It's important that police get as much evidence as possible to support the case if it goes to court. This might include physical evidence, such as clothes or other property or medical evidence

If your property is needed as evidence

The police may need to take some of your property as evidence. Police must give you a receipt if they take any of your property.

If the property is needed as evidence at court, you may not be able to have it returned to you until after the case is finished.

The police will return your property as soon as possible.

Crime scenes

Police may ask that the crime scene be left untouched, so they can take photographs or check for fingerprints and other evidence.

This might be inconvenient, but they may find important evidence.

Identifying the offender

Police may ask you to look at photographs or attend an identification parade to try to identify the offender.

Forensic procedures

Sometimes police will need to collect evidence through a forensic procedure. This could be:

  • taking a sample of your DNA
  • taking your fingerprints
  • making a dental impression
  • conducting a medical examination.

As a victim, you have certain rights about participating in a forensic procedure.

Download the Forensic  procedures – information for victims or volunteers (PDF, 684.1 KB)

You should also be given a copy of this booklet if you need to have a forensic procedure.