Initial Action- OC Body Flashcards
What is the responsibility of the OC investigation in regards to the victims dead body?
Notify the coroner early of the death
Arrange the post-mortem examination in consultation with the coroner
Consult the pathologist before the post-mortem commences regarding the relevance and benefit of conducting x-ray or CT/CAT scans of the body
What must the OC investigation do in regards to consultation with other experts
An appreciation must be made of what value experts could contribute to the examination of the body. It is important the options are evaluated before the body is moved
Some experts may not attend the C what information from the scene will help to brief experts and interested parties?
 photographs/video recordings taken at the scene
Actions of the first responders
Identity of the body
Scope and priorities of the investigation
What appreciation do you take prior to moving a body?
Notification to and response from the coroner
Consultation with other relevant experts
Supervision of the body removal
Safe custody of exhibits
When it has been decided that sample specimens will be taken from the scene by the OC investigations because evidence would be lost or contaminated by moving the body what does this refer to
Larvae and insects
DNA swabs
Firearm residue samples
Loose hair, glass, paint
What steps would you take when recording details and removing a body from the scene?
Record the position of the body by sketch and police photographer consider video recording
Consult OC investigation And OC Scene marking and recording the position of the body before removing it
Carefully search underneath where the body lay
Record or details of the position of the body e.g. position of limbs, appearance of body
The appreciation prior to the post-mortem must be undertaken. What factors should be considered?
Consultation with the pathologist
Authority from the coroner to conduct the post-mortem
Identification of the body at the mortuary

Safe custody of exhibits
What is the primary role of the OC body during a post-mortem?
Observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body in a structured, methodical manner
What is the purpose of a post-mortem
To establish the cause of death
What will the pathologist findings provide to drive the investigation?
Mode and time of death
Nature and size of any weapons used
Establish any injuries or events at the scene that may have contributed to the death of the victim
Identifying the victim of ID has not been established
What must the suspects lawyer be informed of?
Date, time, and place of the post-mortem and advise to seek authority from the coroner for a doctor to attend on their behalf
What equipment must the OC body collect for the Post-mortem at the mortuary
MEK examination kit
Toxicology kit
Body label
Copy of completed Pol 47
What must be done to exhibits prior to taking them to the mortuary?
Must be properly packaged to avoid contamination but also be clearly visible
To avoid contamination weapons must not be taken to the post mortuary until after the post modern has been conducted
What must the OC buddy do on arrival at the mortuary?
Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body
Ensure the body is labelled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge
Retain any key used to secure the body until it is required for the post-mortem
Arrange formal identification of the body
At the post Mortem Regarding notes what must the OC body do?
Must not make any notes of discussions concerning the post Morten unless specifically directed to by the OC investigation and/or the pathologist
The stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post Mortem but must only be taken on the specific direction of the OC investigation generally after a visual exam and collection of evidence from the close body has been completed. What are the steps to follow when stripping the body?
Body must be stripped in the presence of the pathologist
Remove the body from the secure fridge
Remove the body bag from the body bag
Remove items of clothing from the body
OC body must ensure the photographer at the mortuary take sufficient appropriate photos of three points.
Body before it is stripped
Body after it is stripped
close-up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features
When would you take fingerprints of the deceased body?
Conclusion of the exam or after the hands have been examined by the pathologist and any evidence has been removed if relevant foot prints should be taken
When would a second post-mortem be carried out if directed by the coroner?
Pathologist unable to determine cause of death in the initial post-mortem
Suspects lawyer seeks approval to conduct an independent post-mortem
Solicitor general orders a further post-mortem after an application to the High Court
What must police do prior to releasing the deceased body?
Advise the family as soon as possible
Inform the family where tissue samples are taken from the body e.g. sent to ESR for analysis
Must seek views of the family regarding disposal of samples taken and offer to dispose of them
