Module Material Flashcards
What are the two key tasks in a serious crime investigation?
The two key tasks of any investigation are:
- gathering and preserving evidence
- accurate and detailed documentation
To ensure these tasks are carried out efficiently, there are established management protocols for receiving, processing, evaluating information and prioritising and directing tasks to members of the investigation team. These protocols ensure that the investigation is progressed in a coordinated way.
What are the characteristics to maintain a high standard?
To maintain high standards in the investigation process you must:
* have an investigative mindset
* have the ability to apply the Appreciation Technique to think through issues to ensure the best possible course of action is followed
* always consider how your decisions will be scrutinized under cross- examination months later in Court when the case proceeds to trial
* pay meticulous attention to detail
* carry out your assigned tasks efficiently
* value the importance of professionalism, integrity and objectivity in conducting investigations
* maintain excellent communication skills (written and oral), and
* work as a team
What is the purpose of a team conference?
The purpose of holding team conferences when investigating a major crime is to:
* keep all members of the team up to date with developments in the
enquiry
* give team members the opportunity to exchange views and pass on
important information
* give the 2IC the opportunity to pass on instructions to staff on file
management and other administrative matters
* give the officer in charge the chance to brief the team on important
investigative topics, priorities and which lines of inquiry to follow
What are three ways to make team conferences organized?
Team conferences are usually chaired by the officer in charge. They must be carefully:
* planned
* recorded
* focused and managed to avoid excessive time use
What are four difference types of conferences?
Different types of conference include:
* initial conference
* regular conference
* debriefing conference
* phase team conferences - run by the OC Phase and attended by his/her staff only
How do you maintain confidentiality at a venue?
The venue must be secure from the public, media and from interviews in progress nearby. To ensure privacy and to avoid interruptions, all telephones should be diverted.
Where confidential CHIS information is being discussed the importance of confidentiality cannot be overstated. The same applies regarding information that may possibly be required for later corroboration.
What are the primary functions of initial action?
The initial Police responders must assess the situation quickly yet carefully and decide what the most important things to do are, and
how and in what order they should be done. Their primary functions include:
‐ attending the scene at an early stage
‐ taking control of the situation; and
‐ co‐ordinating tasks.
What could homicides initially be reported as?
‐ report of a missing person
‐ sudden unexplained death of an infant
‐ unexplained death
‐ report of an abduction
‐ report of violence where no fatalities are anticipated
‐ crime scene without a body present
‐ hit and run vehicular collision
‐ suicide
‐ fatal fire
‐ drug related deaths.
What is VAWSEEPO
- Victim, identify and locate the victim(s).
- Appreciation, make an initial appreciation of the incident. Assess personal risk and then preserve the lives of others.
- Witnesses, locate and contain witnesses.
- Scene, preserve the scene (e.g. set boundaries).
- Exhibits, note evidence and preserve any that would otherwise be lost or destroyed.
- Elements, consider whether the ingredients of the alleged offence have been established.
- Powers, identify what powers are available and consider whether to execute them.
- Offenders, identify and apprehend suspect(s).
Define Appreciation
An appreciation is a proven method of problem solving. The process follows a series of set steps to ensure the optimum course of action is decided upon. It considers all appropriate factors and weighs the benefits and risks of all alternative solutions, allowing sound decisions to be taken. An appreciation is an ongoing process which involves continually thinking through each new piece of information as it is uncovered.
Police attending a serious crime incident must make an appreciation before taking decisions and prioritizing tasks. Good decisions are not a matter of luck or guesswork; they are the outcome of a process of logical reasoning and careful consideration.
What are some of the benefits to a good appreciation
Applying an appreciation technique can provide the following key benefits:
‐ Informs all Police what they are expected to achieve
‐ Increases the chances of success, i.e. the investigative aims/objectives being met
‐ Establishes a sequence of activities to be carried out
‐ Manages risk
‐ Reduces uncertainty
‐ Eliminates duplication
‐ Ensures nothing is overlooked
‐ Effective use of resources.
