1. Security protective marking

1.1. Not protectively marked.

1.2. This policy has a supporting Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which remains restricted under exemptions covered by the Freedom of Information Act.

2. Summary of changes

2.1. The following changes have been made to this policy on 29 May 2007:

• Throughtout document MG/FSP form is replaced with MG21/MG21a
• Paragraph 10.3 (ii) - last sentence has been added which means when seizing cannabis plants the area the growing plants occupy should be calculated
• The authority of the Principle Crime Scene Co-ordinator has been added to paragraphs 4.3, 4.6, 6.2, 7.5, 8.1, 8.2 and 13.8

2.2. This policy is due for review in May 2009.  

3. Introduction 

3.1.  This policy gives guidance for the submission of articles for examination by the forensic science laboratories. The majority of these examinations will be carried out by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) but the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) is also used, mainly for drugs, documents and DNA samples. These procedures are not intended as an exhaustive guide but as an aid to identify those cases where the submission of exhibits is justified and necessary.

3.2.  On 1st December 2004 partners signed a tripartite agreement. This local Tripartite Protocol describes how Kent Police, Kent Crown Prosecution Service and The Forensic Science Service laboratory, Huntingdon, will work together in partnership as a prosecution team to establish standard operating arrangements for the exchange of good quality and timely information.

3.2.1.  The aim of this document is to set out proposals as to how Kent Police, Kent Crown Prosecution Service and The Forensic Science Service can best work together to meet the requirements of the criminal justice system process in accord with the principles of the national Tripartite Protocol.

3.3.  For guidance on the protection of crime scenes and exhibit handling, see policy N11.

3.4.  Kent Police will comply with the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, 1996; see policy N77. For further guidance on disclosure or material(s) relevant to an investigation, contact an Area Investigation Officer.

4. Submission 

4.1.  When submitting exhibits for examination by a Forensic Science Service laboratory (excluding blood and urine specimens obtained under the Road Traffic Act, 1988, see paragraph 13 below), the following will be completed:

• exhibits will be correctly packaged and labelled (see Policy N11);
• exhibits will be placed into special property and entered in the Special Property Register;
• an MG21/MG21forms (available as hard copy on Area) will be fully completed and three copies attached to the exhibit;
• the Area Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) will ensure that all exhibits have an exhibit bar code affixed and that the ‘Items for Scientific Examination’ section of the MG21/MG21a forms includes the identical bar code (or bar code number) for each exhibit;
• the authority of a Senior Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Investigation Manager or Head of Forensic Investigation Department (FID) will be obtained either by the OIC or CSI submitting the exhibit.

4.2.  Exhibits will be submitted through Area CSIs who will provide advice on the packaging and labelling of each exhibit and ensure the accuracy of the completed MG21/MG21a forms.

4.3.  Departments at Kent Police Headquarters, e.g. Serious Crime Unit, may, by prior arrangement with the Crime Scene Investigation Manager, Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators or Head of Forensic Investigation Department (FID) at FHQ, submit exhibits to FID. The submission of the exhibit will be recorded on the FID computer system and the exhibit stored securely at FID, pending transfer to a laboratory.

4.4.  When an exhibit has been accepted for submission to a forensic science laboratory by a CSI, it will be retained in the CSI store on Area (or in storage at FID, see paragraph 4.3, above) with the relevant MG21/MG21a forms. The special property register will be endorsed by the OIC to the effect that the exhibit is booked out for examination, if relevant. (See policy B07).

4.5.  On receipt of the submission, it is the responsibility of the Area CSI to update the laboratory submission continuity book maintained on Area. If an exhibit is submitted at FID, FHQ, the Forensic Support Clerks will update the FID computer system. Both the laboratory submission continuity book and the FID computer system will list the Police Reference Number of the submission, the names of the Area CSI and OIC, and the date accepted.

4.6.  When the submission for scientific examination is either urgent or critical, the enclosed box on page 1 of the MG21/MG21a forms will be completed and authorised by an Inspector or above. (This is in addition to the authorisation required from Senior CSI, Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators, Crime Scene Investigation Manager or Head of FID).

