Guidance for Evidential Evidential Drug Drug ... · this guidance applies only to case disposals for controlled drug possession cases. if the case disposal is for any other offence,

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EvidentialDrug

Testing in Police Stations

Identification

Guidance for

EvidentialDrug


Identification

Guidance for

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Section Page

1 Preface 2

2 EvidentialDrugIdentificationTest(EDIT)Process 4

EditProcesschart 4

2.1EditProcess 6

2.2disputedtestProcedure 8

2.3 Roles 9

2.3.1 ArrestingOfficer 9

2.3.2 tester 11

2.3.3investigatingOfficer 12

2.3.4 CustodyOfficer 13

2.3.5 EvidentialReviewOfficerandCPSLawyer 14

2.3.6 PACEinspector 16

2.3.7 CustodyManager 17

2.3.8 ForensicManager 18

2.3.9 CJUManager 19

2.3.10 CaseClerks 20

2.3.11 PropertyStoreManager 21

3 Approvals 22

4 Appendices

A ExampleMG11 23

B NoticeregardingtheEditanddisputedtestprocedures 24

C disputedtestProcedure 25

DApprovedtraining 26

E designatedPersonnelapprovedtousedtK 27

F ApproveddtK 28

5 Glossary 29

Contents

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1.1 IntroductiontheEditprocessmakesuseofHomeOfficeapproveddrugtestingkits(dtK)andaCPSapprovedstagedreportingprocesstoallowacasedisposaldecisiontobemadeindrugpossessioncaseswithouthavingtobailthepersontoreturnpendingforensicanalysis.

theprocesshasbeensuccessfullypilotedintheMetropolitanPoliceService,MerseysidePoliceandNottinghamshirePolice.itsimplifiesandspeedsupthecriminaljusticeprocessinlinewithSimpleSpeedySummaryJustice(CJSSS)objectives.itassiststimelytreatmentinterventionsandmakessignificantsavingsinpolicetimeandforensicsubmissioncosts.1

1.2 BackgroundHomeOfficeCircular40of1998allowstheuseofapproveddrugtestingkits.thesekitsidentifycontrolleddrugsinuncontestedpossessioncaseswherethearrestedpersonhascorrectlyidentifiedthedrugbeforeknowingthetestresult.identificationbyanexperienced2policeofficercanbeusedincannabiscases.HomeOfficeCircular10of2005extendedthedtKrangetoincludecocaineaswellasopiatesandamphetamines.

take-upofthesekitshasvariedfromforcetoforce.thisisbecausetheyareusedonlyinuncontestedcaseswhichsomepeoplethinkinducesoffenderstobeuncooperative.Forinstance,iftheydon’tcooperatetheywillbequicklybailedfromthecustodysuite.However,iftheydocooperatetheyarelikelytobeincustodyalotlonger.

Edit,incorporatingthestagedreportingprocess,removesthisincentivebecausethedtKscanbeusedincontestedanduncontestedcases.

1.3 Staged Reporting Processthestagedreportingprocessissuccessfullybeingusedforfingerprintidentificationevidence.ithasalsobeentrialledfordNAevidence.

Fullforensicidentificationevidenceisonlyprovidedincaseswhereevidenceofidentityischallenged.thismeansalesspreciseformofidentificationisenoughforthemajorityofprosecutions.Considerablecostandtimesavingsaremadewithoutharmingtheintegrityofindividualcases.

thestagedreportingprocessisusedinexactlythesamewaywithEdit.dtKsareusedtoallowimmediatecasedisposaldecisions.Anexperiencedofficer’sidentificationcanbeusedincannabiscases.indrugpossessionoffencecharges,whereidentificationischallengedincourt,aforensicscientistwillcarryoutacomprehensivedruganalysis.thisiscalledthedisputedtestprocedureinthisguidance.

Section 1 Preface

1.theevaluationfoundthatEalingBorough–theMPSpilotsite-wouldsave£13,600inforensiccostsonanaverageofjustover60casespermonth.Afurtherminimumof£294,000instaffingcostswouldalsobesaved.EalingBoroughhadusedtheuncontesteddrugtestingkitprocedurebeforethepilot.ifithadnotitisestimatedthattheforensicsavingswouldhavebeentripledandthestaffsavingswouldhavebeendoubled.

2.identificationevidencebyanexperiencedpoliceofficerhasbeenacceptedbytheCrownProsecutionServicesince1987forpossessiononlyofcannabiscases.

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It simplifies and speeds up the criminal justice process

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1.4 Possession cases onlythisguidanceappliesonlytocasedisposalsforcontrolleddrugpossessioncases.ifthecasedisposalisforanyotheroffence,suchaspossessionwithintenttosupply,thecorrectprocedureistosubmitthesuspectedcontrolleddrug(SCd)forforensicanalysis.thisisbecause,indrugtraffickingcases,thecourtmayneedweightandpurityinformationtomakecorrectsentencingdecisions.thisinformationisalsovaluableforintelligencepurposes.

1.5 Magistrates’ and youth courts onlytheguidanceonlyappliestocourtcasesheardatMagistrates’andYouthCourts.AstatementfromaforensicscientistidentifyingtheSCdmayberequiredifthecaseisreferredtoaCrownCourt.

1.6 EDIT staged reporting process – young peopletheEditstagedreportingprocesscanequallyapplytoyoungpeople.theonlydifferenceisthatawarningorreprimandreplacesacautionasacasedisposaloption.Whetherornottheyoungpersonneedstobebailedtoreturnpendingacasedisposaldecisionshouldalsobeconsidered.

1.7 EDIT staged reporting process – cannabisMostcannabispossessioncaseswillbedealtwithbyacannabiswarning.theEditstagedreportingprocessforcannabisapplieswherethecannabiswarningoptionisnotappropriate.

iftheSCdissuspectedtobecannabis,thedtKisreplacedbysightandsmellevidencefromanofficerexperiencedininvestigatingcannabisoffences.theofficer(s)positivelyidentifyingtheSCdascannabismustclearlyshowtheirgroundsintheirarrestnotesorinawitnessstatement.

Section � : Pref�ce

This guidance applies only to case disposals for controlled drug possession cases

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Section 2 Evidentialdrugidentificationtest(Edit)Process

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Decision makers: colour key

Submit for forensic analysis

Arresting Officer

Custody Officer

Tester

Investigating Officer

Evidential Review Officer

CPS

What if there’s a significant delay seeing the custody officer?

If a negative EDIT is likely to lead to a de-arrest and release then the test can sometimes be carried out earlier. See page 10

What if more SCDs are found?

Restart the EDIT process from the beginning with the new Arrest

What if the detainee was originally arrested for PWITS?

If the detainee was arrested for Possession With Intent To Supply and the offence is later changed to one of Possession, then the process can start with the test at Stage 3

Arrested for drug

possessionCase disposal:

caution or charge

Custody Officer provided with

evidence of arrest. Detention authorised

EDIT carried out. Necessary paperwork complete. Notice

explaining disputed test procedure given to suspect.

