Homicide and Serious Crime Victims 1

Question 1

Responsibilities of OC Body (15)

Answer 1

-ensure death has been CERTIFIED.
-chain of CUSTODY for body, samples and exhibits.
-secure and GUARD body, samples and exhibits with dignity and respect.
-note and record OBSERVATIONS.
-get details for MEDICAL STAFF.
-record any ACTIONS TAKEN.
-establish if the BODY has been MOVED or DISTURBED.
-ensure the body is PHOTOGRAPHED in situ.
-TRANSPORT body to the mortuary.
-complete 1S procedures.
-Get formal ID.
-Obtain MEDICAL RECORDS.
-attend POST-MORTEM (attend briefing, direct photographer, seize exhibits, fingerprinting).
-attend DEBRIEF with pathologist and record findings.
-ensure CULTURAL needs are met.

Question 2

It is the responsibility of the OC Investigation to…(3)

Answer 2

-notify the CORONER.
-arrange the POST-MORTEM.
-CONSULT the PATHOLOGIST before the PM regarding x-rays and CT/CAT scans.

Question 3

Key considerations for briefing experts/interested parties (9)

Answer 3

-PHOTOS or VIDEOS at the scene
-ACTIONS of the first responders.
-ID of the body.
-HISTORY of the body (medical, drugs at the scene, actions taken after discovering the body).
-TIMEFRAMES (finding it, last sighting, significant times that may impact time of death).
-SCOPE and PRIORITIES of the investigation.
-any SPECIAL evidence expectations and requirements.
-ENVIRONMENTAL factors.
-anything else from EXPERTS.

Question 4

Appreciation factors prior to body removal (9)

Answer 4

-notification to and the response from the CORONER.
-VIEWS of pathologist, ESR and Crown.
-CONSULT other relevant experts.
-require any exam or action before removal?
-the best method and route to minimise CONTAMINATION.
-supervising the REMOVAL.
-chain of CUSTODY for the body and exhibits.
-family and cultural considerations.
-SOPs for using PPE.

Question 5

Samples at the scene include: (5)

Answer 5

-larvae and insects
-potential fingerprint evidence from the body’s skin or clothing worn.
-DNA swabs.
-firearms residue samples.
-extraneous items (loose hair, fibres, glass, paint).

Question 6

Actions when moving the body (11)

Answer 6

1. Record the position with SKETCHES and PHOTOS.
2. Mark the position with measurements from TWO FIXED POINTS.
3. Record DETAILS of the body (position of limbs, appearance, wounds, clothing, direction and trails of blood, lividity, rigor mortis).
4. Consider HEALTH RISKS.
5. Cover the hands, feet and head with PAPER BAGS secured with tape.
6. Keep CLOTHING from being contaminated by foreign objects.
7. Wrap the body in a PLASTIC SHEET and place in a BODY BAG.
8. Search UNDERNEATH where the body lay.
9. Retain as EXHIBITS any materials used in transport.
10. Get APPROVAL from OC Inv. to remove body.
11. Have a contracted UNDERTAKER move the body to the mortuary.

Question 7

Appreciation factors prior to post-mortem (9)

Answer 7

-ID of body at mortuary.
-AUTHORITY from coroner for a PM.
-CONSULTATION with pathologist.
-safe CUSTODY of EXHIBITS.
-identifying WHO SHOULD ATTEND PM.
-require any SPECIFIC exam or samples.
-appropriate RESOURCES for exhibits, photos.
-FAMILY considerations arising.
-any chance of a SECOND PM.

Question 8

Purpose of a post-mortem (7)

Answer 8

-determining the MODE and TIME of death (where possible).
-establishing how INJURIES and/or EVENTS may have CONTRIBUTED,
-determining the nature and size of any WEAPONS used.
-determining the approx. height and stature of the SUSPECT.
-providing areas of INTEREST for interviews with witnesses or suspects.
-NEGATING possible defences.
-ID the VICTIM if not already done.