What is AFCO?
- Aim. An aim is a short (one line) statement which succinctly
demonstrates a single objective. - Factors. A factor is any circumstance or fact that could possibly
have an effect on the manner in which you will achieve
your desired outcome.
Further risk to life, the location of possible suspects,
resources available, evidence requiring preservation, the
environment and weather conditions and history of the
relevant parties are all examples of factors that may
determine how actions are prioritized at the scene. Asking those ‘So what? questions.
- Courses Open. Courses open are a list of all the possible ways the aim could be achieved, bearing in mind the factors and the
deductions made from those factors. - Plan. A plan is a proposed course of action designed to put the
selected course into action in order to achieve the desired
aim.
What should be obtained from the complainant/informant?
Every effort should be made to obtain:
‐ identity and location of the suspect
‐ a first hand account of what the complainant/informant knows
‐ precise details of the location of the scene
‐ circumstances leading to the discovery
‐ identity of the victim
‐ details of anyone else at the scene
‐ full contact details of the complainant/informant
‐ demeanour of the complainant/informant
‐ relationship of the complainant/informant, to the victim or suspect
‐ details of action the complainant/informant has taken and where they have been
‐ details of any hazards or safety issues that may affect Police approaching the scene/victim.
What would you tell an informant/complainant to avoid loss of evidence?
‐ to return to the proximity of the scene, and guard it, if it is considered safe for them to do so
‐ not to enter the obvious boundaries of the scene
‐ not to touch or move anything
‐ to prevent others from entering or touching the scene
‐ to await Police arrival and identify themselves to the first Police at the scene.
What is the first steps at the scene of a serious crime?
Preservation of life.
It is imperative that Police responders ensure their own safety, the safety of other responders and that of others present at the scene.
Then
Risk assessment
Initial action at the scene is crucial but may also present physical risks as well as a risk of contamination to the scene. Before initial actions can be safely undertaken, those in charge at the scene must conduct an appreciation on the known information, to dictate how, why and what form initial action should take. Subject to the appreciation of risks, a reconnaissance should be conducted to establish who is present at the scene. This may include other injured people, or a hidden offender.
The first priority will always be to ensure the safety of the attending Police members.
What are the three categories when assessing the Victims medical status?
Having ensured the safety of those present, the next priority is to establish the physical condition of the victim. This falls into one of
three categories:
‐ Alive and uninjured. In cases where the victim is confirmed to have no injuries, no additional issues or complications arise. Proceed to ‘Preserving the scene
‐ Alive but injured. If a victim is injured but alive, call an ambulance and consider resuscitation if appropriate. If the victim has to be moved for this purpose, note the original body position and record any previous movements. If it is necessary for the victim to be transferred to hospital by ambulance, details of the ambulance crew and their destination must be recorded. If practicable, a detective should accompany the victim to hospital. Otherwise, a detective should attend hospital without delay.
‐ Shows no signs of life
What are the steps for Victims at hospital
- Obtain a medical opinion as to the victim’s current medical condition.
- Seize the victims clothing and other possessions as evidence.
- Establish the victim’s identity.
- Obtain a pre‐transfusion blood sample using Police Toxicology Kit containers (containers at hospitals may contain gel which can affect the results of any subsequent forensic analysis of the blood sample).
- Seize any discarded bandages used to cover gunshot wounds, and record the position on the victim where each bandage had
been applied. - Arrange firearms residue samples in cases where firearm use is suspected, including from the victim of any apparent suicide
involving a firearm. - Note and photograph any injuries.
- Arrange DNA swabs to be taken from the victim’s skin, where they would be relevant to the particular circumstances of the case.
- Obtain details of any and all persons who visit or contact the victim.
- Conduct a scoping interview with the victim using appropriate open questioning (i.e. TEDS) to establish what happened and who
was involved; where this would not adversely affect the medical welfare of the victim.