See Appendices B and C

Result is positive

What if there’s a negative result?

Is there evidence to support the offence of

attempted possession?

Are there still reasonable grounds to suspect the

SCD is a controlled drug?

NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?

What if the the suspect does not admit the offence?

Is there evidence of other drug

offences?

Charge for drugpossession

appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

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Arresting Officer

Custody Officer

Tester



CPS







Arrested for drug


caution or charge






Result is positive






NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?



offences?


appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

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EditProcess

2.1 EDIT Process ChartthepreviouspagechartstheEditprocess.ithighlightsthedecisionstobemadeandwhoshouldmakethem.thearrestingofficer,thetester,theinvestigatingofficer,thecustodyofficer,theevidentialreviewofficer(ERO)3,andtheCrownProsecutionService(CPS),makedecisionsintheprocess.thearrestingofficer,thetesterandinvestigatingofficercanbethesamepersonortwoorthreedifferentpeople.Anexplanationofthechartfollows:

2.1.1 ArrestAnarrestforpossessionofacontrolleddrugoftentakesplaceinthestreetorotherplaceawayfromthecustodysuite.thatmeansthearrestedpersonandSCdhavetobetakentothepolicestationandcustodysuite.innormalcircumstancesthearrestedpersonwillseethecustodyofficerwithoutunduedelay.However,undercertaincircumstancesanEditcantakeplaceinthepolicestationbeforethearrestedpersonseesthecustodyofficer4.AnexampleiswhenthereislikelytobeasignificantdelayandanegativeEditmaymeanthepersoncanbede-arrestedandreleased5.thearrestingofficershouldconsiderthefollowingpointsiftheEditisnegative:

AretherestillgroundstoreasonablysuspecttheSCdisacontrolleddrug?BearinmindthattheHomeOfficeapproveddtKsdonotdetectallcontrolleddrugs.

isthereevidencetosupportanattemptedpossessionofacontrolleddrugoffence?

iftheanswerisnotoboththesequestionsthepersonshouldbede-arrestedandreleased.thearrestingofficershouldcompletenotesofarrestandgivethedetailstothecustodyofficer.Acustodyrecordcanthenbecompletedshowingthatthepersonhadcometothepolicestationbutwasde-arrestedbeforeseeingthecustodyofficer.thetesterwillcompleteanMG11(AppendixA)showingthenegativeresultsoftheEdit(s).6

iftheanswerisyestoeitherquestion,thepersonshouldbetakentothecustodyofficerinthenormalway.

Anarrestforpossessionofacontrolleddrugcanalsotakeplaceinsidethecustodysuite.thisiswhenaperson,alreadyunderarrest,issearchedandanSCdisfound.

2.1.2 Detention and further searches authorised thecustodyofficerhearsandreviewstheevidenceofarrestandmakesdecisionsaboutauthorisingdetentionandfurthersearches.Wherenecessarythisisdoneinconsultationwithaninspectororabove,forinstanceinsection18PACEsearches.

ifdetentionisauthorisedanEditiscarriedoutassoonaspossible.thiswillnormallybeatthesamestageasLiveScan,druginterventionsProgramme(diP)testing,anddNAswabsarecarriedout.

3.theEROisthepersonwhomakesthecasedisposaldecision.

4.itshouldbenotedthatinover700arrestsduringthepilotsiteevaluationperiodthisoptionwasnotusedonce.

5.Forinstance,notalsounderarrestforaseparateoffence.

6.thestreamlinedprocessbeingintroducedbytheCPSwillintroducenewformsthatremovetheneedfortheMG11incertaincases.theEditprocesscanbeeasilyadaptedtoconformtothis.

If detention is authorised an EDIT is carried out as soon as possible

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2.1.3 Arrest for possession with intent to supply (PWITS) but possession case disposalitisnotunusualforaninvestigationtostartoffasacaseofPWitSbutreverttoacaseofdisposalforpossession.thishappenswhenthereisinsufficientevidenceofintenttosupply.theEditprocedurecanbeadoptedassoonasitisdecidedtotreattheinvestigationasapossessiononlyoffence.

itmustbeborneinmindthatifthequantityofdrugissignificantandthisneedstobebroughttotheattentionofthecourtforsentencingpurposes,forensicanalysisshouldalsobeconsidered,astheweightwillalsobeprovided.Alternativelytheofficerinthecaseshouldmakesurethedrugsaretakentocourtandshowntothemagistrate(s).

2.1.4 The EDITAtester,trainedtousethedtK,carriesouttheEdit.thismustbedoneinacontrolledenvironmentinthepolicestationtoaddresscross-contaminationissues.thereismorethanonetypeofdtKandtheprocesswillbedifferentforeach.Allproduceavisualresultwithinminutes.

thetestercompletesanMG11recordingtheEditresult.thedtKisspecifictoaparticulardrugtypeortypes.thereforeitisacceptablefortheSCdtobesubjecttomorethanoneEditusingdifferentdtKs.Cautionshouldbeusedwhenonlydrugtracesarepresent.thisisbecausefurtherforensicanalysismaybeneededifthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated.

togetherwiththearrestingofficer,thetesterisresponsibleformakingsuretheSCd’scontinuityevidenceisproperlyrecorded.theyarealsoresponsibleformakingsureitisproperlypackagedandexhibited.thisallowsadisputedtestproceduretobecarriedout.

2.1.5 DisclosurethearrestedpersonwillbeinformedoftheEditresult.theywillreceiveacopyofthecompletedMG11(s)(AppendixA)andanoticeregardingtheEditProcess,anddisputedtestprocedures(AppendixB).

2.1.6 Negative EDITAnegativeEditresultrequirestheinvestigatingofficerand/ortheEROtoconsiderwhethertherearestillgroundstosuspectthattheSCdisacontrolleddrugthatthedtKarenotdesignedtoidentifyorifthereissufficientevidenceforanattemptedpossessioncasedisposal.Nofurtheractionisnecessaryifneitheroftheseapplies.

2.1.7 Positive EDITApositiveEditgivesenoughevidencethattheSCdisanamed7controlleddrugtoallowacharge.Evidenceofpossessionisalsoneededtoproveanoffence.thiswillnormallybeprovidedinthearrestingofficer’snotesofarrest.Aninterviewisunnecessaryifthenotescontainadmissionsofpossessionandaresignedbythearrestedperson.theEROthenconsiderswhethertochargeorcautiontheperson.

iftherearenoadmissions,aninterviewshouldtakeplace.ifthepersonadmitstopossessionintheinterview,theEROagaindecidesbetweenchargeorcaution.ifnoadmissionsaremade,theCPSreviewstheevidenceanddecidesbetweenchargeandnofurtheraction.

7.thespecificityofEditdependsonthedtK.trainingintheuseofthedtKincludesguidanceregardingtheappropriatechargeorcautionwordingtobeused.

