Part 5 - OC Body Flashcards
Who does the OC Body report to?
Crime Scene Coordinator (if one issued) and OC Scene
What are the responsibilities of OC Body? (8)
(1) Ensure death has been certified (by Dr or qualified paramedic) using POL 265
(2) Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits (from scene to PM)
(3) Secure and guard the body, samples and exhibits
(4) Note and record observations regarding body
(5) Note details of medical staff attending the victim
(6) Record what actions have been taken by any person in respect of the body
(7) Ensure the body is photographed in situ
(8) Attend the PM and attend the briefing with pathologist, ensure Police photographer takes appropriate/sufficient photos, preserve evidence, record label and sample exhibits
What are some considerations you should make at the scene before removal of the body?
(1) Photographs and/or video recordings
(2) Actions of the first responders
(3) Identity of the body
(4) History of the body - medical history, drugs found at scene, action taken or developments since body located
(5) Timeframes relating to finding the body, last sighting and other significant times that may impact time of death
(6) Environmental factors i.e weather, nearby heating appliances, temperature
What factors should be considered when making an appreciation in respect of the removal of the body?
(1) Notification and response from the Coroner
(2) Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist and Crown prosecutor
(3) Consultation with other relevant experts
(4) Any examination or action required before removal of the body
(5) Best method for removing the body (to minimise contamination of the scene/body)
(6) Supervision of the body removal
(7) Chain of custody (body from scene to mortuary)
(8) Family / cultural considerations
What is the general process for taking samples from the body at the scene?
No samples should be taken from the body unless consultation has occurred between attending ESR, the pathologist, OC Investigation, CSC, OC Scene and Fingerprint Officer.
Whether samples will be taken is decided by OC Investigation.
Samples should be taken if there is risk or loss and/or contamination by moving the body
What are the steps for recording details and removing the body? (11)
(1) Record position of body (sketch, Police photographer, video recording)
(2) Consider marking and recording position of body before moving it (with consultation with CSC and OC Scene)
(3) Record all details of the position of the body (position of limbs, appearance, wounds, clothing, blood trails, lividity, extent of rigor mortis)
(4) Consider health risks presented when handling the body
(5) Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags, secured with tape to prevent trace evidence being lost when body is moved
(6) Ensure clothing on body is not contaminated (by contact with foreign objects)
(7) Wrap the body in a plastic sheet and place in body bag
(8) Carefully search underneath where body lay
(9) Retain all exhibits, sheets, bags or other material used to transport body
(10) Obtain approval from OC Investigation to remove the body
(11) Arrange a contracted undertaker to remove the body to mortuary (accounting for the security and continuity of body)
What factors should be considered in the appreciation prior to the post-mortem?
(1) ID of the body at the mortuary
(2) Authority from the coroner to conduct PM
(3) Consultation with the pathologist
(4) Safe custody of exhibits
(5) Who should attend PM
(6) Any specific need for examination or sampling
(7) Appropriate resources (for package exhibits)
(8) Family / cultural consideration
What is the role of OC body during the post-mortem?
To observe, document and deal with exhibits associated with the body
What is the purpose of the post-mortem?
To establish the cause of death.
The pathologist’s findings may:
(1) Determine the mode and time of death
(2) Establish how injuries/events at the scene may have contributed toward the death
(3) Determine the nature and size of weapons used
(4) Determine the approximate height and size of the suspect
(5) Provide areas of interest for subsequent interviews
(6) Negate possible defences
(7) Identify the victim
Who may attend a post-mortem, according to section 38 of the Coroners Act 2006?
(1) The pathologist
(2) The coroner
(3) Any other assisting pathologist (if authorised by Coroner)
(4) Doctor who treated the deceased
(5) A doctor, nurse or funeral director representing the deceased (if authorised by Coroner)
(6) A doctor representing the interests of a suspect who has or may be charged in relation to death (if authorised by Coroner)
(7) Any other doctor or trainee doctor (if authorised by Coroner)
(8) Police
(9) Any other person authorised by the Coroner
What Police staff are authorised to attend the post-mortem?
(1) OC Investigation
(2) OC Body
(3) Member specifically designated as exhibits officer for PM
(4) Police photographer
(5) SOCO or fingerprint officer
What must you inform the legal representative of a suspect in relation to the PM?
(1) Time, date and place of PM
(2) They are required to seek authority from the Coroner for a doctor to attend on their behalf
What are some other experts that may be consulted with regarding the conduct of the PM?
(1) Odontologist
(2) Biologist
(3) Medical illustrator
(4) Toxicologist
(5) Ballistics expert
What equipment is required for the post-mortem?
(1) MEK kit
(2) Toxicology kit
(3) Body label
(4) Scene Exhibit Form
(5) Copy of completed POL47
(6) POL 265 deceased person certificate
(7) POL 265A deceased person identification
(8) Exhibit package supplies
(9) Protective clothing (paper suit, gloves, carbon filter masks)
(10) Roll of brown paper (layering between folds of bloodstained clothing)
What are some cultural considerations in relation to Maori death?
(1) ILO must be engaged as early as possible
(2) Maori must be given the opportunity to bless the site of death before the body is moved
(3) Accompanying deceased at all time (to be kept spiritually warm)
