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 8 - Destruction of forensic material  

    SECTION 23YD   Destruction of forensic material after 12 months  

    (1)    


    This section applies where forensic material has been taken from a suspect by a forensic procedure carried out under this Part (except section Divisions 6A and 6B ).

    (2)    


    If:


    (a) a period of 12 months has elapsed since the forensic material was taken; and


    (b) proceedings in respect of a relevant offence have not been instituted against the suspect, or have been discontinued;

    the forensic material must be destroyed as soon as practicable unless a warrant for apprehension of the suspect has been issued.


    (3)    
    If:


    (a) the suspect is found to have committed a relevant offence but no conviction is recorded; or


    (b) the suspect is acquitted of such an offence and:


    (i) no appeal is lodged against the acquittal; or

    (ii) an appeal is lodged against the acquittal and the acquittal is confirmed or the appeal is withdrawn;
    the forensic material must be destroyed as soon as practicable unless an investigation into, or a proceeding against the suspect for, another relevant offence is pending.

    (4)    


    If a warrant for the apprehension of the suspect is issued during the period of 12 months after forensic material is taken, the forensic material must be destroyed as soon as practicable after:


    (a) the warrant lapses; or


    (b) a period of 12 months elapses after the suspect is apprehended.


    (5)    


    A magistrate may, on application by a constable or the Director of Public Prosecutions, extend for a period not exceeding 12 months the period for which forensic material may be retained under this section, if the magistrate is satisfied there are special reasons for doing so.

    (6)    


    A magistrate to whom an application is made under subsection (5) is not to extend the period unless:


    (a) the person from whom the forensic material was taken has been notified by the applicant for the extension that the application has been made; and


    (b) the person or his or her legal representative or interview friend (if any) has been given the opportunity to speak to or make a submission to the magistrate concerning the extension.


    (7)    


    An extension in relation to particular forensic material may be given on more than one occasion.

    (8)    


    The magistrate is to ensure that the responsible person in relation to the Commonwealth DNA database system is notified of any extension given under this section.



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