Section � : EDIT process

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Arresting Officer

Custody Officer

Tester



CPS







Arrested for drug


caution or charge






Result is positive






NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?



offences?


appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

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2.2 Disputed Test ProcedurethedisputedtestprocedureiswheretheEditprocessincorporatesthestagedreportingprocess.Significantly,thedisputedtestprocedurewasusedonlyonceinover700casesatthepilotsitesduringtheevaluationperiod.

ifachargedperson8conteststhecorrectnessofthedtKidentification,afullforensicidentificationanalysiscanbecompleted.

thedisputedtestprocedureisinitiatedifanaccusedpersonpleadsnotguiltyatthefirsthearingandinformsthecourttheyaredisputingtheEdit.

theCrownProsecutionService(CPS)shouldthenrequestasevendayremandpendingtheSCdforensicanalysis.theCPSshouldinformtheCJUwhowillretrievetherelevantexhibitfromthepropertystore.Aftercompletingtheappropriatedocumentation(MGFSP)theyshouldasktheirforensicmanagertoauthoriseurgentanalysisfromaforensicprovider.

theforensicscientistwhocarriesouttheanalysissuppliestheresultinastatement.thisisincludedinthecasepapersforthenextcourthearing.

thisresultsupersedesthedtKEditresult.9itmaybepossibletoclaimthecostoftheadditionalforensicanalysisfromtheaccusediftheyarefoundguilty.thecourtwilldecidewhetherornotitisappropriatetoawardcoststothepoliceinthesecircumstances.10

thedisputedtestprocedurecanbeinitiatedbytheCPSatanystageifitconsidersittobeinthepublicinterest.

itshouldbenotedintheaboveEditstagedreportingprocessthatthepolicecanalsoinitiateaforensicanalysis.thisiswhentheEditresultisnegativeandtherearecontinuedgroundstoreasonablysuspecttheSCdisacontrolleddrug.

PolicealsohavethediscretiontosubmitanSCdforforensicanalysisdespiteapositiveEdit.inthesecircumstancesthepersoncanstillbecharged.However,theinvestigatingofficermustmakesuretheresultisknownbeforethefirsthearing.thisissothattheCPS,thedefence,andthecourtareawareoftheresult.

SeeAppendixCregardingdetailsofthedisputedtestprocedure. 8.thedtKidentificationshouldbetreatedascorrecttomakesurethearrestedpersondoesnotmisusethedisputedtestproceduretodelayprosecution.Acasedisposaldecisionshouldbemadebasedonthatevidence.

9.AsanalternativetheforensicanalysiscanbecarriedoutbeforethefirstcourtcaseifitisknownthatthepersonchallengesthedtKidentificationatcharge.thedisadvantageisthattheanalysismaybeunnecessarybecausethepersonmayhavechangedtheirmindbythetimeofthecourtcase.

10.thisisyettobetestedastherewasonlyonedisputedtestprocedureinthepilotandnocostswereappliedfor.theargumentisthatthepoliceinvestigationiscompletepriortocharge.theforensictestisfordefencepurposes.

The disputed test procedure is initiated if an accused person pleads not guilty

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PoliceofficersandstaffperformroleswithintheEditprocess.theprocessisoutlinedbelowforthebenefitofthoseinvolved.theyneedonlyreadtheparagraphsthatapplytothem.

2.3.1 Arresting Officerthisprocessappliestodrugpossessionarrestsandinvestigations.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.

theprocessallowsacasedisposaldecisiontobemadewithoutthearrestedpersonbeingbailedtoreturnpendingforensicanalysis.

theEditproceduremusttakeplaceinacontrolledenvironmentwithinapolicestation.

thearrestingofficer,testerandtheinvestigatingofficercanbethesameperson.Likewisetheycanbetwoorthreedifferentpeople.

therearetwopossiblescenariosthatresultinanarrestforpossessionofacontrolleddrug:

thearresttakesplaceinthestreet,premises,etc.awayfromthecustodysuite.

thepersonisfurtherarrestedwhileinthecustodysuite.thiswillbenormallybeasaresultofanauthorisedsearch,egundersection54PACEorsection18PACEsearch.

EDITAnytrainedofficerormemberofpolicestaffcanundertaketheEdit.ifthearrestingofficerdoesn’tdotheEditthemselves,theyshouldtellthetesterwhichdrug(s)theysuspectthesubstancetobe.

2.3.Roles

Scenario 1thearrestedpersonandSCdaretakentothecustodysuite.theevidenceofarrestisgiventothecustodyofficerinthenormalway.thebooking-inprocedureiscompletedincludingtheauthorisationforfurthersearches.

OncethisisdoneLiveScan;photographs;druginterventionProgramme(diP)drugtesting;anddNAsamplingtakeplaceasnecessary.AtthisstageanEditshouldbecarriedout.

Scenario 2theSCdcanbeseizedduringasearchofanarrestedpersonwhileincustody(section54PACE).Oritcouldbetheresultofapremisessearchwhilethepersonisincustody(usuallysection18PACEsearch).theEditshouldbecarriedoutassoonaspossibleafterthearrestedpersonandthecustodyofficerhavebeentoldofthefurtherarrest.


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EvidenceContinuityevidenceregardingthesuspecteddrugmustberecorded;generally,thiswillbeinthearrestingofficerorsearchingofficer’snotes.itshouldalsoberecordedinthestatementofthepersonwhocarriesouttheidentificationtest.Additionallythearrestingofficerisresponsibleforclearlyoutlininginthearrestnotesthereasonablegroundsforsuspectingthesubstanceisacontrolleddrug.

thisisparticularlyimportantintheEditprocessasitaddsvaliditytoapositivetestthatcansupportachargeorcaution.thereasonablegroundswillincludeadmissions,thewaythesubstanceiswrapped,whereitwasfoundanditsappearance.inthecaseofcannabis,itwillincludeitssmell.

Atapedinterviewmaybeunnecessarybeforecautionorchargeifthearrestingofficer’snotesrecordadmissionssignedbythearrestedperson.

Significant wait for custody officerAnEditcanbecarriedoutbeforethedetaineeispresentedtothecustodyofficerif:

thearresthastakenplaceoutsidethecustodysuite,and

thereisasignificantwaitatthepolicestationforacustodyofficer,and

anegativeEditislikelytoleadtoade-arrestandrelease.

thepersonshouldbede-arrestedandreleased,unlesstheyareunderarrestforanotheroffence,if:

theEditisnegative,and

therearenoreasonablegroundstosuspectthesubstanceisacontrolleddrug,and

thereisinsufficientevidencetosuspectthepersonhascommittedtheoffenceofattemptedpossession.

thefollowingmustbecompleted:

Notesofarrest;

MG11ofdrugidentificationprocedureandresult;

disclaimersignedbythepersonarrestedforthesubstanceifitisnotrestored;and

detailsforaskeletoncustodyrecord.

iftheEditidentifiesacontrolleddrugtheevidencewillbegiventothecustodyofficerwhenavailable.Likewiseif,despitethenegativeEditresult,therearestillgroundsforthepersontoremainunderarrestthepersonshouldbepresentedtothecustodyofficer.theevidenceofarrestandthenegativetestshouldbegiven,togetherwithgroundsforcontinuingtojustifythearrest.

