Homicide And Serious Crime Victims Flashcards
When should OC body strip the body of clothing etc?
Stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post-mortem examination commences, but must only be undertaken under specific direction of OC Investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.
Before entering the PM examination room or handling the body, the OC body and any other persons present must dress in appropriate protective clothing.
Must be stripped in front if the pathologist.
Who else can be present at a PM?
Coroner Doctor who treated deceased Other pathologist assisting Doctor, nurse, funeral director representing deceased Doctor representing interests of suspect Any other doctor Police Any other authorized by coroner
What must OC body do with PM exhibits?
Responsible for recording, labeling packaging, sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body including samples taken during post mortem. All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving mortuary without exception and will be recorded in a scene exhibit schedule.
Who gives authority for a PM to happen?
The coroner
What can the pathologist tell you about skeletal bones?
Whether the remains are actually bones
Whether the bones are human
The age, gender, height and race of the person
Oc Body has the responsibility to ensure that photos of the body are taken at the mortuary.
Describe the instructions to be given to photographer regarding taking of photos of the body?
- OC body must ensure the photographer takes sufficient appropriate photos of the body before it is stripped, the body after it is stripped, close up photos of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features.
- They must use a measuring scale
- Any other photos to be taken after consultation with pathologist (eg, internal, radiological, scans)
What instructions should you give a person who is completing a formal identification of the victim?
It is important those carrying out the formal ID are fully informed what is require of them and what they should expect to see when they view the deceased, particularly after after a post-mortem examination has taken place.
Describe who should be appointed as OC body at a serious crime scene?
OC body should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues. Where this is not possible the OC body may require additional support and/or mentoring.
Under what circumstances may OC body make any notes of discussions concerning the post mortem examination?
The OC body must not make any notes of discussions concerning the PM examination unless specifically directed to by the OC investigation and/or pathologist.
Describe the primary role of the OC body during a post mortem examination?
- Attend PM exam with OC investigation or deputy appointed by them
- Attend briefing of pathologist by the OC investigation
- Ensure police photographer takes appropriate photos before body stripped, after body stripped and during the post mortem
- Preserve evidence from the body
- Record label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
- Arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken
- Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings (on direction of OC and/or pathologist)
- Ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
What are the general duties of OC body?
- Deceased persons certificate
- Security and continuity of body from scene to PM
- Secure and guard body with dignity and respect
- Note and record observations relating to body
- Note details of medical staff and others that have attended the victim
- Actions taken by any party in respect of body
- Establish if body moved or disturbed
- Ensure Body photographed in situ, consider video recording
- With OC investigation authority, arrange transportation of body to mortuary
- Complete sudden death procedures
- With OC investigation authority arrange formal ID of body
- Obtain historical medical records for pathologist
Mutilation or decomposition may render visual ID of a body impossible. Where the ID of a victim cannot be established, what may you consider in consultation with the coroner? (7)
- Fingerprints
- DNA profiling
- Dental records
- Eye examination records
- Medical examination records including scars, birth marks, implants or prosthetics, x-rays, surgical wounds, amputations and tattoos
- Personal effects
- Facial reconstruction
When may a second or subsequent PM be directed by the coroner? (3)
- The pathologist is unable to determine cause of death in the initial PM
- A suspects lawyer seeks approval from the coroner to conduct an independent PM
- The solicitor general orders a further PM after an application to the high court
What should OC body provide OC exhibits with after a PM?
The PM scene exhibit schedule
Copy of notebook entries
Formal statement
When briefing the pathologist you must supply them with relevant information and material, list two of these?
Copy of the notification to the coroner
Medical examination kit (MEK)
