O/C Body Part 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
When appointing O/C Body, the O/C Investigation needs to choose a…..
Crime Scene Coordinator
What are the responsibilities of an O/C Body? (Medical/ Scene/ Movement/ Key documents/ post. Mortem/ Debrief)L
- Ensure death has been certified
- Maintain security of body, samples and exhibits
- Secure body and exhibits
- Note and record observations
- Record actions
- Establish if body has been moved
- Ensure body is photographed in situ
- Arrange transportation
- Sudden death proceedures
- Arrange formal ID
- Historical medical records
- Post Mortem
What information may be needed for brief with experts?
- Photos/videos
- Actions by first responder’s
- ID of body
- History of body, drugs/ medical/ developments since discovery
- Time frames relating to last sighting and discovery of body
- Scene and priorities of investigation
- Any special evidential expectations and requirements
- Environmental factors at scene
- Any other information from experts
When removing bodies at the scene, what considerations must be taken into account? PAWDLE
- Notification and response from Coroner
- Views of ESR, Pathologist and Crown
- Consult experts
- Examination before removal
- Best route
- Supervison of removal
- Chain of custody
- Custody of exhibits
- Family considerations
- PPE
What samples may be taken from a body before it is moved?
- Larvae and insects
- Potential fingerprint evidence
- DNA swabs
- Items such as loose hairs, fibre, glass
- Firearm residue samples
What to do if body has been moved?
Do not attempt to restore body to its position. If it has been moved, complete enquires to find out what its original position it was
What is the purpose of a Post Mortem?
- Determining where possible, mode and time of death.
- Injuries and events at scene.
- Determining nature and size of weapon.
- Determining height and stature of suspect.
- Providing areas of interest.
- Negating possible defences.
- Identifying the victim.
Who is able to attend the Post Mortem?
- Pathologist and assistant
- Coroner
- Doctor, treatment, trainee
- Police
Police who should attend post mortem are:
- O/C body
- O/C investigation
- Exhibits officer
- Photographer
- SOCO
Consideration should be given when seeking authority from the coroner for the following parties to attend the Post Mortem…
- ESR Forensic Scientist
- Crown Solicitor
What experts may be consulted for Post Mortem?
- Odontologist
- Dentist
- DVI
- Medical illustrator
- Toxicologist
- Ballistic expert
- Entomologist
- Anthropologist
- Biologist
What equipment may be needed?
- MEK
- Exhibit bags and tape etc
- Notebooks and pens
- Exhibit schedules
- PPE
- Range of exhibit numbers and labels
- Firearms residue kit
- Roll of brown paper
Outline cultural considerations if the Victim is Maori?
Engage Iwi Liaison Officer as soon as possible.
They will support understanding and awareness of traditions, protocols and beliefs.
On arrival at the mortuary the O/C body must:
- Ensure mortuary staff do not wash the body
- Ensure the body is labelled and secured in the secure mortuary fridge
- Retain any key used to secure the body
- Ensure the body remains in it’s present condition
- Arrange formal identification of the body
What should investigators ensure when carrying out the formal ID procedures?
- O/C to arrange formal ID
- ID will only take place if O/C investigation says so
- Important that person carrying out ID is fully informed of what’s required and what they will see
Methods of identification:
- Fingerprints
- DNA profiling
- Dental records
- Eye examination
- Medical examination
- Personal effects
- Facial recognition
If the body is mutilated, what other methods of ascertaining the Victims ID are there?
- Odontology
- Comparison report (medical, clothing, familial DNA, tattoos, scars)
- Eye exam
- Fingerprints
- DNA
- Facial reconstruction
What information may be ascertained through the examination of skeletal remains?
- If they’re bones
- If they’re human bones
- Age/race/height/gender
Taking notes at a Post Mortem….
The O/C body must not take any notes unless instructed by the O/C investigation and/or pathologist.