The EDIT procedure must take place in a controlled environment within a police station

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Arresting Officer

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Tester



CPS


If a negative EDIT is likely to lead to a de-arrest and release then the test can sometimes be carried out earlier.





Arrested for drug


caution or charge





See Appendices C and D

Result is positive






NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?



offences?


appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

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2.3.2 The Testerthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.

theprocessallowsacasedisposaldecisionwithoutthearrestedpersonbeingbailedtoreturnpendingforensicanalysis.


AnEditcanonlybecarriedoutbytrainedpoliceofficersorpolicestaff(thetester)usingHomeOfficeapproveddrugtestingkits(dtKs).


thetesterisresponsibleforthecontinuityofevidenceoftheSCd.

theymakesurethat:

theycorrectlytakecustodyoftheSCd;

aftertheEdittheremainingsubstanceissealedinapropertybag,recordedandcorrectlystored;

theSCdandpropertybagreferenceisproperlyrecordedontherelevantcustodyrecord;and

theSCdisloggedinthecustodysuitepropertyregisterandputinthepropertycupboard.

ifthetesterisnotthearrestingofficertheymustfindoutwhichdrugthearrestingofficersuspectstheSCdtobe.iftheEditisnegativeforthatdrugfurtherEditscanbecarriedoutforotherdrugtypes.thisshouldbedoneinconsultationwiththearrestingofficerand/ortheinvestigatingofficer.

thismustnotbeafishingexercise.itmustbeconsistentwiththeevidencethatgavereasonablegroundstomakethearrest.AnMG11(AppendixA)willbecompletedforeachEdit.

thetestermustmakesuretheycloselyfollowthetrainingtheyhavebeengiven.thatincludesbeingdiligentabouthealthandsafety,andcross-contaminationissues.

thetesterwillgiveacompletedMG11totheinvestigatingofficerwiththeEditresult(s).Acopy,orcopies,willbedisclosedtothearrestedperson,theirsolicitor,and/orappropriateadult.


The tester is responsible for the continuity of evidence of the SCD

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2.3.3 The Investigating Officerthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.





thetestergivestheinvestigatingofficerthecompletedMG11(s)togetherwiththeEditresult(s).theinvestigatingofficerdisclosescopy(ies)tothearrestedperson,theirsolicitor,and/orappropriateadultalongwith‘NoticetothearrestedpersonregardingEditandthedisputedtestprocedure’(AppendixB).thisshouldbedoneassoonaspossibleaftertheEditandcertainlybeforeanytapedinterviewtakesplace.

Negative EDIT resultAnegativeEditresultwillnormallyendtheinvestigationofthecontrolleddrugpossessionoffence.Howevertheoffenceofattemptedpossessionshouldbeconsidered.SubmittingtheSCdforforensicanalysisshouldbeconsideredifthereisstillstrongcircumstantialevidencethatitisacontrolleddrug.

Positive EDIT result

iftheEditresultispositive,andthearrestedpersonhasmadenoadmissionsorrefusestosignthearrestingofficer’snotes,theinvestigatingofficerisresponsibleforcarryingoutatapedinterview.

Aspecialwarningshouldbegivenifthepersonrefusesorfailstoanswerquestionsregardingthecontrolleddrugintheirpossession.

theinvestigatingofficerpresentstheevidencetotheEvidentialReviewOfficer(ERO)oncetheinterviewiscompletedorthearrestedpersonsignsthearrestingofficer’snotes.

theEROdeterminesontheappropriatecasedisposal.

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Arresting Officer

Custody Officer

Tester



CPS







Arrested for drug


caution or charge






Result is positive






NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?



offences?


appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

The process allows a case disposal decision without the arrested person being bailed to return pending forensic analysis

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2.3.4 Custody Officerthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.





thecustodyofficer’sroleistooverseetheEditstagedreportingprocessinthecustodysuite.thereforetheyshouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocess.thecustodyofficershouldfamiliarisethemselveswiththerolesofthearrestingofficer,testingofficer,investigatingofficerandevidentialreviewofficer(ERO).

thecustodyofficershouldbeawarethattheEditmayhavebeendonebeforebooking-in.thiscanhappenifthereisasignificantdelaybeforethearrestedpersonispresentedtothecustodyofficer.

ifthisresultsinthepersonbeingde-arrested,acustodyrecordshouldstillbecompleted.itshouldshowtheavailabledetailsandthatanegativeEditresultremovedthegroundsfordetention.

ifthetestispositivethegroundsforarrestandauthorisingdetentionwillbestrengthened.itshouldbenotedthatanegativeEditwillnotalwaysresultinde-arrestandrelease.

thefollowingwilljustifybringingthearrestedpersontothecustodyofficer:

therearereasonablegroundstosuspectanoffenceofattemptedpossession.(de-arrestforpossession,re-arrestforattemptedpossession).

therecontinuetobereasonablegroundstosuspecttheoffenceofpossessionofacontrolleddrugdespitethenegativeEdit.

thepersonisunderarrestforone,orpossiblymore,offences(de-arrestforpossession).

ifanEdithasnotbeencarriedout,whichwillnormallybethecase,thecustodyofficershouldparticularlyensurethatthereasonablegroundstosuspectthatthesubstanceisacontrolleddrugexistwhenauthorisingdetentionasthisaddsintegritytotheEditprocess.


This process applies to arrests and investigations of drug possession cases

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2.3.5 Evidential Review Officer (ERO) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyerthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.





Status of the Drug Testing Kit (DTK)therearedifferenttypesofdtK.Apositiveresultforeachtypeisconsideredtogiveenoughdrugidentificationevidenceforacasedisposaldecisioniftherearesufficientgroundstoreasonablysuspectthesubstanceisacontrolleddrug.thisincludescontestedcases.

thereasonablegroundswillincludeadmissions,thewaythesubstanceiswrapped,whereitwasfound,anditsappearance.inthecaseofcannabisthisincludesthesmell.

Allthoseusingthekitsshouldbeawarethattheydonotdefinitivelyidentifythesubstance.Alsothekitsarenotequivalenttoexaminationofthesubstancebyaforensiclaboratory.thekitresultisonepieceinajigsawofinformation.ifthepiecesdonotfit,andarenotconsistentwitheachother,thesubstanceshouldbesubmittedforlaboratoryanalysis.

thedtKshouldbeseenasawayofconfirmingthearrestingofficer’sreasonablesuspicions.Apersonchargedwiththeoffenceofpossessionofacontrolleddrugcaninitiatethedisputedtestprocedureiftheythinkthetestresultiswrong.theydothisbynotifyingthecourtwhentheypleadnotguilty.thiswillresultinquick-timeforensicanalysiswhilethecaseisremanded.theresultofthesecondbestpossibletestwillsupersedethefirst.

