Evidence and Exhibits

Our course helps minimise the risk of evidence and exhibits being discounted in court and hearings as a result of flaws in searches, seizure and handling practices.

How searches are conducted and evidence and exhibits handled - the process know as "continuity" - is crucial to the success of prosecution and other hearing outcomes that organisations may pursue.

If defence teams can reveal flaws in continuity, the integrity of exhibits may be questioned, doubted or rendered inadmissible.

Our training focuses on correct procedures for seizing, handling and storing documents and items identified as potential evidence and exhibits during investigations and inspections. We show you how to develop sound audit traills of their movements.

This applies to photographs, notes and information or evidence on IT systems and may follow searches of lockers, desks, business premises and homes

Target Audience

All who gather evidence during investigation, enforcement and inspection

Aim

To provide practical guidance in the management of exhibits and evidence

Outcomes

To enable delegates to:

  • understand if a power exists to seize documentation or other items
  • explain the process for introducing business documents and database information as evidence
  • consider Human Right implications in relation to searches of offices, desks, lockers and homes
  • define a plan for thorough search and seizure
  • apply sound exhibit identification, packaging and storage practice
  • identify forensic opportunities in relation to exhibits
  • describe handling of exhibits during interviews and exhibiting in statements of evidence
  • discuss seizure of IT evidence, such as hard drives, portable memory and storage devices and "seize and sift" guidelines
  • apply best practice in relation to production of photographs for evidence from digital storage such as memory cards
  • understand privacy issues and the management of personal information in relation to the Data Protection Act (1998) when considering exhibiting or further disseminating exhibits and images

Delivery

The sessions will be delivered using a mix of PowerPoint presentation, flipchart explanation, group discussion, practical examples and case studies to reinforce leaning

Continuing Professional Development

Delegates can receive continuing professional development hours when attending our courses, certified by the CPD Certification Service.

 

Information service

Support information
Support information for investigators