4.7.  With all urgent or critical submissions, a Critical Case Key Dates Form (available from CSIs) will be completed and either included with the three copies of the MG21 MG21or faxed within three working days of submission to the Forensic Science Service.

4.8.  With the exception of firearms (see paragraph 9) and explosives (see paragraph 16), the Area CSI will arrange for all exhibits for submission to be transported to the FID Store at FHQ to arrive the day before submission to the laboratories.

4.9.  The laboratory submission continuity book will be signed and dated by the Area CSI arranging transportation. The Area CSI will list the Police Reference Number of each submission on a ‘Submissions/Returns Form’ and ensure all exhibits and documentation are present and correct prior to sealing in the designated bag(s). The seal number(s) must be entered on the ‘Submissions/Returns Form’, available as hard copy on Area. This form in turn will then be signed by the civilian driver for receipt of the sealed bag(s) which will be transported to FID at FHQ. Administration staff at FID will sign the form for receipt of the sealed bag(s) and will store all exhibits in the FID store. A copy of the form will be retained at FID while the original will be returned by the police staff driver to the Area CSI office.

4.10.  All exhibits (excluding explosives, see paragraph 16, below) are taken from the FID store by a police staff driver on Wednesdays and Fridays to be transported to the Forensic Science laboratories.

4.11.  Exhibits are, after examination, returned from the laboratory via the same route to the Area CSI who, on receiving the sealed bag(s), will sign and date the ‘Submissions/Returns Form’ and retain in the Area CSI office. The laboratory submission continuity book will be completed for each submission enclosed. The Area CSI is responsible for ensuring that the exhibit is returned to the relevant Area or Special Property, and that the FID computer system/Special Property Register is endorsed and the OIC notified.

4.11.1.  Upon return from the laboratory, exhibits originally submitted from departments at FHQ to FID (see paragraph 4.3, above) will be stored at FID.

4.12.  The continued storage or disposal of such exhibits is the responsibility of the officer in the case. When exhibits are no longer required for an investigation or court proceedings, they will be disposed of in the following ways:

• Biological exhibits e.g. swabs, blood samples, etc. will be disposed of by laboratory staff into a medical waste bin. Laboratory staff will ensure that arrangements are made for any body parts to be taken to the mortuary to be returned to the body before burial.
• Exhibits which contain forensic evidence but have no financial or other value, e.g. a brick used by a burglar to break a window or similar, will be disposed of by Laboratory staff. Laboratory staff will inform the officer in the case that samples which may be disposed of and which are no longer required for forensic examination, will be disposed of unless the officer in the case advises Laboratory staff otherwise.
• Exhibits which have no financial worth but are valuable in other ways, e.g. a keepsake or documentation such as a passport, and are not required for evidential purposes will be stored in Special Property and it is the responsibility of the officer in the case to ensure that the property is disposed of to the owner/owner’s representative, if required. Officers will note that some exhibits, in particular, documents, may be damaged due to chemicals used in the forensic investigation.
• For exhibits which have a financial value, see policy B07.
• For guidance on the retention of evidential material, see policy N77.

5. Exhibit labels

 
5.1.  For the purposes of continuity, self sealing exhibit bags or exhibit labels (Form 1921 - tie-on or Form 1922 - adhesive, available on Area) will be attached to exhibits, in such a way as to enable any person handling the exhibit, CSI, Forensic Scientists etc., to sign the label.

5.2.  The label will contain:

• description of the exhibit;
• signature of the person originating the exhibit;
• signatures of all other persons who refer to or handle the exhibit in chronological order;
• Unique reference number, usually the initials, and a sequential number of the person originating the exhibit.

5.3.  The exhibit label will be signed in the chronological order people refer to or handle the exhibit. In cases where it is impossible or impractical to obtain the signature of a person for the exhibit label, their name should be written on the label, with the date they handled the exhibit, and the signature obtained as soon as practicable.

