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Policing > Sudden Death > Flashcards

Sudden Death Flashcards

1
Q

What is the purpose of the Coroners Act 2006?

A

To help prevent deaths and to promote justice through: the investigation of sudden deaths and the making of recommendations to reduce chances of further deaths,

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2
Q

Police must consider the circumstances of which deaths?

A

Police must consider the circumstances of every death objectively by gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses and assessing all factors relevant to that death. Many aspects of this chapter apply to all sudden deaths regardless of how they appear to have occurred.

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3
Q

What is a coroner?

A

Coroners are independent judicial officers who sit in the Coroners Court.

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4
Q

What is an autopsy?

A

A term sometimes used instead of post-mortem.

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5
Q

What is an inquiry?

A

‘Inquiry’ means an inquiry into a death opened and conducted by a coroner under Part 3, and includes any related inquest held by the coroner.

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6
Q

What is an inquest?

A

‘Inquest’ means a hearing held by a coroner in connection with an inquiry opened and conducted by a coroner under Part 3.

An inquest is a judicial hearing convened by a coroner and is more informal than some court hearings.

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7
Q

What does NIIO stand for?

A

National Initial Investigation Office.

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8
Q

What is a post-mortem?

A

An examination made after death, especially to determine its cause.

It is a thorough internal and external medical examination by a specialist medical practitioner, known as a pathologist, and is usually conducted at a hospital mortuary.

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9
Q

What are five coroner’s role in relation to a death?

A
  1. Receive a report of the death from Police
  2. Decide whether to direct a post mortem and, if one is directed, whether to authorise certain people (other than the pathologist) to attend
  3. Be satisfied with the evidence supporting the identification of the deceased
  4. Authorise the release of the body
    decide whether to open an inquiry, and if one is to be 5. conducted, whether an inquest should be held.
    (s4(1))
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10
Q

What is the purpose of a coroner’s inquiry?

A

To establish that a person has died and the circumstances and causes surrounding the death.

AND

To make specified recommendations under the Act.

AND

To determine whether the public interest would be served by the death being investigated by other investigating authorities.

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11
Q

Which deaths MUST be reported to Police and in turn by Police to a coroner?

Section 13 Coroners Act 2006

A
  1. A death that appears to have been without known cause, or suicide, or unnatural or violent.
  2. A death for which no doctor has given a doctor’s certificate.
  3. A death that occurred during medical, surgical, or dental treatment.
  4. Any death while the women concerned was giving birth.
  5. A death in official custody or care.
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12
Q

Section 14 outlines that a person who finds a body in New Zealand must report that finding to Police as soon as practicable unless they believe the death…?

A

Is already known to Police.

OR

Will be reported to Police.

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13
Q

Section 15 outlines what must a police officer do who finds a body in New Zealand or receives a report under section 14.

A

They must report that death immediately to the duty coroner.

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14
Q

Where must all reports of death to a duty coroner be made?

A

Via phone call to the NIIO office.

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15
Q

What is the NIIO’s initial role?

A

Manage the cases from the time of death is reported until the deceased is released to family.

Keep families informed as to what is happening throughout the early stages of the coronial process.

Be the conduit and contact centre for the next of kin at the conclusion of Police attendance.

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16
Q

Once a death has been reported to the National Duty Coroner the Coroner has exclusive right to custody of the body. The task of the National Duty Coroner includes determining which matters?

A
  1. whether coronial jurisdiction will be taken over the death,
  2. to direct the contracted transport provider to attend the scene,
  3. whether verification of death has been adequately established,
  4. whether evidence of identification of the deceased is adequate,
  5. whether to direct a post-mortem and if so the level of any post-mortem (full post-mortem or lesser post-mortem),
  6. who may attend at the post-mortem,
  7. when the body can be released.
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17
Q

Section 17 outlines that if a death has been reported to a coroner by Police, the Commissioner of Police must cause all investigations to be…?

A

Made necessary to help to achieve the purpose of the Act AND as directed by the designated coroner.

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18
Q

What is the initial 11 step procedure when attending a sudden death?

A
  1. Ensure safety to the public, responding staff, etc.
  2. Use PPE as necessary.
  3. Check signs of life, administer first aid and call for an ambulance if so. If clearly dead, and resuscitation is not feasible or appropriate, call for a duly qualified person to complete the verification of death.
  4. Inform supervisor
  5. Investigate cause of death. If the death appears suspicious, contact duty CIB, Freeze, guard and preserve the scene until CIB arrives.
  6. A duly qualified person completes the verification of death.
  7. Seek medical certificate for cause of death, if appropriate.
  8. If the doctor issues a HP4720, then coroner does not need to be advised, instead you must advise immediate family, and if necessary, ensure deceased’s property is secured.
  9. Determine if the death must be reported to the coroner.
  10. Complete the deceased person notification (DED)
  11. Consider staff well-being in response to trauma.
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19
Q

As a general guide, when should you move the body for a sudden death and one reported to the coroner?

A

For a normal sudden death: when the duly qualified person has completed the VOD.

For a coroners sudden death: only after notifying the coroner.

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20
Q

When will a medical certificate of cause of death generally be issued?

A

When the deceased has been under treatment for an illness that has caused the death, the doctor who was attending the deceased before the death will generally issue a Medical Certificate of Causes of Death (HP4720).

Note: If the death must be reported to the coroner, the doctor can only give a doctor’s certificate for the death if the coroner has decided not to accept jurisdiction in relation to the death.

21
Q

If a doctor issues a medical certificate of causes of death (HP4720), does the NIIO have to be notified?

A

No, instead notify immediate family.

22
Q

Who is qualified to verify death?

A

A duly qualified person can sign a verification of death (VOD):

Registered medical practitioner
Nurse
Registered midwife
Intensive care paramedic
Paramedic
Emergency medical technician
23
Q

Can Police leave control of a body before a VOD has been completed?

A

The deceased cannot leave Police control until a Verification of Death (VOD) has been completed. This may require Police accompanying the supplier to another location to secure the document. The completed Sudden Death file cannot be submitted without the VOD.

24
Q

A POL47 is completed and sent to who?

A

Completed by the attending officer or their supervisor.

AND

An electronic copy sent to the NIIO and district inquest officer (email from DCC)

25
Q

Who completing a POL47 who must you ensure FWS are obtained from?

A

The last person who saw the deceased

Person who located the deceased

AND

Any relevant witnesses regarding general background from NOK and close friends, events leading up to the death.

26
Q

What are five procedures when examining the body and scene for a coroner?

A
  1. Consider factors that may cause you to suspect a criminal act. If suspicious, notify CIB.
  2. Note the position of the body. Photograph the body, useful for pathologist and coroner.
  3. Note all factors that may explain the death e.g. the body’s condition, medicine bottles, and items in immediate vicinity of the body.
  4. Obtain full particulars from witnesses, exploring any likelihood of other involved.
  5. If the death is not suspicious, obtain statements as soon as practicable (notebook not acceptable).
27
Q

Three types of sudden deaths.

A

Doctor’s sign-off (none coronial).

Non-suspicious coroners (coronial). E.g., unknown cause of death.

Suspicious coroners (coronial). E.g., homicide.

28
Q

What are some factors that may indicate a suspicious death?

A

a death with no apparent cause

poisoning, but no known motive for suicide

a body in a burned building

signs of injury inconsistent with an accident

an apparent suicide in an unusual position

defensive injuries

insecure premises

29
Q

Steps when suicide is suspected?

A
  1. Search for and take possession of any note.
  2. Obtain a statement for handwriting or seize other documents with their handwriting.
  3. Take possession of exhibits
  4. If suicide by hanging, cut the cord rather than untie, as should be preserved for evidence.
  5. Seize internet capable electronic devices, place mobile phones on flight mode.
  6. Preserve fingerprints.
  7. Note that there are restrictions on making public details of suicides and that no death constitutes a suicide until the coroner makes a formal finding that it is.
30
Q

Police have the responsibility to remove non-essential property from the deceased other than:

A

all items if the body is deemed to have died under suspicious circumstances

clothing used to ensure the deceased’s dignity, i.e. if the location of death is in a public place,

OR

personal items which cannot be removed irrespective of value, i.e. rings.

31
Q

What if the immediate family does not allow the body or evidence to be removed?

A

Police have specific powers to remove the body and seize evidence.

Of note: you MUST consult with the duty coroner and use all other means of negotiation first before invoking these powers, such as calling MPES or Victim Support, etc.

32
Q

Outline the circumstances surrounding the removal and transport of the body.

A

NIIO will co-ordinate the attendance of the contracted supplier and will notify Police of the details. This process will require purposeful conversation between Police and NIIO. The contracted supplier will likely only be aware of the tasking and location where they will be transporting the deceased to.

Under the Coroners Act, the coroner may give any directions they think fit regarding the removal of the body (e.g. directions about removal to a mortuary, the undertaking of a post mortem or other designated place). This will be communicated by NIIO.

If immediate family members are present, advise that NIIO is the arm of the Ministry of Justice who will provide details of transportation and post mortem where applicable.

Note: A duly qualified person must have completed the VOD prior to Police transferring control of the deceased.

If the body is unidentified, take care when moving it that no possible evidence of identity is lost. Remember: As outlined earlier above, the deceased cannot leave Police control until a Verification of Death (VOD) has been completed. This may require Police accompanying the supplier to another location to secure the document. The completed Sudden Death file cannot be submitted without the VOD.

33
Q

How will a body be transported if it is no suspicious?

A

If the person has died and there are no suspicious circumstances, the immediate family can make arrangements for the body to be removed from the place of death to their preferred funeral home provided:

the deceased’s doctor is located and a certificate as to cause of death is issued,
AND
it is not a coroner’s matter.