Negative EDIT resultAnegativeEditresultwillnormallyendtheinvestigationofthecontrolleddrugpossessionoffence.Howevertheoffenceofattemptedpossessionshouldbeconsidered.SubmittingtheSCdforforensicanalysisshouldbeconsideredifthereisstillstrongcircumstantialevidencethatitisacontrolleddrug.

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Case Disposal DecisionAcasedisposaldecisioncanbemadeincludingchargeif:

theEROissatisfiedtheevidenceofpossessionissufficient;

thedtKidentifiesacontrolleddrug;or

anexperiencedofficeridentifiescannabis(andthereisnoreasontodoubttheaccuracyoftheidentification);and

thearrestedpersonadmitstheoffenceofpossession.

ifthearrestedpersondoesnotadmittheoffencethecaseshouldbereferredtotheCPSforacasedisposaldecision.thisincludesCPSdirectoutofhours.

inmostcasesitwillbetheevidenceofpossessionthatisdisputed.theCPSlawyerdecideswhetherthereisenoughpoliceevidenceinthenormalway.dtKidentification,oridentificationbyanexperiencedofficerinthecaseofcannabis,couldbedisputed.inthissituationachargeshouldstillbeapprovedunlesstherearereasonstodoubttheaccuracyoftheidentification11.thearrestedpersonhastheopportunitytoinitiatethedisputedtestprocedureaftercharge.

Case PaperstheERO/CPSshouldexpectthefollowinglistofevidencebeforeacasedisposaldecisionismade:

1.SCdseizedbyarrestingofficerandtreatedasanexhibit.

2.Notesofarrestfromarrestingandwitnessingofficers.theyshouldprovideevidenceofpossession,evidencetoreasonablysuspecttheSCdisacontrolleddrug,andcontinuityevidenceabouttheSCd.ifnecessary,theyshouldalsoprovidetheirstatementsbasedonthesenotes.

3.Stop/searchrecordifrelevant.

4.tester’scompletedMG11(s).

5.Evidencethatacopyofthetester’sMG11(s)andthe‘NoticetothearrestedpersonregardingtheEditresultandthedisputedtestprocedure’(AppendixB)hasbeendisclosedtothearrestedperson.

6.Signedadmissioninarrestingofficer’snotesorrecordoftheinterview.

Check List for CPS Lawyer – request for charge in contested case

1.Possessiononly?

2.isthereenoughevidenceofunlawfulpossession?

3.doesthecircumstantialevidenceofseizure,packagingandappearancesupportthecontrolleddrugidentification?

4.Hasatrainedtestermadepositiveidentificationusinganapproveddrugtestingkit?

5.Hasthearrestedpersonortheirrepresentativebeengiven‘NoticetothearrestedpersonregardingtheEditresultandthedisputedtestprocedure’?(AppendixB).

11.ifthereisanydoubt,theSCdshouldbesubmittedforforensicanalysis.


1 52 3 4



Arresting Officer

Custody Officer

Tester



CPS







Arrested for drug


caution or charge






Result is positive






NO

Exit EDIT process

NO

YES

YES

CPS approvecharge?



offences?


appropriate?

NO

NO

No Further Action

No Further Action

Exit EDIT process

ChargeNO

YES

YES

YES

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2.3.6 Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Inspectorthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.





thePACEinspectorsupervisesthecustodysuiteandthecustodyofficers.thereforetheyshouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocessprovidedbytheguidance.thePACEinspectorshouldfamiliarisethemselveswiththerolesofthecustodyofficer,arrestingofficer,testingofficer,investigatingofficerandevidentialreviewofficer(ERO).

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2.3.7 Custody Manager thisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.


thecustodymanagershouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocess.thecustodymanagerisinvolvedintheprocessintwoways:

introducesandmanagestheEditprocedureswithinthepolicestationtogetherwiththeforensicmanager;and

managesandsupervisesthecustodyofficers.

EDIT Process

thecustodymanagerisresponsibleforintroducingandmanagingthefollowinginconjunctionwiththeforensicmanager:

trainingenoughEdittesters;

identifyingandequippingasuitableroomwheretheEditshouldbecarriedout;

re-stockingthedrugtestingkits(dtK);and

makingsurerelevantformsareavailable.


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2.3.8 Forensic Manager thisprocessonlyappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.


theforensicmanagershouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocess.theforensicmanagerisinvolvedinthisprocessintwoways:

introducesandmanagestheEditprocedureswithinthepolicestationtogetherwiththecustodymanager;and

introducesandmanagessystemstoensurefast-timeforensicanalysisofthedrugexhibitwhenthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated.thisisdonetogetherwiththeCJUandpropertystoremanagers.

EDIT Process

theforensicmanagerwillberesponsibleforintroducingandmanagingthefollowing,togetherwiththecustodymanager:

trainingenoughEdittesters;

identifyingandequippingasuitableroomwheretheEditshouldbecarriedout;

re-stockingthedrugtestingkits(dtK);and

makingsurerelevantformsareavailable.

Disputed Test Procedure12

thedefencecaninitiatethedisputedtestprocedureatthefirstcourthearingwhenpleasaretaken.itistheresponsibilityoftheCPStoinformtheCJUwhenthedisputedtestprocedurehasbeeninitiated.

theremustbeasystemtomakesurethedrugsexhibitissubjecttofast-timeanalysis.thisistheresponsibilityoftheCJUmanagertogetherwiththeforensicandpropertystoremanagers.thesystemmakessuretheresultisavailableatthenextcourthearing,inastatementfromtheforensicscientistwhocarriedouttheanalysis.theremandwillnormallybeforsevendays.

thesystemislikelytoincludeseparatestorage,bythepropertyofficer,ofalldrugsexhibitssubjectedtoachargeofcontrolleddrugpossessionuntilthecourtcaseiscompleted.

WhentheCPSnotifiestheCJUofadisputedtestadedicatedpersonshould:

retrievetheexhibitfromthepropertystore;

completethenecessaryformsforforensicsubmissions;

personallytransporttheexhibittotheforensiclaboratory;

submitwithformsforfast-timeanalysis;

waituntiltheanalysisandstatementfromtheforensicscientistiscomplete;and

transporttheexhibit,statementandotherrelevantpaperworkbacktotheCJU.

thestatementshouldthenbeplacedinthecasepapers.thedrugexhibitshouldbereturnedtothepropertystore.

12.AsanalternativetheforensicanalysiscanbecarriedoutbeforethefirstcourtcaseifitisknownthatthepersonchallengedthedtKidentificationatcharge.thedisadvantageisthatunnecessaryanalysismaybecarriedoutbecausethepersonmayhavechangedtheirmindbythetimeofthetimeofthecourtcase.