5.4.  The pre-packed blood/urine testing kits prepared for Road Traffic Act, 1988 procedures (see paragraph 13, below) contain their own integral exhibit labels which will be completed at the time of the procedure.

6. MG21/MG21a forms 

6.1.  The MG21/MG21a forms (available as hard copy on Area and FHQ) is intended to communicate the following information to the Forensic Science laboratory and examining scientist:

• circumstances of the offence committed;
• the relationship of the exhibit to the investigation;
• what information the police are seeking from the laboratory;
• the relevance of the information to the investigation or subsequent prosecution.

6.2.  In addition, the form provides confirmation that the services provided to the police will be paid for, therefore any MG21/MG21a forms as submitted without the authority of a Senior CSI, Crime Scene Investigation Manager, Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators or Head of FID, if received by the laboratory, will be immediately rejected and returned to Area, with the exception of Road Traffic Act, 1988, submissions (see paragraph 13).

6.3.  The officer in the case is responsible for completing the police reference on the MG21/MG21a forms, which should be the Force/Area PNC code, followed by the special property reference of the exhibit, e.g. 46BZ/265/01.

6.4.  Where the exhibit does not have a special property number, e.g. blood sample taken under the Road Traffic Act, 1988 and submitted for drug analysis, the Police Reference on the MG21/MG21a forms will be the Force/Area PNC code and the custody number of suspect.

6.5.  All exhibits submitted should be listed with requested information on the MG21 MG21under ‘items for scientific examination’ and given a sequential item number. Where self-sealing exhibit bags or property bag seals are used, the serial number of the bag or seal should be entered in the adjacent box.

(N.B. - the description of item(s) will correspond exactly with the description on the exhibit label). The Area CSI will ensure that all exhibits have a bar code affixed (available on Area and FHQ) and the identical bar code (or bar code number) for each exhibit is entered in the relevant section.

6.6.  The three copies of the MG21/MG21a submitted are sent to the laboratory with the exhibit(s).

6.7.  The laboratory will return one copy of the MG21/MG21a with the attending driver. This will bear the unique laboratory reference number and have a delivery date form attached. The MG21/MG21a forms will be retained at FID Administration and the delivery date form forwarded to the OIC.

6.8.  When the DNA profile of a suspect is obtained as part of a laboratory submission, the officer in the case may request the profile be used for a speculative search against the National DNA Database (see section 7, below) by completing the section on page one of the MG21/MG21a.

7. National DNA Database 

 
7.1.  The National DNA Database is maintained by the FSS and contains the DNA profiles of individuals suspected, cautioned and convicted of a recordable offence as well as those derived from unsolved crimes.

7.2.  DNA profiles obtained from material believed to originate from offenders can be searched against the DNA profiles held on the National DNA Database.

7.3.  If a DNA profile is obtained from a submission, the FSS will produce one of the following results:-

• a match between an individual and an unsolved crime stain indicating a possible association;
• a match between one unsolved crime stain and another potentially linking the crimes;
• if a match is not obtained, the undetected crime stain profiles remain on the database and are routinely checked against all new profiles added to the National DNA Database.

7.4.  Exhibits from a crime scene from which a DNA profile may be obtained will be submitted for a speculative search against the National DNA Database by an Area CSI.

7.5.  When submitting exhibits for the National DNA Database, the following will be completed:-

• exhibits will be correctly packaged and labelled;
• exhibits will be entered into Special Property;
• a FSS GF-111 Form (available from CSIs) will be completed and three copies attached to the exhibit(s);
• exhibits will have a bar code affixed and the identical bar code (or bar code number ) for each exhibit entered in the relevant section of the FSS GF-111 form;
• the authority of a Senior CSI, Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators, Crime Scene Investigation Manager or Head of FID will be obtained by the CSI for the submission.

8. Requests for scientists 

8.1.  Any request for the services of a scientist, either at a crime scene or during the course of an enquiry, will be made via a Senior CSI, who will notify the Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators or Head of CSI or Head of FID, outlining the reason for the request.

8.2.  The Head of CSI, Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators or Head of FID will consult with the Investigating Officer and, if appropriate, arrange for the attendance of a scientist, or provide details from the ‘Directory of Approved Experts’ maintained by FID.

