to Fingerprint Branch.
    • Elimination fingerprints allow staff to clear recovered prints not made by the perpetrator, focusing on those that may lead to an evidentiary identification.
    • Officers are responsible for seizing, recording, and retaining material relevant to a criminal investigation.
    • Property should be logged directly onto NICHE property by an authorized officer.
    • Otherwise, the seizing officer should workflow property staff in NICHE, documenting the identification numbers, location, and officer responsible for collection.
    • Officers must not leave evidence-related property with SEAs or in unsecured locations.
    • Property staff will verify the packaging of each item based on forensic evidence best practices.

    Responsibilities of the Investigating Officer

    • IOs are responsible for providing specific information for inputting property on NICHE, including type of drug, description/format, value, weight or quantity, label description, and the seizing officer’s service number.

    Cash

    • Cash should be kept to a minimum within the property/finance system; money should only be stored in cash format if absolutely necessary.
    • The Officer in Charge should instruct Finance staff on whether the cash is to be held as a sealed package (requiring Inspector’s authority) or lodged in an interest-bearing account.
    • Cash must be stored in a safe.

    Seizure of Cash

    • Cash can be seized under PACE provisions or Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) legislation.
    • If seizing cash under POCA, an application to retain the cash must be submitted to the local District Court within 48 hours of seizure.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Investigative Skills 3.24 Police College PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers essential practices in packaging, continuity, and storage of forensic evidence. Learn about the methods used to preserve the integrity of evidence and ensure its admissibility in court. Understand the importance of maintaining a full chain of custody and the proper documentation processes involved.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser