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 5 - Forensic procedures on suspect by order of a magistrate  

    Subdivision D - Time limits for forensic procedures ordered by magistrates  

    SECTION 23XGB   Time for carrying out forensic procedure - suspect not in custody  

    (1)    
    If a suspect who is not in custody presents himself or herself to the investigating constable to undergo the procedure ordered by the magistrate, the procedure must be carried out as quickly as reasonably possible but in any case within the following period:


    (a) if the suspect is a child or an incapable person, or the investigating constable believes on reasonable grounds that the suspect is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander - 2 hours after the suspect so presents himself or herself;


    (b) in any other case - 4 hours after the suspect so presents himself or herself.

    (2)    
    In working out any period of time for the purposes of subsection (1), the following times are to be disregarded:


    (a) the time (if any) that is reasonably required to convey the suspect from the place where the suspect presents himself or herself to the investigating constable to the nearest premises where facilities for carrying out the procedure in accordance with this Part are available to the investigating constable;


    (b) any time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed to allow the suspect, or someone else on the suspect's behalf, to communicate with a legal practitioner, friend, relative, parent, guardian, interpreter, medical practitioner, dentist or other person as provided by this Part;


    (c) any time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed to allow such a legal practitioner, friend, relative, parent, guardian, interpreter, medical practitioner, dentist or other person to arrive at the place where the procedure is to be carried out;


    (d) any time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed to allow the suspect to receive medical attention;


    (e) any time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed because of the suspect's intoxication;


    (f) any reasonable time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed to allow the suspect to rest or recuperate;


    (g) any time during which carrying out the procedure is suspended or delayed at the request of the suspect.




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