Part 5(2) Homicide and serious crime victims

Question 1

On arrival at the mortuary the OC body must:

Answer 1

1. Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body
2. Ensure the body is labelled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge
3. Retain any key used to secure the body, until it is required for the post-mortem
4. Ensure the body remains in its present condition until the commencement of the post-mortem
5. Arrange formal ID of body

Question 2

Post-mortem examination findings:

At the conclusion of the examination the OC investigation will fully debrief the pathologist with the OC body present….

S/A

Answer 2

During the debrief, the OC body will record the pathologist’s findings as well as the cause of death, but only at the direction of the OC investigation and/or the pathologist.

Question 3

Use of other experts, name 4:

Answer 3

1. Disaster victim identification
2. Odontologist
3. Toxicologist
4. Ballistics expert
5. Biologist

Question 4

The OC investigation must ensure that the pathologist conducts the following procedures:

Answer 4

1. Records a description of the body including: Height, weight, build, eye colour and hair
2. Record any external injuries
3. Use specialist kits for collecting evidence

Question 5

Police who should attend a post-mortem are:

Answer 5

1. OC investigation
2. OC body
3. Police photographer
4. SOCO or finger print officer

Question 6

The OC body must collect the Police equipment required for the port-mortem examination and ensure this is readily available at the mortuary. This should include:

Answer 6

1. MEK
2. Toxicology kit
3. Medical records of the deceased
4. Copy of POL47
5. Body label
6. Exhibiting supplies

** FIRST 4 relate to “When briefing the pathologist they must be supplied with relevant information and material:”

Question 7

Methods of identification:

Answer 7

1. Finger prints
2. DNA
3. Dental records
4. Eye examination records
5. Medical examination records

Question 8

When to strip the body of the deceased?

S/A M/C

Answer 8

Immediately before the post-mortem, but only under the direction of the OC investigation, after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body.

Question 9

What can an forensic anthropologist determine in relation to bones:

S/A M/C

Answer 9

1. Whether they’re actually bones
2. Whether the bones are human
3. The age, gender and height of the person