8.3.  In most circumstances, scientists employed by the Forensic Science Service or LGC will be used. Occasionally, other specialists from the ‘Directory of Approved Experts’ held by FID will be used by Kent Police.

9. Firearms 

9.1.  Firearms are examined by the Forensic Science Service laboratory in London. Reasons for submission are:

• categorisation of firearms - to determine the legal status of a firearm under the Firearms Act, 1968, i.e. prohibited weapon, section 1 firearm, shotgun, air weapon or imitation firearm;
• proofing - to determine whether a firearm is capable of discharging a projectile;
• comparison of discharged bullets, or spread of shot (shotguns) to determine if a particular firearm was used in an incident;
• ballistic examinations - to determine from what angle and position a firearm was discharged.

9.2.  Firearms, either found or handed in to the police for disposal, will not routinely be sent to a Forensic Service laboratory for examination unless enquiries or intelligence suggest that the firearm has been used in crime.

9.3.  A designated officer will conduct enquiries regarding the firearm. They will apply the submission scoring formula to each firearm recovered to evaluate its merit for forensic examination and for submission onto the National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database (NFFID).

9.4.  The categorisation of a firearm will only be carried out when required as evidence for criminal proceedings. In any other case, if necessary, the opinion of the Force Armourer, FHQ can be obtained.

9.5.  Firearms are submitted as exhibits in the same manner as identified in paragraph 4 above, via the Area CSIs to FHQ, where they will be stored pending special delivery to the laboratory.

9.5.1.  To comply with S5 Firearms Act 1968 the following information is required prior to the collection of any firearm:

• Type
• Make
• Model
• Serial Number (if possible)

9.6.  The Senior CSI will be informed of any case requiring urgent examination (see paragraph 17, below).

10. Drugs 

10.1.  Drugs cases are submitted to LGC for analysis. Drugs exhibits are submitted by the same procedure as outlined in paragraph 4, above, except that the following restrictions apply:

(i) The ‘profiling’ (drug content and impurities present) or ‘purity’ (percentage active drug in total weight) will not be requested unless essential to the enquiry and required as evidence. Profiling is normally only relevant in large, complex, multi-offender dealing cases. The analysis carried out will normally determine whether a substance is a controlled drug and will also determine its weight.

(ii) Individual drugs/packets should not be packaged as separate exhibits if they are found in the same location, e.g. drugs of the same type found in the pockets on one item of clothing or from the clothing being worn by a single suspect should form one exhibit in most instances.

(iii) Drugs will be placed into tamperproof exhibit bags (available from stores) with the exception of cannabis plants which should be placed in brown paper bags. (See policy B07).

(iv) Drugs paraphernalia (scales, spoons, sharps and knives) should not be submitted other than in exceptional circumstances, and only after consultation with a Senior CSI.

10.2.  In respect of the seizure of cannabis plants, especially large-scale seizures, the advice of a police officer or CSI experienced in dealing with drugs and cannabis plants should be obtained.

10.3.  The following will be considered when seizing cannabis plants:

(i) Record the scene: The scene will be photographed (may additionally be video recorded), attention should be focused upon the identification of plants, evidence of cultivation and that all the plants are the same, i.e. cannabis plants. Care should also be recorded including watering, lighting, tools, fertilisers, and grow bags, etc.

(ii) Cannabis plants: All plants are to be counted, uprooted completely and placed in brown paper sacks, which are to be sealed so as to prevent tampering (see policy N11). The area the growing plants occupy should be calculated.

(iii) Forensic submission: Prior to packaging, a number of cuttings (dependent upon the number of plants seized) should be obtained from different plants and sealed in tamperproof bags. The cuttings can then be submitted to LGC for identification.

(iv) Skunk weed: Where it is suspected that the cannabis plant is ‘skunk weed’ there is no requirement for the attendance of the scientist. However to identify this substance, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of the plant needs to be ascertained and this can only be obtained from cuttings with flowering heads.

