Property Retention and Cash Seizure Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum retention period for CCTV footage related to serious crime?

100 years (correct)

20 years

10 years

5 years

Which option best describes the purpose of ticking the 'Officer Responsible Box' when searching for property?

To identify property that has been disposed of

To narrow down to items the officer is responsible for (correct)

To see all property items in the stores

To find all property seized during the investigation

What should be done when stolen items are recovered and the owner is identified?

Photograph the item and return it to the owner (correct)

Send the items to a forensic lab for testing

Keep the items until the case is closed

Dispose of the items immediately

Which of the following is NOT a reason for seizing clothing during an investigation?

Identifying ownership of the clothing Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is required when returning a stolen item to its owner?

A statement of evidence from both the owner and the officer who seized the item Signup and view all the answers

What happens to evidence-related property when there is no further practical or legal requirement for its retention?

It is disposed of. Signup and view all the answers

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

11 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the retention guideline for property related to serious and organized crime cases?

30 years Signup and view all the answers

What must happen to evidence-related property if a no prosecution decision is taken?

There should be no reasonable ground to believe it was obtained in consequence of an offence. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure disposal of property is correctly processed in the OEL?

A workflow reference for disposal must be completed. Signup and view all the answers

For cases where a person is charged, how long must property be retained?

Until conviction or acquittal. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to retained material after a conviction?

It is retained for at least 6 months after conviction. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when reviewing property in volume crime cases?

All volume crime cases require review after one year. Signup and view all the answers

What must an Investigating Officer record regarding the type of drug seized?

A description of the drug's format and suspected class Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for the storage of cash seized by an officer?

To minimize cash held in physical form Signup and view all the answers

When cash is seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), what must be done within 48 hours?

An application to retain the cash must be made to the District Court Signup and view all the answers

What information is not required to be recorded when seizing drugs?

Cash value of the seized drugs Signup and view all the answers

Who must provide clear instructions concerning the storage of seized cash?

The Officer in Charge Signup and view all the answers

What is required to ensure a firearm is safe when taken into police possession?

It must be cleared by a qualified person. Signup and view all the answers

What must always be ensured when storing cash seized during an investigation?

It is stored in a safe Signup and view all the answers

If a firearm cannot be declared free from ammunition, what action must be taken?

Assume it is loaded and apply a DLF sticker. Signup and view all the answers

What should an Investigating Officer not include when providing the label description of seized items?

The exact current value of the item Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to controlled drugs when seized by officers?

They should be accurately entered on NICHE and stored securely. Signup and view all the answers

What is required if cash is to be held as a sealed package after seizure?

Inspectors authority Signup and view all the answers

What mandatory safety measures should be followed when handling significant quantities of drugs?

Wear protective clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What must officers justify regarding the handling of controlled drugs?

The duration of their possession. Signup and view all the answers

How should drug descriptions be labeled for identification?

With vague general terms. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority for officers to be in lawful possession of controlled drugs?

The Chief Constable. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken with a receipt provided to the owner when a firearm is seized?

A standardized receipt format should be used. Signup and view all the answers

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

Triage facilities must be utilized if available. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the eCop application?

To create and manage applications for forensic examination of electronic devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes that data should not be altered during an investigation?

Principle 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is required of a person who accesses original data on a computer or storage media?

They need to be able to explain the relevance and implications of their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to create and preserve an audit trail or record of processes applied to computer-based evidence?

To allow independent verification of processes. Signup and view all the answers

Who has overall responsibility for ensuring adherence to legal guidelines during an investigation?

The officer in charge of the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents can businesses report via the Cyber Reporting Portal?

Cyber-crime incidents. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence is excluded from the requirements of the established principles?

Non-digital evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Property Retention and Timescales

Property will be retained for a period of 11 months before a review is conducted by the OR/IO.
If a prosecution decision has been made, the property will be retained until the case is resolved (conviction or acquittal) or withdrawn.
Property retained for cases with a serious or organized crime charge will be reviewed formally after 30 years.
If the property is connected with a serious or organized crime offense, it will be reviewed after 11 months.
Photographs can be used in place of original documents during a trial or investigation.
Only dispose or retain property with appropriate work flow procedures, failing to do so can result in the items remaining under your name on NICHE.
Cash should be held in a safe.

Seizure of Cash

Cash seized as evidence should be documented and stored securely.
Depending on the case, cash should be stored as a sealed package (with an Inspector's authorization) or in an interest-bearing account.

Seizures of Contraband

Officers should accurately document any seizure of controlled drugs on NICHE.
Controlled drugs must only be handled in accordance with Service policies, procedures, and guidelines.
When handling drugs, wear gloves and protective clothing for health and safety reasons.

Cybercrime

The PSNI Cyber Crime Centre examines forensic evidence on electronic devices and media.
You can submit requests for an examination through the eCop portal.
Cyber Crime Centre is located at Lislea Drive, Belfast.
Cyber-crime incidents reported by businesses should be reported via the Cyber Reporting Portal on the PSNI website.

Evidence Handling Principles

Law enforcement agents should not alter any data on computers or storage media that could be used in court.
Access to original data should only be made by competent personnel.
All processes applied to electronic evidence should be documented and preserved.
The person in charge of the investigation is responsible for ensuring that the law and the principles governing electronic evidence are adhered to.

Recovering Stolen Property

Stolen items recovered from suspects should be returned to the owner if they can be identified.
This process requires a statement of evidence from the owner and the officer.

Damage to Property

When property is damaged, it should be photographed, video recorded, or photocopied.
A statement of evidence will be necessary to account for the item.

Clothing as Evidence

Clothing can be seized as evidence to connect a suspect to CCTV footage or eyewitness descriptions.
It may be necessary to conduct forensic examinations for DNA on the clothing.

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Description

This quiz covers the key procedures related to the retention of property and seizure of cash in criminal investigations. It outlines the timelines for property reviews and proper documentation practices for seized cash. Understanding these protocols is essential for ensuring compliance and safeguarding evidence during legal proceedings.