0F16- Sudden Death and Missing persons

Question 1

What needs to be included in a Sudden Death file?

Answer 1

1) Police 258 report
2) Initial report for coroner (POL47)
3) Verification of Death form (COR31)
4) Deceased Person Identification Form (POL 265A)
5) Property App
6) Statements from people who: last saw the person alive, found the deceased, Can provide relevant background history of the deceased.

Question 2

When called to attend a sudden death the following steps must be taken:

Answer 2

1) Undertake first aid if appropriate
2) Carry out initial scene examination
3) Verify death has occurred
4) Obtain a medical certificate as to cause of death
5) Formally identify the deceased
6) Remove the deceased to the mortuary
(order of events may differ)

Question 3

First Aid……

Answer 3

call medical specialist and brief them on CAP.

make an effort not to contaminate scene

Question 4

scene examination…….

Answer 4

1S- doesn’t mean there was no foul play
freeze,control, preserve.
Inform CIB if required.

Question 5

Verification of Death…..

Answer 5

A doctor/nurse/ambulance officer are authorized to issue a verification of death declaration.

Only doc treating them can issue that certificate.

Question 6

Identification of deceased…..

Answer 6

• Coroner needs to know for sure of identification before releasing the deceased to next of kin.
• normally close relative or friend (in presence of constable)
• If appropriate can happen at scene
• If visual identification cant be carried out then forensics needs to be used.
• Coroner needs the form !!

Question 7

Informing Coroner and Removing Deceased.

Answer 7

Once NIIO is informed they arrange to have a funeral director attend the place to uplift the deceased.

Allow family time to grieve and say their goodbyes.

Question 8

What three factors must you take into account when considering whether a person is missing and whether or not to take action?

Answer 8

1) Age- small children or elderly, fears arise as soon as their absence is noted.
2) Zone of Safety- outside their usual surrounds and is unable to cope.
3) Circumstances- fears arise if they have gone missing in circumstances that are unusual, dangerous or suspicious.

Question 9

What are the four categories of missing persons?

Answer 9

1) Voluntary- has control over their actions(runaways,etc)
2) Involuntary- Missing against their will (kidnapping, abducted in custody disputes, people suffering from mental health, dementia)
3) Lost - at sea, on land, in car accidents, (SAR)
4) Missing overseas

Question 10

What three criteria must you satisfy to be considered a missing person?

Answer 10

1) R- Must be REPORTED to police, anyone can report
2) U- Their whereabouts must be UNKNOWN
3) F- There must be FEARS for their safety, concerns for welfare.

Question 11

When must files be reviewed and forwarded to CIB?

Answer 11

3 days
14 days
30 days
90 days
1 year