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2.3.9 Criminal Justice Unit (CJU) Managerthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.


theCJUmanagershouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocess.theCJUmanagerisinvolvedinthisprocessintwoways:

managesthesupervisionofthecasepapersforcourt;and

introducesandmanagessystemstoensurefast-timeforensicanalysisofthedrugexhibitwhenthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated.thisisdonetogetherwiththeforensicmanagerandpropertystoremanager,

Case Papersthefollowingisalistofevidenceneededforacourtcase:


2.Notesofarrestfromarrestingandwitnessingofficers.theyshouldprovideevidenceofpossession,evidencetoreasonablysuspecttheSCdisacontrolleddrug,andcontinuityevidenceabouttheSCd.ifnecessary,theyshouldalsoprovidetheirstatementsbasedonthesenotes.





7.documentaryevidenceofcasedisposaldecision.

8.ifthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated,astatementfromtheforensicscientistwiththesecondarytestresult.

Disputed Test Procedure13 thedefencecaninitiatethedisputedtestprocedureatthefirstcourthearingwhenpleasaretaken.itistheresponsibilityoftheCPStoinformtheCJUwhenthedisputedtestprocedurehasbeeninitiated.

theremustbeasystemtomakesurethedrugsexhibitissubjecttofast-timeanalysis.thisistheresponsibilityoftheCJUmanagertogetherwiththeforensic,andpropertystoremanagers.thesystemmakessuretheresultisavailableatthenextcourthearinginastatementfromtheforensicscientistwhocarriedouttheanalysis.theremandwillnormallybeforsevendays.

thesystemislikelytoincludeseparatestoragebythepropertyofficerofalldrugsexhibitssubjectedtoachargeofcontrolleddrugpossessionuntilthecourtcaseiscompleted.

13.AsanalternativetheforensicanalysiscanbecarriedoutbeforethefirstcourtcaseifitisknownthatthepersonchallengesthedtKidentificationatcharge.thedisadvantageisunnecessaryanalysismaybecarriedoutbecausethepersonmayhavechangedtheirmindbythetimeofthetimeofthecourtcase.


�0

WhentheCPSnotifiestheCJUofadisputedtestadedicatedpersonshouldretrievetheexhibitfromthepropertystore.Aftercompletingappropriatedocumentation(MGFSP)theyshouldarrangeanurgentanalysisfromtheappropriateforensicprovider.theyshoulddothisthroughtheirforensicmanager.

theresult,detailedinastatementbytheforensicscientistwhocarriedouttheanalysis,isincludedinthecasepapersforthenextcourthearing.thisresultsupersedesthedtKEditresult.thedrugexhibitisreturnedtothepropertystore.

2.3.9 Criminal Justice Unit (CJU) Case Clerksthisprocessappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.itcanalsoapplytoaninvestigationthatstartsasPWitSbutrevertstopossessiononlycasedisposal.


theCriminalJusticeUnit(CJU)caseclerksshouldhaveanoverviewofthewholeprocess.

Case Papersthefollowingevidenceisneededforacourtcase:


2.Notesofarrestfromarresting,andwitnessingofficers.theyshouldprovideevidenceofpossession,evidencetoreasonablysuspecttheSCdisacontrolleddrug,andcontinuityevidenceabouttheSCd.ifnecessary,theyshouldalsoprovidetheirstatementsbasedonthesenotes.





7.documentaryevidenceofcasedisposaldecision.

8.ifthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated,astatementfromtheforensicscientist,withthesecondarytestresult.

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2.3.10 Property Store Manager thisprocessonlyappliestoarrestsandinvestigationsofdrugpossessioncases.


thepropertystoremanagerintroducesandmanagessystemstoensurefast-timeforensicanalysisofthedrugexhibitwhenthedisputedtestprocedureisinitiated.thisisdonetogetherwiththecriminaljusticeunit(CJU)managerandforensicmanager.

Disputed Test Procedure14 thedefencecaninitiatethedisputedtestprocedureatthefirstcourthearingwhenpleasaretaken.itistheresponsibilityoftheCPStoinformtheCJUwhenthedisputedtestprocedurehasbeeninitiated.

theremustbeasystemtomakesurethedrugsexhibitissubjecttofast-timeanalysis.thisistheresponsibilityoftheCJUmanagertogetherwiththeforensicmanagerandpropertystoremanager.thesystemmakessuretheresultisavailableatthenextcourthearinginastatementfromtheforensicscientistwhocarriedouttheanalysis.theremandwillnormallybeforsevendays.

thesystemislikelytoincludeseparatestoragebythepropertyofficerofalldrugsexhibitssubjectedtoachargeofcontrolleddrugpossessionuntilthecourtcaseiscompleted.

WhentheCPSnotifiestheCJUofadisputedtestadedicatedpersonshouldretrievetheexhibitfromthepropertystore.Aftercompletingappropriatedocumentation(MGFSP)theyshouldarrangeanurgentanalysisfromtheappropriateforensicprovider.theyshoulddothisthroughtheirforensicmanager.

theresult,detailedinastatementbytheforensicscientistwhocarriedouttheanalysis,isincludedinthecasepapersforthenextcourthearing.thisresultsupersedesthedtKEditresult.thedrugexhibitisreturnedtothepropertystore

14.AsanalternativetheforensicanalysiscanbecarriedoutbeforethefirstcourtcaseifitisknownthatthepersonchallengesthedtKidentificationatcharge.thedisadvantageisthatunnecessaryanalysismaybecarriedoutbecausethepersonmayhavechangedtheirmindbythetimeofthetimeofthecourtcase.


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3.1. EDIT ApprovalACPO,CPSandNPiAapprovetheEditprocessoutlinedinthisguidance.

3.2. Approved TestersthetestersintheEditprocessmustbeapproved.Apersonbecomesanapprovedtesterbypassinganapprovedtrainingcourse.Appendixdgivesdetailsofapprovedtraining.

3.3. Designated personnel approved to receive approved trainingAllpoliceofficersareeligibletoreceiveapprovedtraining.AppendixEprovidesalistofdesignatedpolicestaffwhocanalsoreceiveapprovedtraining.

3.4. Approved Drug Testing KitsthedrugtestingkitsusedintheEditprocessmustbeapproved.AppendixFlistsapproveddrugtestingkits.

Asystemwillbeintroducedtoapprovenewkitsafteranevaluationprocess.Chiefpoliceofficerswillbeupdatedwithchanges.

Section 3 Approvals

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Signature: Signature Witnessed by:MP 1199/01

Form 193

Form MG 11

Witness Statement(CJ Act 1967, s.9;MC Act 1980, ss.5A(3)(a) and 5B;MC Rules 1981, r.70)

Statement of

Age if under 18 'over 18' (if over 18 insert ‘over 18’) Occupation Police Officer

This statement (consisting of: 1 pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and

belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I havewilfully stated anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.

Dated:

Signature:

I am a police officer / member of police staff, trained by the Forensic Science Service in a manner

approved by the Home Office, in the use of MARQUIS test kits (Evidential Drug Identification Test) for

the testing of amphetamine, morphine and heroin.

On………………………………… at …………. hours I was on duty in the custody suite

at…………………………..police station when……………………………………………….handed me

exhibit……………………number………………consisting of ……………………………………….