11. Drug testing 'guilty plea' cases 

11.1.  All drug seizures of suspected controlled drugs will be sent to LGC for examination. Exceptions to this are, possession of cannabis (excluding cannabis oil) in respect of a guilty plea or caution, (see paragraph 11.2, below) or when a drug testing kit has been used, but only in the circumstances outlined in paragraph 11.3, below.

11.2.  Where an offence of possession of cannabis (excluding cannabis oil) is a guilty plea case at magistrates court or for the purposes of a caution, forensic examination of the cannabis is not required if (and only if) the following criteria applies:

(i) an officer experienced in dealing with drugs identifies the drug as cannabis AND

(ii) the defendant admits possession of the drug for personal use and identifies it as cannabis AND

(iii) it is a small quantity consistent with personal use (3.5 grammes of resin or herbal cannabis sufficient for not more than five reefers) AND

(iv) the person intends to plead guilty or accepts a caution.

11.3.  The identification of cannabis (excluding cannabis oil) will be carried out by an officer who has been trained in the use of approved drug testing kits (e.g. ‘Marquis Reagent’). This identification of cannabis may be accepted as evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in:

(i) cases where the criteria in paragraph 11.2, above, apply but the defendant is committed for sentence to Crown Court; or

(ii) any case in order to facilitate a remand either in custody or on conditional bail. However, subsequent analysis by LGC will be required if the case is to be tried at Crown Court or any of the conditions in paragraph 11.2, above, do not apply.

11.4.  Forensic analysis of suspect drugs will not be necessary if an approved drug testing kit has been used, and:

i) the test is carried out by a police officer trained by the FSS, and

ii) the kit is used only to confirm the identity of morphine, heroin or amphetamine, where there has already been an admission and the drug has been identified by the defendant.

11.5.  Results from an approved drug testing kit will be accepted in evidence by the CPS where:

(i) the case is dealt with at a Magistrates Court, provided the defendant:

• pleads guilty;
• admits possession of the drug for personal use;
• identifies the drug before being presented with the result of the test, and;
• the amount of drug is a small quantity, consistent with personal use.

(ii) where the above criteria apply, but the defendant is committed to the Crown Court for sentence, OR

(iii) in any other case to facilitate a remand either in custody or on conditional bail. In such cases it will still be necessary to submit the substance for forensic analysis.

Evidence of the result of the kit test will be accompanied by an original witness statement stating that it was a presumptive test carried out by an officer trained to carry out such tests.
 

11.6.  In the following circumstances the case will be referred to the laboratory:

(i) if the result of a test indicates an identity which is not in agreement with the admission, or

(ii) if the admission of possession or identity of the drug is withdrawn, or

(iii) if the case, although suitable in isolation for summary disposal, is subsidiary to other matters which will be committed for trial at the crown court.

Under Home Office circular 9/1990, all seizures suspected to be cocaine, including crack, will be submitted to LGC.

12. Internal body concealment 

12.1.  The recovery of internal body concealments are intimate searches and will be authorised in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code of Practice C, and carried out by a medical practitioner.

12.2.  Packages of drugs or other items recovered from internal body concealments should be cleaned prior to being packaged for submission to a laboratory unless:

(i) the packaging of the drug, or other item, is split or damaged, or

(ii) the packaging itself is required to be examined to provide evidence that it was concealed in a body cavity (see paragraph 12.9, below).

12.3.  The package or other item will be cleaned, by rinsing in warm water, as soon as possible after being removed from the body cavity to reduce potential health hazards. Even after rinsing, it will be treated as a potential health hazard, see policy L79, Health and Safety.

12.4.  The responsibility for ensuring that this is done rests with the police officer or CSI present at the search. Any person handling the package, or other item, will wear disposable gloves, which should be treated as a biological hazard and disposed of safely after use in the yellow incineration bins on Area.

12.5.  The package or other item will not be washed with detergent or soap. After washing, the sink should be cleaned immediately using a detergent or bleach.

