Crimes Act 1914

Part ID - Forensic procedures  

Simplified outline of operation of Part

This Part provides for forensic procedures to be carried out on:

  • • suspects in relation to indictable offences (Divisions 3 , 4 and 5 ); and
  • • offenders in relation to prescribed and serious offences (Division 6A ); and
  • • volunteers (Division 6B ).
  • If the carrying out of a forensic procedure is authorised under this Part, it must be carried out in accordance with rules and procedures set out in Division 6 .

    If a forensic procedure covered by this Part is carried out without proper authority under this Part, evidence obtained through the procedure may be inadmissible in proceedings against the suspect (Division 7 ).

    However, certain rules are modified or do not apply if the forensic procedure is carried out in response to a request by a foreign country or an international tribunal, or a request by a foreign law enforcement agency (Division 9A ).

    This Part also:

  • • contains offences in relation to the Commonwealth DNA database system and the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database ( NCIDD ) (Division 8A ); and
  • • provides for the whole or a part of the Commonwealth DNA database system to be integrated with the whole or a part of one ore more State/Territory DNA database systems to form part of NCIDD (Division 8A ); and
  • • provides for the exchange of information in the Commonwealth DNA database system or a State/Territory DNA database system and the protection of the information that is exchanged (Division 11 ); and
  • • provides for the destruction of forensic material (Division 8 ).
  • Division 3 - Forensic procedures on suspect by consent  

    SECTION 23WD   Forensic procedure may be carried out with informed consent of suspect  

    (1)    
    A person is authorised to carry out a forensic procedure on a suspect with the informed consent of the suspect. The person is authorised to carry out the procedure in accordance with Division 6 and not otherwise.

    (2)    
    This Division does not authorise the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a suspect who is:


    (a) a child; or


    (b) an incapable person.

    (3)    


    This Division does not authorise keeping a suspect in custody, in order to carry out a forensic procedure, after the expiration of the investigation period provided for by Part IC .
    Note:

    If it is necessary to keep a suspect in custody after the expiration of the Part IC investigation period in order to carry out a forensic procedure, an order of a magistrate under Division 5 will have to be obtained to authorise this.


    (4)    


    Nothing in this Part or Part IC prevents the carrying out of a forensic procedure, with the informed consent of the suspect, during the investigation period provided for by Part IC . However, neither carrying out the forensic procedure, nor any delay associated with carrying out the forensic procedure, operates to extend the investigation period provided for by Part IC .
    Note:

    By contrast, the carrying out of a forensic procedure in accordance with a magistrate's order under Division 5 , and associated delays, may delay the expiration of the investigation period provided for by Part IC .





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