O/C Body Flashcards
Appointment of the O/C body
Should be an experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues.
Scene Exhibits Officer should be considered for post mortem examination.
Responsibilities of the O/C body
- ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person Certificate
- maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits
- 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
What is the responsibility of the O/C investigation regarding the 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 key areas should be considered when briefing experts and interested parties?
- photos/video taken at the scene
- actions of first responders
- ID of the body
- history of the body
What factors should be considered in an appreciation in respect of the removal of the 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
What is the process if the 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.
When would a specimen taken from the body at the scene be advisable?
If evidence would otherwise be lost or contaminated by moving the body such as:
- larvae and insects
- potential fingerprint evidence from the skin on the body of the victim
- DNA swabs
Preparing for removal of the body
The body must be considered a ‘scene’ within a scene. O/C investigation’s responsibility for ensuring how the removal and examination of the body will be managed.
What steps need to be taken when recording body details and removing the body?
1 - record the position by sketch plan and direct photographer to take photos. Consider video recordings.
2 - consider marking and recording the position before moving it.
3 - record all details of the position of the body.
4 - consider what health risks may be present when handling.
5 - cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags and secure with tape.
What must the sudden death file include?
- statement relating to the victim’s formal identification
- copy of the Police form 47 or, in the case of a child under the age of 2 years, a Police form 47A
- copy of Deceased Person Certificate
- copy of Deceased Person Identification
What is the process of releasing the body?
OC investigation responsible for confirming PM is completed and body is no longer required.
Coroner must without delay order to release the body to NOK and family advised asap.