If it is anticipated the victim may die, consider recording an immediate statement, whether the victim can sign it or not. If the
victim subsequently dies, their statement may be admissible in proceedings as hearsay evidence, under section 18(1) of the Evidence Act 2006. In order to be considered admissible evidence under 18(1)(a), the court must be satisfied that both the content of the statement and the person who made it, are reliable. Police taking the statement must therefore record any factors which demonstrate the reliability of the statement or its maker. The circumstances to consider under section 16(1) of the Evidence Act 2006, include:
‐ the nature of the statement;
‐ the contents of the statement;
‐ the circumstances relating to the making of the statement;
‐ circumstances relating to the veracity of the person; and
‐ circumstances relating to the accuracy of the observation of the person.
- Conduct a preliminary interview with ambulance and emergency staff who treated the victim, using appropriate open
questioning (e.g. using TEDS) to establish what happened and who was involved.
What are the steps when a body is discovered?
- Consider calling an ambulance and resuscitation, if appropriate. If the victim has to be moved for this purpose, note the original
body position and record any previous movements. - Remain with the body until relieved by CIB or a supervisor
- Arrange a doctor to pronounce life extinct, unless death is obvious i.e. a decapitated or badly decomposed body.
- Treat the ‘victim’ as a scene (do not move the body unnecessarily).
- Instruct medical staff to leave clothes on the body
- If medical treatment has been given then request that connecting tubes, needles, bandages and other medical items are left ‘in situ’
- If possible, conduct scoping interviews with medical staff who treated the victim and establish their actions, apparent cause of
death and injury type(s). - Ascertain if the victim spoke to anyone before death and record what was said.
- Record body position, lividity (gravitational settling of the blood), obvious injuries and clothing.
- Objectively record everything observed using all senses, including sight, sound and smell. Include what is considered unimportant or non‐evidential as after further investigation, such information may become relevant.
- Record all exhibits.
- Sketch a plan including the position of the body and position of exhibits.
- Provide full information to the OC Investigation, at an early stage.
What is covered off in the ‘identify’ step of preserving a scene?
Step 1. Identify
‐ Gather information and carry out an initial assessment of the scene.
‐ Consider your warrantless powers to deal with evidential material in respect of serious offences, pursuant to the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.
‐ Establish the ‘Crime Scene’ itself. Extend parameters as widely as possible, thinking beyond where the body is found to capture any exhibits, weapons or items the suspect may have discarded.
‐ Consider possible approach paths and establish a Common Approach Path (CAP) for all movements into and out of the scene; using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to and from the scene by the suspect(s) or the victim.
‐ Consider other ‘related’ crime scenes.
‐ What is happening at the scene and who is there?
‐ Note and record observations.
‐ Establish a scene headquarters, and safe arrival / assembly points.
‐ Provide a SITREP/SFP to Comms and obtain acknowledgement.
What is covered off in the ‘Secure’ step of preserving a scene?
Step 2. Secure
‐ Where necessary, exercise powers to secure the scene pursuant to section 116 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.
‐ Effect removal of all persons within the scene in a way that causes a minimum of disturbance to the scene. For example, by using the CAP and ensuring witness don’t disturb or remove anything from the scene.
‐ Establish cordoned parameters using Police emergency tape.
‐ Arrange and brief scene guards with clearly defined duties using Police employees or civilian security guards, as per local policy. If necessary, reliable members of the public may initially act as guards until further Police arrive.
‐ Arrange Crime Scene Logs.
‐ Prevent unauthorised persons from entering or leaving the scene.
‐ Prevent any further loss or damage to evidence caused by adverse weather or other factors, such as animals.
What is covered off in the ‘Preserve’ step of preserving a scene?
Step 3. Preserve
‐ Consider the best path into the scene.
‐ Record any movements/action taken in the scene
‐ Preserve what is there and leave it ‘in situ’. Ensure nothing is touched or moved. The scene must be kept in its original state.
‐ If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates.
