Death Scene Investigations Flashcards
How many reported deaths were there in Canada in 2017?
276,689 reported deaths
What percentage of deaths in Canada in 2017 occurred outside of a hospital?
40%
How many suicides were reported in Canada in 2017?
3,974 deaths (3.6%)
What is the role of the Coroner’s Office in Ontario regarding death scene investigations?
Oversees all death scene investigations
What five questions must a coroner or forensic pathologist answer during a death investigation?
- Who (identity of the deceased)
- When (date of death)
- Where (location of death)
- How (medical cause of death)
- By what manner (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, undetermined)
What types of death are classified as unnatural?
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Undetermined
- Accidental
What is the definition of Cause of Death (COD)?
The injury or disease responsible for causing the death
What is the first step in the forensic response to death scenes?
Call/request for service
What should be considered when assessing a death scene?
- Scene information/intelligence
- Confirmation of Coroner’s involvement
- Authority required to process the scene
True or False: The police can seize evidence at an indoor death scene without the Coroner’s permission.
False
What should be treated as unknown until proven otherwise in a death scene investigation?
The scene itself
What are some common indicators to look for at a death scene?
- Signs of forced entry
- Footwear and tire tracks
- Blood stains
- Cigarette butts
What are some mechanisms (causes) of suicide?
- Overdose
- Shooting
- Hanging
- Stabbing
- Crash
- Drowning
Fill in the blank: A _______ is required for identification purposes when recovered human remains are fragmented, dismembered, or burnt.
[forensic anthropologist]
What is the significance of tooth enamel in forensic odontology?
It is the hardest substance of human anatomy and persists in harsh conditions.
What is the primary concern of forensic anthropology?
Identification and examination of human skeletal remains
What is the difference between first-degree murder and second-degree murder?
- First-degree: premeditated death
- Second-degree: intended to kill but not preplanned
What should be the first action taken when processing a homicide scene inside a suspect’s property?
Obtain a search warrant
What are the initial steps in processing a body found at a crime scene?
- Note position of body
- Measure position in detail
- Look for trace evidence
What is the role of a forensic pathologist?
Conducts autopsy and determines cause and manner of death
What factors may indicate a suspicious death?
- Cause of death is unclear
- Decomposition
- No known family or friends
- Lack of medical history
What must be done with evidence such as guns or pills at a death scene?
Seize and store them properly
What is a Coroner’s warrant used for?
To obtain medical and dental records
What should you do if you have doubts about the integrity of a crime scene?
Keep an open mind and assess all possibilities
True or False: Only the Coroner can order a body to be removed from a scene.
True
What is the importance of a crime scene log?
To document the investigation process and maintain scene integrity