If the deceased’s doctor cannot be located or contacted, do not leave the body with the immediate family on the expectation that the doctor, when located, will issue a certificate as to the cause of death. Consult the coroner immediately as to the appropriate course of action.

34
Q

Outlines the police role when it comes to identifying a body.

A

It is the role of Police to obtain sufficient evidence of identification to satisfy the duty coroner that identification has been established. Until the duty coroner is satisfied that identification has been established the body will not be released.

35
Q

What are the methods of identification?

A 
Visual
Fingerprint
Odontology
Circumstantial
DNA
36
Q

Identification other than visual should be authorise by who?

A

The coroner.

37
Q

Who can conduct a visual identification?

A

Usually an immediate family member identifies the body. However, if immediate family are not available, a person who has known the deceased for a reasonable period of time preferably 2 years or more (e.g. an employer, workmate, friend or landlord) may make the identification.

38
Q

When should you conduct an identifcation?

A

If the person died at home, arrange the formal identification before the body is removed, if possible. Otherwise, arrange for identification at the mortuary or other place as soon as possible after the body has been prepared.

Attending staff need to be conscious that there may be competing requests or demands from NOK regarding who may undertake an identification. This may raise tensions and risks to both Police staff and the suppliers. While considering cultural aspects, and the situational needs, the security of staff and suppliers and the securing of reliable ID are critical.

39
Q

Steps for a visual identification.

A
  1. Discuss availability with the facility
  2. Complete the deceased person identification form (POL 265A)
  3. Take the witness to the body and expose the fact. Let the witness have an unhurried look.
  4. Ask the questions:

“Do you identify this person?”
“Have you any doubt?”
“What was his or her address?
“How long have you known the deceased?”

  1. Cover the body.
  2. If the witness identifies the body, ask them to sign the POL 265A
40
Q

What are Māori customs when it comes to sudden deaths?

A

Māori custom dictates that the deceased must be accompanied all the time, to be kept spiritually ‘warm’ until the burial. Therefore, a post-mortem and keeping a body for an extended period of time in the hospital mortuary is extremely upsetting. In most cases, Police are expected to contact the coroner and pass on the wishes of the immediate family for a speedy release of the body.

41
Q

Who engages a funeral director where a doctor signs-off the death?

A

The family.

Police DO NOT engage a funeral director where GP signs cause of death certificate. The family engage own funeral director.

Only in cases where Police cannot find family or NOK and we HAVE to call a funeral director to secure a body.

42
Q

What documents are within a sudden death attendance pack?

A
  1. POL47
  2. Sudden death covering report
  3. Verification of death (VOD or Cor 31)
  4. Statement of identification (POL 265A)
  5. Medication schedule
  6. MOJ property record form
  7. Formal written statement
  8. “When someone dies suddenly” booklet
43
Q

Can a family object to a post mortem?

A

If the person’s death was due to a crime, you can’t object to a post mortem.

In all other cases, the family can tell the coroner they don’t want one, but need to object by contacting NIIO within 24 hours.

Coroner may uphold the objection or not, an option of a lesser post mortem is avaliable.

The family can object the coroners judgement to the High Court, but need to apply within 48 hours.

High Court ruling is final and coroner must comply.

44
Q

Provide the 6 step overview of the coronial process (post police attendance).

A
  1. Death occurs (one where the cause is unknown OR death is unexpected or suspicious). The police or doctor will call the coroner.
  2. Duty coroner phones the family. The coroner decides if a post mortem is needed.

If no post mortem, the body is returned to the family.

If post mortem decision, family have 24 hours to object or allow.

  1. Post mortem occurs. The body is returned to the family. Tissue samples may be returned at a later time.
  2. Coroner decides if inquiry is needed.

If no, a certificate of cause of death is issued and family receives a copy.

  1. Coroner proceeds with inquiry if they have enough information.

If they don’t, police are sent to obtain further information and case may go on hold depending on police availability.

  1. Coroner decides if an inquest (hearing) is needed. The family can request an inquest.

If decision is no, then the coroner has a “hearing on papers” and issues finding

If decision is yes, the inquest is held and coroner issues findings.

45
Q

Who should you consider contacting for coroner and suspicious deaths?

A

Victim support

46
Q

Should all clothing and personal items be removed from a deceased prior to being uplifted by the undertaker or funeral director?

A

Yes, unless exceptional circumstances 1, homicide, 2. public place death, and 3. items cannot be removed (rings, etc.)

47
Q

When ascertaining if a person is deceased and you determine they are, should you remove clothing from the deceased?

A

Yes.

The removal of clothing is a necessary part of carrying out a thorough body examination for injuries which should be documented by photography.

48
Q

Why is a body examination crucial at the scene?

A

To determine whether the cause of death is likely to be what is presented or whether it is staged.

This is especially relevant in medical deaths and suicides.

49
Q

Should you take note of injuries sustained on the deceased at the scene?

A

Yes. By way of photography and notebook.

Determining injuries at the scene is necessary as this then determines if a forensic post mortem is required.

Policing (7 decks)

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