12.6.  After washing, the package or other item should be dried using clean disposable towels and then sealed in a biohazard bag (available from CSIs), which should then be placed in an ordinary plastic exhibit bag.

12.7.  Exhibit labels should be attached to the outer bag to prevent contamination should the inner jar or bag leak. A bio-hazard label will also be attached to the outer bag (also available from CSI).

12.8.  Due to the biological hazards associated with internal concealments, officers will not attempt to unwrap or field test such items as they can be handled more safely by scientific staff at the laboratory.

12.9.  Where a package or other item recovered from an internal body cavity is not washed, it will be placed directly into a biohazard bag, and an outer plastic bag. A hand-written label identifying the exhibit as an ‘Unwashed Package from an Internal Body Cavity’ will be attached to the outer covering of the exhibit, in addition to a bio-hazard label. The fact that the package is unwashed, giving the reason why, will be clearly recorded and highlighted on the MG21/MG21a.

13. Road Traffic Act 1988 procedures 

 
13.1.  Blood and Urine Sampling Kits are supplied to the police for the submission of specimens obtained under Road Traffic Act, 1988 drink-driving procedures.

13.2.  The OIC is responsible for submitting the specimen directly to the FSS laboratory at Chorley by recorded delivery.

13.3.  Where the purpose of the submission is to analyse the specimen for its alcohol content only, a completed Certificate of Analysis will be submitted to the laboratory at Chorley with the specimen.

13.4.  Where the specimen obtained is required to be analysed for drugs the following action will be taken:

• the sample will be taken in compliance with the instructions contained within the FSS RTA Kit;
• a Certificate of Analysis and MGDD/E (available on Microsoft Word) will be completed and submitted with the specimen to the FSS laboratory at Chorley by recorded delivery;
• in all drug samples taken on suspicion of drink driving, there will be clear evidence of impairment of the suspect confirmed by a doctor;
• the Certificate of Analysis and MGDD/E will be submitted with the specimen in accordance with paragraph 13.3, above.

13.5.  The OIC may authorise a sample to be tested for drugs.

13.6.  The cost of analysing a specimen for drugs is considerably more expensive than for alcohol. Therefore, analysis for drugs will only be requested where the use of drugs can be positively identified and is required as evidence of impairment. All such requests in relation to drug analysis for the purpose of investigating a driving offence, will be accompanied by evidence of impairment by a Doctor. (Form MGDD/B, available on Microsoft Word)

13.7.  The decision concerning the most suitable specimen to be taken in impairment cases (testing for drugs) is subjective, based upon the information available. Where it is believed that the drugs were taken less than 12 hours previously, the specimen should be blood, where it is more than 12 hours the specimen should be urine.

13.8.  In cases where alcohol is not traced on analysis, the authority of the Head of FID Head of CSI or Principal Crime Scene Co-ordinators will be obtained before requesting a second analysis for drugs.

13.9.  When the suspect has admitted drinking alcohol after an incident, it is necessary to calculate the blood alcohol level at the time of the incident (commonly known as a Hip-Flask Defence).

13.10.  To undertake a back calculation of blood alcohol level, the OIC will complete both a MG21 MG21and a MGDD/D (Alcohol Technical Defence Form, available on Microsoft Word) and submit through the Area CSI (see paragraph 4, above).

14. Suspect documents 

14.1.  Cases involving handwriting, altered or false documents and typewriter interpretation will be submitted by the procedure outlined in paragraph 4, above.

14.2.  The majority of routine document examination work is done by LGC. All submissions will be directed via the FID at FHQ.

14.3.  Suspects do not have to provide a sample of handwriting to police officers. However, if the submission of the suspect’s handwriting is relevant to the investigation of an offence, police officers may look for alternative sources of handwriting, e.g. letters, birthday cards etc. To form part of the evidence. The considerations must include:

• whether a lawful authority is required to obtain that specimen, e.g. a search warrant, etc.;
• whether a legal power exists; or
• whether the specimen may be obtained directly, e.g. supplied by a witness/victim.

It is important to ensure that the obtaining of this specimen is in compliance with any identified relevant legislation.

