Homicide and Serious Crime Victims

Question 1

Responsibilities of O/C Body

Answer 1

• Deceased person cert
• maintain security and continuity of body
• Secure and guard the body
• Note and record observations relating to the body
• Details of attending med staff
• Actions taken in relation to body
• Est if body moved or disturbed
• Ensure body photographed ‘in situ’
• arrange transport to mortuary
• Complete 1S file
• Arrange formal identification
• Attend P/M (attend briefing with Pathologist, ensure photographer, preserve evidence from body, record label and secure all samples)
• Attend P/M debrief
• Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed

Question 2

Key areas when briefing experts and interested parties

Answer 2

Photos / video of scene
Actions of first responders
Identity of body
History of body
Timeframes
Scope and priotries
Special evidential expectations and requirements
Environmental factors at the scene

Question 3

Samples at the scene

Answer 3

• Larvae and insects
• Potential fingerprint evidence
• DNA swabs
• Fibers, loose hairs, glass, paint, other fragments
• Firearms residue

Question 4

Recording details and removing body

Answer 4

1. Record the positon of the body
2. Consider marking / measuring the position of the body
3. Record all details including ; position of limbs, appearance of body, wounds and clothing, direction of blood trails, lividity, extent of rigor
4. Consider health risks
5. Cover hands, feet, head with paper bags
6. Ensure clothing on body not contaminated
7. Wrap body in plastic sheet, place in body bag
8. Search under body
9. Retain sheets bags, body bag as exh.
10. Approval from O/C Inves to remove body from scene
11. Arrange undertaker to transport body to mortuary, ensure security and continuity of body as an exhibit

Question 5

Appreciation prior to P/M

Answer 5

Identification
Authority from coroner to conduct P/M
Consultation with pathologist
Safe custody of exhibits
ID who should attend P/M
Appropriate resources at P/M
Family and cultural considerations

Question 6

Purpose of Post Mortem

Answer 6

Mode and time of death
how injuries / events may have contributed to death
nature and size of any weapon used
negating possible defenses
height and stature of suspect
identifying victim

Question 7

On arrival at the mortuary

Answer 7

Ensure staff don't wash the body
Ensure body labelled and secured in fridge
Retain any key used
Ensure body remains in present condition
Arrange for formal identification

Question 8

Stripping the body

Answer 8

1. Stripped in presence of pathologist
2. Remove body from secure fridge
3. Remove body from bag - minimal disturbance
4. Take possession of body bag, sheets, wrappings
5. Direct Police photographer
6. Remove clothing items, avoid cutting clothes, inventory of pockets
7. Inventory of clothing and possessions
8. Label each item and possession
9. Seal each item
10. Ensure there is no cross contamination
11. Maintain security and continuity of body