………………………………………………sealed in a property bag number ……………………….….

………………………………………. has informed me that there is evidence in this case to suspect that

………………………………………….is in possession of what appears to be a controlled substance

and that the amount of such a substance is in keeping with ‘personal use’

I have tested this item with Marquis reagent using the BDH test kit and have obtained the

……………………… colour that I would expect from ……………………………………

At the conclusion of the test I repackaged the item and at….…….hours handed it

to……………………………………………in a sealed bag number …………………….

The test procedures, which apply to the Evidential Drug Identification testing of substances within

police stations for drug possession cases were all adhered to, during which a contemporaneous

record of the events, signed by myself, was made.

��

Signature: Signature Witnessed by:MP 1199/01

Form 193

Form MG 11

Witness Statement(CJ Act 1967, s.9;MC Act 1980, ss.5A(3)(a) and 5B;MC Rules 1981, r.70)

Statement of

Age if under 18 'over 18' (if over 18 insert ‘over 18’) Occupation Police Officer

This statement (consisting of: 1 pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and

belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I havewilfully stated anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.

Dated:

Signature:

I am a police officer / member of police staff, trained by the Forensic Science Service in a manner

approved by the Home Office, in the use of MARQUIS test kits (Evidential Drug Identification Test) for

the testing of amphetamine, morphine and heroin.

On………………………………… at …………. hours I was on duty in the custody suite

at…………………………..police station when……………………………………………….handed me

exhibit……………………number………………consisting of ……………………………………….

………………………………………………sealed in a property bag number ……………………….….

………………………………………. has informed me that there is evidence in this case to suspect that

………………………………………….is in possession of what appears to be a controlled substance

and that the amount of such a substance is in keeping with ‘personal use’

I have tested this item with Marquis reagent using the BDH test kit and have obtained the

……………………… colour that I would expect from ……………………………………

At the conclusion of the test I repackaged the item and at….…….hours handed it

to……………………………………………in a sealed bag number …………………….

The test procedures, which apply to the Evidential Drug Identification testing of substances within

police stations for drug possession cases were all adhered to, during which a contemporaneous

record of the events, signed by myself, was made.

Appendix A

:Exam

ple M

G1

1

��

Notification of evidential drug identification test resultYoushouldhavebeengivenacopyofastatementcompletedbythepersonwhocarriedouttheevidentialdrugsidentification.thisstatementprovidesyouwithaformal,writtenrecordofthetestresult.Youshouldbegivenacopywhetherthetesthasbeenpositiveornegative.

Positive test resultApositiveEditresultprovidessufficientidentificationevidencetoallowacautionor,inthecaseofjuveniles(personsundertheageof18)areprimandorawarning.

ApositiveEditresultalsoprovidessufficientidentificationevidencetosupportanimmediatechargeincasesofunlawfulpossessionofacontrolleddrug.thisisthecaseevenifyouindicateanintentiontodenythechargeatcourt.

ifyouarechargedwiththeoffenceofpossessionofacontrolleddrugandwishtodenythechargeonthebasisoftheresultoftheevidentialdrugidentificationtestbeingwrongthenyoushouldusethedisputedtestprocedure.detailsofhowtodothisaregivenbelow.ifontheotherhandyouintendtodenyachargesolelyonthebasisthatyousayyoudidnothavethecontrolleddruginyourpossession,ratherthanthesubstancenotbeingacontrolleddrug,thenitisunnecessaryforyoutousethedisputedtestprocedure.

Cannabisinthecaseofcannabisthepositiveidentificationofanexperiencedpoliceofficerissufficienttoallowacharge,cautionorinthecaseofayoungpersonareprimandorwarning.

Using the disputed test procedureYoumustsaythatyouwishtousethedisputedtestprocedureatyourfirstappearanceincourtwhenpleadingnotguilty.YouormorelikelyyoursolicitormustmakeitclearthatyoudonotaccepttheEditresult(orpoliceofficeridentificationofcannabis)astrueanditispartofyourdefencethatthesubstanceisnotacontrolleddrug.theCPSwillthenaskthecourtforaremandtoallowasecondtestofthesubstancetobecarriedoutbyaforensicscientist.theresultofthesecondtestwillreplacethefirstidentification.If you ask for a second test and it is later proved that the first test was correct and you are found guilty, it will be at the discretion of the court whether to make an order against you for the extra costs involved.1

Negative EDIT test resultAnegativeEdittestresultmeansthatthetestingofficerisunabletopositivelyidentifyacontrolleddruginthesubstance.thepolicestillhavetheoptionofinvestigatingtheoffenceofattempteddrugpossessiononthebasisthatyoutookpossessionofthesubstancebelievingittobeacontrolleddrugAlternatively,iftherecontinuestobegroundstoreasonablysuspectthatthesubstanceisacontrolleddrug,theinvestigatingofficerhastheoptionofsendingthesubstancetoaforensiclaboratoryforfurthertesting.

NoticetothearrestedpersonregardingtheEvidentialdrugidentificationtest(Edit)resultandthedisputedtestprocedure

1. The inclusion of this sentence is optional

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1.theEvidentialdrugidentificationtest(Edit)iscarriedoutbyatrainedperson(tester)usingaHomeOfficeauthoriseddrugtestingKit(dtK).

2.thetestercompletesastatementusingatemplateMG11foreachdtKusedonthesuspectedcontrolleddrug.

3.ifthetesterisnotalsotheinvestigatingofficerthenthetestergivestheMG11(s)totheinvestigatingofficer.

4.testerisresponsibleforthecontinuityofevidenceofthesuspectedcontrolleddrug.S/heensuresthattheyobtainthesuspectedcontrolleddrugcorrectlyandthattheremainingsubstanceissealedinanevidentialbag,recordedandstoredcorrectly.

5.theinvestigatingofficerprovidesthearrestedperson/solicitor/appropriateadultwithacopyoftheMG11(s)assoonaspracticalandcertainlybeforeanyevidentialinterview.

6.Atthesametimeasdoingthisprovidesthearrestedperson/solicitor/appropriateadultwithanoticeexplainingtheEditandthedisputedtestprocedure.

7.iftheEditispositiveandtheevidenceofpossessionissufficientevenifthearrestedpersondoesnotmakeadmissionsthepersoncanbechargedwithpossessionofaspecifieddrug.

8.thedisputedtestprocedureisinitiatedbythedefendantpleadingNotGuiltyatcourtandnotifyingthecourtthattheEditresultwillbechallenged.theCPScanalsoinitiatethedisputetestprocedure.

9.theCPSwillrequestanadjournmentofthecourtforatleastsevendays.

10.theCPSwillinformthelocalCriminalJusticeUnit(CJU).

11.theremustbeasysteminplacetoquicklyretrievetherelevantexhibitfromthepropertystoreandconveyittoaforensicsciencelaboratoryforaquick-timeanalysis.