‐ Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and/or record evidence that may change if nothing is done. For example, rain may damage a footprint or bloodstain.
What is covered off in the ‘Consider’ step of preserving a scene?
Step 4. Consider
‐ If initial photographs of the scene and persons present are necessary.
What is covered off in the ‘Record’ step of preserving a scene?
Step 5. Record
‐ The integrity of the scene by establishing and maintaining a crime scene log of movements, names, times and reasons for entry and exit to the scene. A template Crime Scene Log is included in the Serious Crime Template.
‐ Observe and record full notes of precise details of the scene, particularly the location of the victim.
‐ Complete a sketch of the scene.
‐ Photograph the scene and consider using video recording.
‐ Identify anything which is moved, noting the original and eventual positions.
‐ Make an accurate record of these facts and report them to the OC Investigation at an early stage.
What is a crime scene log?
A crime scene log records the details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene, as well as
any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case.
After emergency services have performed initial procedures and a scene has been cleared, no person must be allowed to enter without
specific prior authority from the OC Investigation.
What is the purpose of a crime scene log?
A scene guard and the log maintained by that person, is employed in order to ensure:
‐ there is no unauthorised entry into the scene
‐ integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
‐ intelligence opportunities are maximised
‐ contamination issues are managed.
To avoid confusion, only one Crime Scene Log must be kept at each point of access to the scene. The log must identify keeper of the
record as well as the name and time when all persons entered or left the scene and their reasons for entry.
A benefit of using crime scene logs is that when utilised, pedestrian traffic in and out of a scene is dramatically reduced. This helps to
protect the integrity of the scene.
What are the duties of a scene guard?
Secure scene - Deny any person access to the scene, unless they are expressly authorised to enter by the Officer in Charge of the investigation or the Crime Scene Co‐ordinator/OC Scene.
Record details - Maintain a crime scene log and note for every person authorised to enter the scene:
‐ name and designation
‐ authority to enter the scene
‐ purpose of the visit
‐ time of entry and time of exit.
Control movements - Ensure everyone entering the scene is directed to the Common Approach Path to be followed and is supervised during
the visit.
Record movements- Record all movement and vehicle details to, from and near the scene, in the crime scene log.
Brief others - Promptly communicate any relevant information received to the OC Scene or Crime Scene Co‐ordinator (as appropriate).
Avoid disturbance - Do not personally enter, contaminate or interfere with the scene, e.g., using toilet facilities, making coffee, etc.
Protect scene - Be vigilant for activity such as the presence of any animals which may feed on body tissue etc.
Remain on duty until relieved by the oncoming scene guard.
Brief replacement - Brief the oncoming Scene Guard on all relevant matters and hand on the crime scene log.
Respect security - Do not discuss events or the crime with witnesses, bystanders or members of the media.
Demonstrate courtesy - Use tact and courtesy when dealing with civilian witnesses and crowds.
Inform others - Report any actions taken to the OC Scene or Crime Scene Co‐ordinator as appropriate.
What are the initial questions you will ask of a witness?
‐ What happened
‐ Where exactly the incident happened
‐ When it happened
‐ Who was involved
‐ What the witness did
‐ Where the witness went
‐ What the witness touched
‐ Who touched the witness
‐ Who else was present
‐ Descriptions of those present
‐ What did those other people present say/do.
What are the main things to consider when obtaining forensic evidence from a witness at a scene?
The plan to preserve and recover evidence from a forensically important witness should consider these issues, where applicable:
‐ Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched.
‐ Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness.
‐ Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness.
‐ Forensic medical examination, i.e. fingernail scrapings, hair combing etc.
‐ Seizure of clothing and footwear.
‐ Seizure of any items of property touched by the suspect.
Where possible consider these points:
‐ Avoid any potential cross contamination issues by arranging for witnesses who have been present at a crime scene, to use
different vehicles and interview rooms to those used by other witnesses, the victim or suspect(s).