14.4.  When submitting samples of a suspect's handwriting for comparison, officers will ensure that the following guidance is complied with:

• i. Take specimens from the suspect on a document similar to the questioned document, (e.g. blank photocopied cheque or other appropriate blank form) or failing this, on plain or lined paper. Provide suspect with a ball-point pen, preferably well used;
• ii. Specify block lettering or hand-written, as on the questioned document;
• iii. Dictate what is to be written. Do not show the questioned document to the suspect - any resemblance to the questioned writing could later be denied due to copying;
• iv. Do not specify layout or help with spelling. Any similarities in these areas can be highly significant;
• v. Specimens from the suspect will be obtained on separate sheets of paper (minimum of 10 for handwriting, minimum of 12 for signatures) removing each sheet from the suspect’s sight before starting the next;
• vi. Ensure that specimen signatures are taken in the same name(s) as on the questioned document(s), not just suspect’s own name;
• vii. If possible, obtain a known specimen of the suspect’s normal writing which will be representative of their normal writing style. An admission that the writing belongs to the suspect should be obtained in interview;
• viii. Where practicable, specimens of handwriting from a suspect should be taken under interview conditions and recorded by tape, (see policy N65e);
• ix. The specimens of handwriting obtained from the suspect should be exhibited by the police officer supervising the provision of them, e.g. PAJ/3(a)(b)(c)(d) for each separate sheet or document used;
• x. Where possible, samples of the injured party's handwriting, e.g. account holder, should be requested from the injured party for comparison. However, the injured party does not have to provide this.

 
14.5.  When submitting samples of typewriting for comparison, ensure the following guidance is complied with:

(i) If a suspect typewriter is found and can be seized:-

• do not switch on or alter settings;
• do not type on it;
• submit to the laboratory along with any accessories present (ribbon cassettes, typing elements, etc.)

(ii) In cases where the OIC does not wish to seize the whole typewriter, but obtain a sample:

• remove ribbon cassette, (seize if required as evidence) and fit new cassette;
• take specimens on plain white paper;
• reproduce wording, spacing and layout as on the questioned document (minimum 3 sheets);
• take 3 copies of the complete keyboard, upper and lower case (on separate sheets) and note the make, model and if possible, the serial number of the machine.

14.6.  Certain procedures can be carried out by FID at FHQ in respect of examining and comparing altered documents:

(i) VSC-1 computer - examination of documents suspected of being altered, erased, obliterated writing and differentiation of inks.

(ii) Electrostatic Deposition apparatus (ESDA) allows the detection of indented writing.

14.7.  Whilst expert evidence cannot normally be given by FID Officers, the equipment can be used for initial examination and screening prior to a submission to the laboratory. Requests for document screening examination should be made to the Forensic Photographer at FHQ.

14.8.  Any initial examination and screening conducted by FID will be documented, and submitted to LGC if further examination or opinion is necessary. Such material is disclosable in the event of prosecution, see policy N77).

14.9.  Where an initial document screening is required to ascertain if it has been altered, and the investigating officer is prepared to bring the exhibit to the Forensic photographer at FHQ and wait, then no paperwork is necessary. In all other cases or when exhibits are required to be sent to the Forensic Science Service laboratories for further examination, the submission procedures outlined in paragraph 4, will be followed.

15. Tachographs 

15.1.  Tachograph charts for interpretation are to be submitted by procedures outlined in paragraph 4 above. (See policy P07 for further information). By prior agreement with the Head of FID, the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) may submit Tachographs directly to specialists on the agreed list (held by FID and CIU).

15.2.  When removing the Tachograph Chart the following will be adhered to:

• the Tachograph Chart will be handled with extreme care;
• it will be placed in a Tachograph Chart envelope (available from the Procurement Unit, FHQ);
• the envelope will not be written on once the Tachograph Chart has been placed in it.

16. Explosives 

16.1.  For guidance on procedures in relation to bombs and scene management, see policy M26.

16.2.  The Defence, Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) at Fort Halstead conducts forensic explosives examinations. The laboratory has a Police Liaison Officer (SO13 Bomb Squad) whose role is to advise and assist forces requiring explosive information or scene attendance. This officer may be contacted through the Duty Officer, Operations Centre, or FID at FHQ.