12.AstatementfromtheforensicscientistwillprovidethebestpossibleidentificationevidenceandsupersedetheresultoftheEdit.

13.itistheresponsibilityofthelocalCJUtoensurethatstatementisinthecasepapersforthenextcourthearing.

14.ifthefirstandsecondtestsagreeandthepersonisfoundguiltyofpossessionthenthecourtmayincludethepriceofthesecondarytestintheawardofcostswhensentencing.

Appendix C

:Disp

uted

Test Pro

cedu

re

disputedtestProcedure

��

inordertoensuretheintegrityoftheEditprocessalldrugtestkitusersmustfirsthaveattendedanapprovedtrainingcourse.thesecoursesareapproximatelyfourhoursinlengthfornewusersandwillcoverallrelevantaspectsintheuseofthekitsincluding:

ExplanationofhowtheuseofEditisapplicablein‘possessiononly’drugcases

RequirementsoftheCriminalJusticesystemincludingstreamlinedevidencereportsandassociateddocumentation

Avoidanceofcontaminationissues

demonstrationandpracticeinusingbothMarquisreagantandimmunoassaykitsincludingthedifferingtypesofkitavailablefromvariousmanufacturers

Correctprocedurestobefollowedincludinginterpretationofresults

Appropriateuseofthekitsandexclusions

HealthandSafetyconsiderationsincludingsafedisposalofchemicals

Officersandstaffpreviouslytrainedintheuseofthesekitsunderprevious‘guiltyplea’arrangementsmaycontinuetouseapprovedkitsbutarerecommendedtoundertakeanEditupdatecourseofapprox.twohoursduration.

ForcesrequiringtraininginEditshouldmakearrangementsdirectwitheitherofthetwocurrentlyapprovedtrainingproviders

TheForensicScienceServiceLtdPrioryHouse,GoochStreetNorth,Birmingham,B56QQPhoneNo.01216076800e-mail:[email protected]

LGCForensicsLtdQueensRoad,teddington,tW110LYPhoneno.02089437000e-mail:[email protected]

AttendanceonaqualifyingcoursewillberecordedbythetrainingproviderwhowillmaintainaregisterofapprovedPoliceOfficersandstaffwhohavecompletedthecoursetothesatisfactionofthetrainingprovider

AnyotherorganisationwishingtodeliverthistrainingmaymakeapplicationtoNPiA.

AcceptanceasanapprovedtrainingproviderissubjecttoqualifyingconditionswhichareobtainableonrequestfromNPiA.

Approvedtraining

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inadditiontopoliceofficersthetablebelowdetailscategoriesofpolicestaffwhoareapprovedtoundertaketestingusingthekitsdetailedinAppendixFofthisdocument.AllstaffmustundertakeanapprovedtrainingdetailedinAppendixdcoursebeforeusingthekits.

CentraldrugsStoreOfficer

Chemicalenhancementstaff

CrimeSceneinvestigators

CustodyAssistants

CustodydetentionOfficers

CustodyinvestigationOfficers

divisionaldrugsLiaisonOfficer

drugsintelligenceOfficers

drugsLiaisonOfficers

drugsSquadOfficers

Fingerprint&fingerprintdevelopmentlabstaff

Forensiclaboratoryservicesstaff

Forensicsubmissionsstaff

ForensicPractitioners

Forensictechnicians

PoliceCommunitySupportOfficers

PoliceStaffinvestigators

ScenesofCrimeOfficers

ScientificintelligenceOfficers

Searchteammembers

SpecialConstabulary

VolumeCrimeSceneExaminers

Appendix E : C

ategories o

f design

ated p

erson

nel ap

pro

ved to

use d

rug testin

g kits

Categoriesofdesignatedpersonnelapprovedtousedrugtestingkits

��

thefollowingdrugtestingkitshavebeenapprovedforuseincustodysituationsundertheEditprocesstoestablishwhetherornotsubstancesarecontrolledundertheMisuseofdrugsAct1971.

thebelowlisteddrugtestingkitscanonlybeusebyapprovedpersonnel.thesearelistedatAppendixE.

inadditionallthoseapprovedpersonnelmusthaveundertakenanapprovedtrainingcoursedetailedinAppendixd.

thetestingofdrugs,particularlypowderswhilstutilisinganyofthebelowlistedkitsrequireknowledgeofrelevanthealth&safetyconsiderations.Particularcaremustbetakenwiththecolourchangekitsastheyhaveadditionalrisksofglassandchemicals.Appropriateguidanceandadvicewillbegivenduringtheapprovedtrainingcoursesandincludedwithinthetrainingmanual,providedattheconclusionofthetrainingcourse.

Morphine, heroin and amphetamine:a) BDHMarquistestkit(productnumber321761U)

marketedbyVWRinternationalLtd,HunterBoulevard,MagnaPark,Lutterworth.LE174XNPhone:0800223344e-mail:[email protected]

b) MMCOpiate/AmphetaminetestmarketedbyCrack-downdrugtesting,Unit11,BoarshurstBusinessPark,BoarshurstLane,Greenfield,Saddleworth,OL37ERPhone:01457877988e-mail:[email protected],HygroFarm,KennelLane,Billericay,EssexCM112SUPhone:01277626100www.tetrasoc.com

c) NIKMarquisreagentkit (productnumber6071A)marketedbytetraSceneofCrimeLtd-detailsasabove

Cocaine:d) CozartCocainetestkitmarketedbyCozartBioscienceLtd,

45MiltonPark,Abingdon,OX144RUPhone:01235861483www.cozart.bizwww.concateno.com

e) Drug-IDcocainetestkitmarketedbydtecinternationalLtd.POBox13,LythamStAnnes,LancashireFY81GEPhone:0800371898www.dtecinternational.com

App

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its ApproveddrugtestingKits

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Edit Evidentialdrugidentificationtest

CJSSS CriminalJusticeSimple,Speedy,Summary

dtK drugtestingKit

SCd SuspectedControlleddrug

ERO EvidentialReviewOfficer

CPS CrownProsecutionService

diP druginterventionProgramme

PWitS Possessionwithintenttosupply

MG11 Statementform

MGFSP Forensicexhibitsubmissionform

Section 5 Glossary

Section � Glo

ssary

�0

EvidentialDrug


Identification

Guidance for

EvidentialDrug


Identification

Guidance for

Publication date:October2008

ACPO Project Lead:CommanderAllanGibson

Project Manager:detectiveSuperintendentNeilWilson

Project Team:inspectorPaulRichards,RogerGrainger(ForensicAdvisor)

Author: inspectorPaulRichards

ACPOEqualityimpactAssessmenthasbeencompleted.

Copyright©2008.Allrightsreserved.AssociationofChiefPoliceOfficersofEngland,WalesandNorthernireland.Registerednumber:3445831stFloor,10VictoriaStreet,LondonSW1H0NN.

design:brett-lesage.com

Documents

Guidance for Evidential Evidential Drug Drug ... · this guidance applies only to case disposals for controlled drug possession cases. if the case disposal is for any other offence,