‐ Photographing witnesses at the scene enables future identification of witnesses; for example to assist CCTV enquiries or for OC Witnesses use at court hearings.
‐ Photograph any injuries suffered by witnesses.
What are they steps to obtain key material from witnesses?
- Obtain full details of all persons present at the scene.
- Assemble people in a clear area, ensuring a police officer remains with them.
- If possible, isolate witnesses from one another to reduce the likelihood of contamination and/or collusion. Explain this rationale
to the witnesses. - Identify witnesses and conduct a brief scoping interview, using open TEDS questioning. Include descriptions of other persons
mentioned. - Establish whether any persons have left the area.
- If the witness has made telephone calls from the scene, establish the numbers such calls were made from and to, and who
answered. This may verify accounts and times. - Record registration numbers of nearby vehicles to establish which drivers/passengers may have been in the area.
- Seize any CCTV relevant to the vicinity/routes to establish who may have been in the area at the relevant time.
What steps do you take if a suspect has been identified at a scene?
- Separate suspects from other persons at the scene.
- Consider the condition of the suspect, whether they are injured, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or suffer from a medical
or mental impairment or other special consideration. - Ask them to remain at the scene and to co‐operate with police. As soon as possible, remove the suspect from the scene by consent or with lawful justification.
- If the suspect refuses to co‐operate, consider whether grounds exist to arrest them and what the most appropriate offence will
be. - To prevent cross contamination issues, consider using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect, if
available. - If the suspect is: arrested or detained - caution the suspect
If not arrested or detained but Police want to question them and there is good cause to suspect they committed the offence - caution the suspect, where required. If the caution is given before the suspect is arrested or detained, the advice must be repeated on arrest or detention.
If they are a CYP - Caution where required - To prevent cross contamination issues, consider using officers who have not entered the scene to manage the suspect, if
available. - Consider searching the vicinity of the suspect and the area or route they are thought to have taken, in order to recover discarded
or secreted evidence. - Note the suspect’s appearance and behaviour. For example: do they appear edgy, shocked or agitated? Are their clothes ripped
and/or stained? - Record everything the suspect says and if appropriate, consider conducting a preliminary interview in accordance with the
‘Investigative interviewing suspect guide’. - Whenever possible, interviewing of suspects should be recorded on video in accordance with the ‘Investigative interviewing
suspect guide’. - Brief the OC Investigation on their arrival, highlighting any significant risks surrounding cross‐contamination or movement
within or near the scene.
What should you do if media is present at the scene?
If members of the media are present at the scene, keep them away from the immediate crime scene cordon and make no comment
about the incident. Consult with the OC Investigation on arrival and explain what has happened, identify media members and where
they are located.
What will the officer in initial charge of the incident be expected to provide to the O/C Investigation?
The OC Investigation will expect a briefing from the officer in initial charge of the incident, as to:
‐ What has occurred?
‐ What action has been taken?
‐ What has not been done?
‐ What needs to be done?
What must the O/C Body do:
‐ ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265)
‐ maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the commencement of the post‐mortem examination
‐ secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits relating to the body, with dignity and respect
‐ note and record observations relating to the body
‐ note details of medical staff or others who have attended the victim
‐ record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body
‐ establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
‐ ensure the body is photographed ‘in situ’ and consider using video recording
‐ on authority of theOC Investigation, arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
‐ complete sudden death procedures
‐ on authority of OC investigation, arrange formal identification of the body using form Pol 265A
‐ obtain historical medial records of victim for information of pathologist
‐ attend the post‐mortem examination with the OC Investigation, or deputy appointed by them, and:
1. attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OC Investigation, and contribute as required
2. ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs of the body before clothing is removed,
again after the body is disrobed, and during the post‐mortem examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer.
3. preserve evidence from the body
4. record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
5. arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken, if required
‐ attend the debrief of the pathologist and record the findings, on direction of the OC and/or pathologist
‐ ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed.
