OC Body

Question 1

OC Body Responsibilities:

Answer 1

Medical
Ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic
Note details of medical staff who have attended the victim

Scene
Secure and guard the body, and body samples and any exhibits related to the body with dignity and respect
Note and record observations relating to the body
Establish if body has been moved or disturbed
Record what actions have been taken by any party in relation to the body
Ensure body is photographed in situ and consider video recording

Movement
On authority of OC arrange transport of body to mortuary
Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits from the scene to the start of the post mortem

Key documents
Complete sudden death procedures
On authority of OC arrange for formal identification of body
Obtain historical medical records of the victim for the pathologist

Post-mortem
Attend with the OC
Attend briefing of pathologist
Ensure police photographer takes photos at all stages of post-mortem, they will be directed by pathologist
Arrange for fingerprints and palm prints as required
Preserve evidence from body
Record, label and secure all samples and exhibits

Debrief
Attend debrief of pathologist and record findings, on direction of OC or pathologist
Ensure cultural responsibilities have been addressed

Question 2

If the body has been moved:

Answer 2

Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition

Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be reconstructed.

Question 3

What details to record while body is at scene:

PAWDLE

Answer 3

• Position of the body including position of all limbs
• Appearance of the body
• Wounds and clothing
• Direction of any trails of blood present on the body
• Lividity, if present
• Extent of rigor mortis present

Question 4

Duties at mortuary:

EEREA

Answer 4

• Ensure mortuary staff do not wash body
• Ensure body is labelled and secured in fridge
• Retain the key of fridge until it is required
• Ensure body remains in present condition until post mortem starts
• Arrange formal ID of the body

Question 5

Stripping the Body:

Answer 5

• The body must only be stripped in presence of pathologist
• Assist mortuary staff to remove body from fridge and move to post mortem room
• Carefully remove from body bag, causing minimal disturbance
• Take body bag, sheets and wrappings as exhibits
• Police photographer to take photos before and after clothing removed
• Remove clothing, trying to avoid cutting clothes and search pockets.
• Consider placing a fine sieve in the mortuary table drain hole to collect trace evidence
• Avoid cross contamination by ensuring exhibits do not come into contact with each other
• Package and seal each item in a different bag or container
• Label each item of clothing and each possession
• Make inventory of clothing and possessions as it is removed
• Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits

Question 6

Purpose of Post Mortem:

Answer 6

The primary reason for conducting a Post Mortem is to establish the cause of death.

Findings may also include:

• Mode and time of death
• Injuries or events at scene that may have contributed to the death
• Nature and size of weapon
• Height and stature of suspect
• Areas of interest for interviews
• Negate defences
• ID the victim