Victims Flashcards
1
Q
The OC Body MUST. . .
A
- ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using Deceased Person Cert(POL265)
- maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits from the scene to the commencement of the PM
- Secure and guard the body, samples and any exhibits relating to the body with dignity and respect
- Note and record observations relating to the body
- Note details of medical staff or others who have attended the Victim
- Record what actions have been taken by any party in respect of the body
- Established if the body has been moved or disturbed
- Ensure the body is photographed in ‘situ’ and consider using video recording
On authority of OC investigation, arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary - Complete sudden death procedures
- On authority of OC investigation, arrange formal ID of the body using POL265A
- Obtain historical medical records of Victim for information for Pathologist
- Attend the PM with OC investigation or deputy and:
- attend briefing of pathologist, contribute as required
- ensure Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photos
- preserve evidence from body
- record, label secure all samples and exhibits associated with body
- arrange for fingerprints and palm prints if required
- Attend debrief of the pathologist and record findings, on direction of the OC and/or pathologist
- Ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
2
Q
OC Investigation Responsibilties
A
- notify the coroner early of death
- arrange the PM in consultation with coroner
- consult the pathologist before the PM commences, regarding the relevance and benefit of conducting x-rays or CT/CAT scans of body
3
Q
Action at scene for briefing experts and interested parties
A
- photographs and/or video recordings taken at the scene
- actions of the first responders
- identity of the body
- history of the body, including medical history, drugs found at scene, action taken or developments since the discovery of the body
- timeframes relating to the finding of the body, the last sighting and other significant times that impact on time of death
- scope and priorities of the investigation
- any special evidential expectations and requirements
- environmental factors at the scene, weather, temperature, nearby heating appliances, pollen
- any other additional information received from other experts
4
Q
Appreciation prior to body removal
(OC investigation, Crime Scene Coordinator or OC scene and OC body)
A
-Notification to and response from the coroner
- Views of the pathologist, ESR forensic scientist and Crown Solicitor attending the crime scene
- Consultation with other experts
- Requirement for any examination or action needed before removal, based on known facts of the case
- Best method and route for the body removal, to minimise contamination of the scene or body, for example using sterile steeping plates
- Supervision of the body removal
- Chain of custody of the body from scene to the mortuary
- Safe custody of exhibits
- Family and/or cultural considerations
- Should record SOP such as protective clothing and disposal etc
5
Q
Recording Details & Removing the Body
A
- Rcord position of the body, sketch, photograph, consider video
- Consider marking and recording the position of the body prior to moving (such as measure from fixed objects)
- Record all details
- position of limbs
- appearance of body
- wounds, clothing
- direction of any blood trails
- Lividity
- extent of rigor mortis - Important - consider health risks when handling body
- Cover hands, feet and head with paper bags.
- Ensure clothing is not contaminated during removal
- Wrap body in plastic sheet and place in body bag.
- Carefully search underneath where body lay.
- Retain, as exhibits, all sheets, bags or other materials used to transport body.
- Obtain approval from OC investigation to remove body.
- Arrange removal to mortuary, ensuring security until PM.
6
Q
Stripping the Body
A
- Body must only be stripped in the presence of the pathologist.
- Remove body from secure fridge.
- Remove body from body bag, causing minimal disturbance.
- Seize body bag, any sheets or wrapping as exhibits.
- If necessary ensure photographer takes photos of body prior to clothing removal.
- Remove clothing items. cutting should be avoided.
- Inventory of clothing and possessions as each is removed.
- Label
- Bag each item separately.
- Ensure exhibits do not cross-contaminate each other.
- Maintain security of body and exhibits taken.
- Consider using seive in cases of obvious trauma when washing, to catch trace evidence.