Note. It is the responsibility of theOC Investigation to:
‐ notify the Coroner early of the death, as detailed in the Police Manual chapter ‘Contacting a Coroner’
‐ 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.
When can the body be moved at a crime scene?
Unless in an emergency situation, the body must not be moved until the OC Investigation has given authority for this to
occur.
What must you consider when briefing experts?
‐ photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene
‐ actions of the first responders
‐ identity of the body
‐ history of the body‐ including medical history, drugs found at the scene, action taken or developments since the discovery of the body
‐ timeframes relating to the finding of the body, the last sighting and other significant times that may impact upon time of death
‐ scope and priorities of the investigation
‐ any special evidential expectations and requirements
‐ environmental factors at the scene, i.e. weather conditions, ambient/historical temperature, nearby heating appliances, pollen influences
‐ any other additional information received from other experts, as appropriate.
What must you consider in the appreciation to remove a body?
‐ Notification to and response from, the Coroner
‐ Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist and Crown Solicitor attending the crime scene
‐ Consultation with other relevant experts
‐ Requirement for any examination or action needed before removal, based on known facts of the case
‐ Best method and route for the body removal, to minimise contamination of the scene or the body, for example by using sterile
stepping plates
‐ Supervision of the body removal
‐ Chain of custody of the body from the scene to the mortuary
‐ Safe custody of exhibits
‐ Family and/or cultural considerations
‐ The appreciation should record the Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) for what and how items of protective clothing (e.g. paper suits, gloves and masks) must be used in relation to the scene and the body. Unless a specific reason exists to retain them, items of protective clothing should be placed in a bag and destroyed. The SOP for protective clothing used at a scene should be recorded once and thereafter scene staff may refer to the SOP, rather than recording every use or change of protective clothing.
What happens if a body has been disturbed?
‐ Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition.
‐ Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed and photographed, if required.
What samples can be taken at the scene of a body and who decides it?
O/C investigation decides
Samples include:
‐ larvae and insects
‐ potential fingerprint evidence from the skin on the body of the victim and/or items of clothing worn by the body, e.g. fine woven
fabrics
‐ DNA swabs
‐ extraneous items such as loose hairs, fibres, glass, paint or other fragments
‐ firearm residue samples.
What are the steps for removing the body?
- Record the position of the body by sketch plan and direct a Police photographer to take photographs. Consider video recording
or other imaging techniques. - In consultation with the Crime Scene Coordinator and/or OC Scene, consider marking and recording the position of the body
before moving it, for example by measuring the distance from at least two nearby fixed features. Depending on the scene, this
may not always be possible. - Record all details of the position of the body including:
‐ Position of the limbs.
‐ Appearance of the body.
‐ Wounds and clothing.
‐ Direction of any trails of blood present on the body.
‐ Lividity, if present (coloration of skin due to gravitational movement of blood).
‐ Extent of any rigor mortis present. - Important: Consider what health risks may be presented by handling the body. Further information on hygiene precautions is
available in the Police Manual chapter ‘Sudden Death’. - Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags, secured with tape to prevent any trace evidence being lost when the body is moved. Wide tape should be used, taped around the bag at a suitable anchoring point that will secure the bag to the limb and prevent the bag from slipping off. The tape should not be so tight as to create new marks on the body and must not be applied directly to the skin of the body. Similarly, rubber bands or other tight fitting fasteners must not be used as these may also leave marks on the body, i.e. false ligature marks.
If the use of a paper bag to cover a limb is not appropriate (eg. because the limb is wet), then a plastic bag may be used to protect
potential forensic material. This decision should be made in consultation with the Crime Scene Coordinator/OC Scene and the
OC Investigation.
Whilst being transported, any open wounds may shed blood into the bag placed over the head and obscure details of blood
splatter/direction. Liaise with scene experts to determine and prioritise appropriate actions to record and preserve this evidence.
6. Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects.
7. Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place it in a body bag.
