</s>574 1 Where is that from? 2 A Well, it is mostly intake of exhibits from the 3 branch courts and then the files of P.H. and destruction 4 of narcotics. 5 Did you know, or were you aware that your office was concerned or involved in the handling of exhibits 6 office was concealed or involvedin the Sirhan Bishara Sirhan case? 7 8 A Yes, sir. 8 A When did you first become aware of the existence 9 10 of the Court Order by Judge Walker? A Which court order? 11 12 A Well, how many court orders are you aware of? 13 A Two; but I only received one. 14 You say you are aware of two orders but you 14 only received one court order ? 16 A Yes. 17 18 Q When did You see the first one that you saw? 18 A Pardon? 19 A Let me back up. 20 When did me first became aware that there was 21 a court order in existence in connection with the Sirhran 22 case? 22 A When I first started working there, because I 23 was given specific information concerning that subject. 25 What information were you given? 26 A I was told certain exhibits were closed, or no 27 27 One was to see them, and I was also told of a court order showing that some exhibits could be seen. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail procedures for managing exhibits related to the Sirhan Bishara Sirhan case (assassination of Robert F. Kennedy) within the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office. Testimony from Emory G. Hatcher and Dale P. Hall describes exhibit handling protocols, including storage in locked cabinets, tracking access via viewing slips marked with circles and crosses, and concerns over unauthorized viewing and tampering risks. Cariaga, a clerk responsible for exhibits, notes interactions with Mr. Harper (possibly a suspect or witness) regarding ballistics evidence and camera equipment like the Hycon Camera. Discussions include polygraph examinations, changes in exhibit management protocols, and administrative challenges such as personnel shortages and inadequate facilities. A grand jury hearing on August 23, 1971, addressed security measures for exhibits following concerns raised in Judge Charles A. Loring’s chambers after the Sirhan trial, leading to court orders requiring proper packaging and storage. Testimony also references budgetary processes, reclassification of custodians, and comparisons with federal exhibit management standards. Unusual activity involving unauthorized access to exhibits and incomplete documentation for viewing requests was noted.  

Key People  
- **Emory G. Hatcher**: Former clerk/deputy county clerk who testified about exhibit security and administrative procedures.  
- **Dale P. Hall**: Criminal Custodian Clerk detailing exhibit handling protocols.  
- **Mr. Cariaga**: Clerk managing exhibits for the Sirhan case, including interactions with Mr. Harper.  
- **Ken Buckley**: Supervisor at the Clerk’s Office.  
- **Mr. Harper**: Individual associated with viewing exhibits, possibly a suspect or witness.  
- **Peter J. Talmachoff**: Chief of the Criminal Division overseeing exhibit management.  
- **Alice Nishikawa**: Colleague involved in exhibit handling discussions.  
- **Judge Charles A. Loring**: Presiding judge during meetings on exhibit security.  
- **Judge Walker**: Issued court orders regarding exhibit packaging and storage.  
- **Mr. Sharp**: Department head referenced in reforms; wife noted as "Mrs. Sharp."  
- **Mr. Cabell**: Individual recruited via competitive examination to the Clerk’s Office.  
- **Ted Charach**: Associated with Exhibit 167, mentioned in review forms.  

Key Locations  
- **Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office (4th Floor)**: Primary location for managing exhibits and court records.  
- **Pasadena City College**: Reference to Cariaga’s notebook.  
- **Los Angeles County Courthouse (Hall of Justice)**: Site of grand jury proceedings.  
- **Judge Loring’s Chambers**: Location of the meeting discussing exhibit security measures.  
- **Federal Court Building**: Compared with federal procedures for handling exhibits.  

Key Events  
- **Meeting in Judge Loring’s Chambers**: Held after the Sirhan trial to address exhibit security, resulting in a court order requiring proper packaging and storage.  
- **Exhibit Storage Challenges**: Testimony highlighted inadequate facilities, personnel shortages, and improper classification of custodians.  
- **Unauthorized Viewing Activity**: Multiple individuals accessed exhibits without formal documentation, including photography equipment use.  
- **Polygraph Examinations**: Conducted for Mr. Harper’s requests related to exhibit access.  
- **Reclassification of Custodians**: Efforts to improve personnel quality and oversight within the Clerk’s Office.  
- **Grand Jury Hearing (August 23, 1971)**: Investigated exhibit management procedures and administrative reforms.  
- **Comparison with Federal Procedures**: Federal courts noted for stricter protocols and limited case volumes compared to Los Angeles County.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office**: Responsible for managing exhibits under court orders and court records.  
- **Criminal Division (County Clerk’s Office)**: Overseeing exhibit handling under Peter J. Talmachoff.  
- **Grand Jury of Los Angeles County**: Conducted hearings to investigate exhibit management procedures and administrative reforms.  
- **Judicial/Prosecutorial Bodies**: Implied through references to court orders, legal proceedings, and security measures for exhibits.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-z_sec_003_ser_1--part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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