O/C Body Flashcards
Describe the role of O/C Body.
It is challenging, requires thoroughness, the ability to id significant facts through analysis of information and a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
Who should be appointed O/C Body?
An experienced investigator with awareness of forensic issues.
What are the responsibilities of O/C Body?
They must:-
Ensure death certified Pol265
Maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits from scene to PM
Secure body, samples and exhs with dignity and respect
Note and record observations re the body
Note details of medical staff
Record action by any party re the body
Establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
Ensure the body is photographed in situ
On authority of the OCI arrange transport of the body
Complete sudden death procedures
On authority of OCI arrange formal ID pol265A
Obtain medical records
Attend the PM and attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OCI, insure the police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs before clothing is removed, after the body is disrobed and during the p.m., preserve evidence, record, label and secure all samples and exhibits, arrange for fingerprints and palm prints if required
Attend the debrief of the pathologist and record findings on direction of the OC and/or pathologist
Insure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed
What key areas should be considered when briefing experts?
Photographs and/or video taken at the scene
Actions of the first responders
Identity of the body
History of the body
Timeframes relating to the finding of the body
Scope and priorities of the investigation
Any special expectations or requirements
Environmental factors at the scene
Any other additional information
What factors should be considered in the appreciation prior to body removal?
Notification to and response from the Coroner.
Views of pathologist, ESR, and Crown attending the scene.
Consultation with other experts
Requirement for any exam prior to removal
Best method and route for removal
Supervision of removal
Chain of custody of body from scene to mortuary
Safe custody of exhibits
Family/cultural considerations
Appreciation should record SOPs re protective clothing
What should be done when the body has been moved?
Don’t attempt to restore the scene to its unchanged condition
Make inquiries so the unchanged scene can subsequently be reconstructed and photographed if required
What evidence might be collected from the body prior removal?
Anything that might be lost or contaminated ie
Larvae and insects
Potential FP evidence
DNA swabs
Extraneous items like hair, fibres, glass, paint or other fragments
GSR samples
What steps are taken prior to removal of the body?
Sketch a plan and direct photographs
Consider marking and recording the body location, take measurements from two fixed references
Record details of body position - limbs, body appearance, wounds, clothing, direction of blood trails, lividity, extent of rigor Morris.
Consider health risks
Cover hands, feet, head with paper bags secured with tape. Plastic bag if limb wet. Seek advice.
Liaise with scene experts re open wounds that may shed blood and destroy evidence in transit
Ensure clothing on body does not contact anything - no contamination
Wrap body in plastic sheet and place in body bag
Search the area where the body lay
Retain as exhibits all sheets, bags and other materials used to transport the body.
Obtain approval of the OCI to remove the body
Arrange for the Police undertaker to attend
What factors should be considered in the appreciation in respect of the PM?
ID of the body at the mortuary
Authority of the Coroner to conduct the PM
Consultation with the pathologist
Safe custody of the exhibits
Identifying who should attend the PM
Requirement for any specific need for examination or sampling
Appropriate resources at the post-mortem for packaging exhibits and taken photographs
Family and/or cultural considerations arising from the post-mortem
Any likely requirement for a second or subsequent p.m.
What is the primary role of the OC body during p.m.?
To observe document and deal with exhibits associated with the body in a structured methodical manner.
What must the OC body consider in relation to each piece of information during the post-mortem?
In consultation with the OCI carefully identify what deductions can be made and what significance each piece of information has for the investigation.
What is the purpose of a p.m.?
To establish the cause of death as well as:
Determine the mode and time of death
Establish how injuries or events at the scene may have contributed to wards the death
Determining the nature and size of weapons
Determining the approximate height and stature of the suspect
Providing areas of interest for witness and suspect interviews
Negating possible defences
Identifying the victim
Who can attend the p.m.?
Section 38 of the coroners act 2006 prescribes who may attend.
Pathologist
Coroner
Assisting pathologist (if Coroner authorised)
Dr who treated deceased
Dr, nurse or funeral director representing deceased (if authorised)
Police
Any other person authorised ie ESR, Crown Solicitor
