(1)

For the purpose of protecting evidence that might be relevant to an investigation, the Executive Director may direct that specified things, or things in a specified class of things, must not be removed or interfered with except with the permission of the Executive Director.

(2)

The Executive Director may revoke or vary such a direction.

(3)

A person must not contravene such a direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not apply if the conduct concerned was necessary:

(a)

to ensure the safety of persons, animals or property; or

(b)

to remove deceased persons or animals from an accident site; or

(c)

to move a transport vehicle, or the wreckage of a transport vehicle, to a safe place; or

(d)

to protect the environment from significant damage or pollution.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .

(5)

The Executive Director must not unreasonably withhold a permission under subsection (1).