B.12.03.R2 Disposing of Exhibits (National Requirement)

Disposing of exhibits

1. Exhibits must not be disposed of until any legal proceedings, disciplinary hearing and any subsequent appeals have been decided.
2. When an exhibit is no longer required a designated staff member must decide whether it is to be:
   • Retained for staff training,
   • Retained for museum purposes, or
   • Destroyed.
3. Property clearly obtained by theft must be retained in storage until such time as disposal is determined by Police or the Prison Manager.
4. Illegal items and drugs must be given to Police for disposal.
5. The following methods should be used to dispose of any other exhibit:
   • Dangerous goods and substances must be suitably destroyed or disposed of by Police, or at the direction of a designated staff member;
   • Where appropriate, any other item not permitted to be issued to a prisoner should be returned to the person who provided the item.
6. If there is any uncertainty about the safety of a disposal method, expert advice must be sought from:
   • Health staff; and
   • Government agencies that specialise in the disposal of illegal or unauthorised items.
7. The disposal of exhibits at the prison must be witnessed, recorded, and signed by a designated staff member, and one other staff member.