16.3.  Since Fort Halstead does not carry out the range of conventional services offered by the Forensic Science Service, it is important that the Police Investigating officer and Police Exhibits officer are aware of the scope of the services provided by the various laboratories to avoid later problems.

16.4.  In cases where there is the prospect of useful fingerprint examination, a fingerprint officer should attend Fort Halstead to advise on the preservation of possible fingerprint evidence during the scientist's examination. A range of light sources, including lasers, are available at Fort Halstead for use by suitable qualified visiting fingerprint officers. The various significant non-explosive component parts of items will be separated during the examination by the forensic scientist, as exhibits for possible examination elsewhere. These ‘part’ items will be passed directly to the Police Exhibits Officer whose presence at this time will ensure continuity of the evidence and the maintenance of the integrity of the items.

16.5.  As a general rule, items will not be examined for marks prior to their submission to the laboratory. There are exceptions to this rule, especially where vehicles are involved and guidance can be obtained, if needed, from the Head of FID. Officers will note that the use of fingerprint powder negates the use of sequential chemical treatments for the location of fingerprints.

16.6.  Exhibits will be submitted to Fort Halstead from the scene of a found bomb or explosion on the advice of the EOD Bomb Disposal Officer. In most circumstances for evidential and continuity purposes, a CSI or police officer will accompany the exhibit to Fort Halstead. Details will be recorded on a MG21/MG21a. Prior to any movement, the laboratory will be informed to prepare for the arrival of the exhibit(s).

16.7.  In major cases involving a series of intact or disrupted devices or a large terrorist cache, experience has shown that it can be advantageous to have a case conference involving the Investigating Officer, the Exhibits Officer, Fingerprint Officer and all forensic scientists involved, at the earliest possible opportunity. This will enable all interested parties to gain a valuable overview of the items before disassembly by Fort Halstead scientists. This will also provide an opportunity for each expert to discuss what they can provide the investigation. Most importantly, the case conference will facilitate decisions about priorities and the order in which work will progress.

17. Priorities/statements/target dates 

17.1.  For those cases needing urgent examination, a list of premium services have been given to the FID by the FSS. This list of premium services is known to each Senior CSI who will advise officers who feel there is specific requirement for prioritisation.

17.2.  The Central Submission Office maintains a record of submissions to the FSS and other outside agencies, and is able to provide accurate information on the status of work going to and from the forensic science laboratories. Copies of all statements received from the respective laboratories are held within the FID together with all target dates.

17.3.  Officers requiring information from the Forensic Science laboratories should in the first instance contact the Central Submissions Office who may be able to assist. Whilst personal contact with the scientists is encouraged, it will be remembered that no work can be undertaken by the scientists unless authorised by a senior member of the FID.

18. Mobile telephones 

 
18.1.  When submitting mobile telephones for interrogation of memory and Simcard, the following will be completed:

(i) Telephones will be securely packaged and labelled.

(ii) Telephones will be entered into Special Property.

(iii) An MG21 MG21will be completed and three copies attached to the telephone.

(iv) The authority of the Area Business Manager or Inspector will be obtained by the OIC submitting the telephone.

18.2.  The OIC is responsible for submission directly to the appropriate laboratory. (Contact address and phone number available from Senior CSI, Crime Scene Investigation Manager or Head of FID).

19. Computers 

19.1.  Please refer to Policy N19 for guidance on the seizure of computers and computer related mediums.

19.2.  Computers are interrogated by the Computer Crime Unit at FHQ.

19.3.  The Unit will be contacted prior to disconnecting the hardware.

19.4.  Any additional interrogation required by the Forensic Science Laboratory will be arranged following discussion between OIC, Computer Crime Unit, Senior CSI, Crime Scene Investigation Manager or Head of FID.

20. Equality impact assessment

20.1. This policy has been assessed with regards to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a low potential impact.