8. Carefully search underneath where the body lay.
9. Retain, as exhibits, all sheets, bags or other materials used to transport the body.
10. Obtain approval from the OC Investigation to remove the body from the scene. The OC Investigation is responsible for ensuring
continuity of all aspects of the investigation and the body must not be moved until the OC Investigation has given authority for its
removal.
11. When directed by the OC Investigation, arrange a contracted undertaker to remove the body to the mortuary. Ensure you are able
to account for the security and continuity of the body as an exhibit at all times, until the pathologist commences the post‐
mortem examination. Ensure that the undertaker uses a body bag which is sterile.
What should be consider for an appreciation at a post-mortem?
‐ Identification of the body at the mortuary
‐ Authority from the Coroner to conduct post‐mortem
‐ Consultation with the pathologist
‐ Safe custody of exhibits
‐ Identifying who should attend the post‐mortem
‐ Requirement for any specific need for examination or sampling based on the known facts of the case
‐ Appropriate resources at the post‐mortem, for packaging exhibits and taking photographs
‐ Family and/or cultural considerations arising from the post‐mortem
‐ Any likely requirement for a second or subsequent post‐mortem.
What is the purpose of a post-mortem?
‐ determing where possible, the mode and time of death
‐ establishing how injuries and/or events at the scene may have contributed toward the death of the victim
‐ determining the nature and size of any weapon(s) used
‐ determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
‐ providing areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
‐ negating possible defences
‐ identifying the victim, if identity has not been established.
Who can attend a post mortem?
Section 38 of the Coroners Act 2006 prescribes who may attend a post‐mortem:
‐ the pathologist
‐ the Coroner
‐ any other pathologist assisting (if authorised by the Coroner)
‐ a doctor who treated the deceased
‐ a doctor, nurse or funeral director representing the deceased (if authorised by the Coroner)
‐ a doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged in relation to the death (if authorised by the
Coroner)
‐ any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by the Coroner)
‐ Police
‐ any other person authorised by a Coroner.
Any doctor, nurse or funeral director attending (other than the authorised pathologist(s)), are not permitted to assist with the post‐
mortem and must observe only.
Police who should attend the post‐mortem are:
‐ the OC investigation
‐ the OC Body
‐ a member specifically designated as exhibits officer for post‐mortem, if required
‐ Police photographer
‐ SOCO or fingerprint officer, if required.
Particular consideration should be given to seeking authority from the Coroner for the following parties to attend the post‐mortem:
‐ ESR forensic scientist
‐ Crown Solicitor.
What other experts may be used regarding the conduct of the post-mortem?
‐ Odontologist
‐ Biologist
‐ Medical illustrator
‐ Toxicologist
‐ Ballistics expert
‐ Crime scene examiner
‐ Entomologist
‐ Anthropologist
‐ Disaster Victim Identification.
What equipment is required for a post mortem?
‐ MEK examination kit
‐ Toxicology kit
‐ Body label
‐ A notebook and pens for use solely during the post‐mortem
‐ A Scene Exhibit Schedule form ‐ a template is included in theSerious Crime Template
‐ Copy of completed Pol 47
‐ Pol 265 Deceased Person Certificate
‐ Pol 265A Deceased Person Identification
‐ Exhibit packaging supplies including envelopes, tape, exhibit labels and numerous paper exhibit sacks of various sizes
‐ Protective clothing i.e. paper suit, gloves and carbon filter masks
‐ Photographs from the scene, if available, showing the body ‘in situ’
‐ A range of available exhibit numbers for the post‐mortem, obtained from the OC Exhibits
‐ Pre‐printed exhibit labels bearing the allocated exhibits numbers, if available
‐ Roll of brown paper, for placing layers between folds of any bloodstained clothing
‐ Firearms residue kit, if relevant.
Can weapons be taken to the mortuary?
To avoid any potential contamination, weaponsmust not be taken to the mortuary until after the post‐mortem examination has been
conducted. The OC Body must maintain the continuity of any exhibit used in this way.
How do you support a death of a maori victim?
In the case of homicide or serious crime involving a Māori victim, an Iwi liaison Officer must be engaged as early as possible. This will support an understanding and awareness of the Mäori traditions, protocol and beliefs, and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Mäori community.
It is important that all persons attending death scenes, handling dead bodies and handling tissue samples derived from such post‐ mortem examinations should be sensitive to cultural and religious expectations. In particular all Police employees must be familiar
with local Māori needs and practices.
Māori place significant importance on all events leading up to, during and after death. Every part of the grieving process (Tangihanga)
is of immense cultural importance and Mäori must be given the opportunity to bless the site of death before the body is moved. For
Mäori certain parts of the body are tapu and there are differing degrees of tapu according to each body part.
What must the O/C Body do on arrival to 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.
- Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the post‐mortem.
- Arrange formal identification of the body.
Where the identity of a dead victim can not be established, what other methods can be used?
‐ fingerprints
‐ DNA profiling (identification results take 3‐4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
‐ dental records, available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
‐ eye examination records
‐ medical examination records, including scars, birth marks, implants or prosthetics, x‐rays, surgical wounds, amputations and tattoos
‐ personal effects
‐ facial reconstruction.
A positive identification cannot always be established. The examination of the body for evidence of identity is a specialized task
involving the pathologist and other experts. To assist in the identification of unknown victims, photographs should include the victim’s clothing, tattoos, marks and unusual scars. Care must be taken not to contaminate evidence when photographing clothing in the mortuary. Clothing can always be described in detail at the post‐mortem and photographed after the examination.
What information can be obtain by a pathologist from skeletal remains?
When skeletal remains are found, a pathologist, with the assistance of a forensic anthropologist, can usually provide information such
as:
‐ Whether the remains are actually bones.
‐ Whether the bones are human.
‐ The age, gender, height and race of the person.
What must you provide when briefing a pathologist?
The pathologist must be supplied with relevant information and material, i.e.
‐ Copy of the Notification to the Coroner (Pol 47).
‐ Medical Examination (MEK) kit.
‐ Toxicology kit.
‐ Medical records of the deceased, where available.
‐ Comprehensive photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene. These should include photographs of exhibits,
weapons and the body ‘in situ’, which will benefit the briefing for the post‐mortem, as well as the subsequent examination.
How do you strip the body of a homicide victim at the post-mortem?
- The body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist.
- Remove the body from the secure mortuary fridge and assist mortuary staff to take the body into the post‐mortem examination
room. - Remove the body from the body bag, causing minimal disturbance to the body.
- Take possession of the body bag and any sheets or wrappings used to transport the body, as exhibits.
- If necessary, direct the Police photographer to take additional photographs to ensure that appropriate and sufficient
photographs of the body are taken before clothing is removed, and again after the body is disrobed. The pathologist will lead
direction of the photographer. - Remove items of clothing from the body. Mortuary technicians may assist to removing clothing, but only under the supervision
and direction of the OC Body.
‐ Cutting clothing off the body should be avoided, but may be necessary in some cases. If unavoidable, cut clothing in areas
where evidence is least likely to be present.
‐ Search clothing pockets and make an inventory of each of the pocket contents. - Make an inventory of clothing and possessions, as each item is removed.
- Label each item of clothing and each possession.
- Label each item of clothing and each possession.
- Ensure exhibits do not cross‐contaminate each other by coming into contact with one other.
11.Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits taken from the body, until the post‐mortem examination commences. - In cases involving obvious head trauma, before blood and debris is washed from the body, particularly the head hair, consider
placing a fine sieve in the mortuary table drain hole to collect trace evidence that may have been transferred from a weapon, for
later comparison with exhibits the suspect(s) have had access to.
What photos should you have of a body?
‐ the body, before it is stripped
‐ the body, after it is stripped
‐ close up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features. These photographs must include a
measuring scale placed in proximity to the feature being photographed, to make a permanent record of the dimensions of the
feature.
