Part 5 Flashcards
(17 cards)
When should OC Body strip the body of clothing etc?
Stripping the body: Stripping of the body will take place immediately before the post-mortem examination commences, but must only be undertaken on the specific direction of the OC Investigation, generally after a visual examination and collection of evidence from the clothed body has been completed.
Before entering the post-mortem examination room or handling the body, the OC Body and any other persons present must dress in full PPE.
Must be stripped in front of the pathologist.
What action should you take if the body has been moved/distrubed at the scene?
It is not uncommon for movement of the body to have occurred during the initial stages of the police and other emergency services response.
It is critical that crime scene attendees quickly establish what movement has taken place and that the OC Body record this information as soon as possible.
Where the body has been disturbed:
Do not attempt to restore the scene to its original unchanged condition.
Make enquiries to enable the original unchanged scene to be subsequently reconstructed
and photographed, if required.
Describe methods of identification when the body has suffered Mutilation or decomposition?
fingerprints
DNA profiling (identification results take 3-4 weeks or 48 hours for urgent analysis)
dental records, available through the Region Forensic Dentistry Advisor
eye examination records
medical examination records, including scars, birth marks, implants or prosthetics, xrays,
surgical wounds, amputations and tattoos
personal effects
facial reconstruction.
Describe OC Body’s responsibilty in relation to PM exhibits?
The OC Body is responsible for recording, labelling, packaging, sealing and securing all physical exhibits relating to the body, including samples taken during the post-mortem.
All exhibits must be packaged and sealed before leaving the mortuary, without exception and will be
recorded in a Scene Exhibits Schedule.
What must OC body provide OC exhibits with post PM?
The OC Body must hand all exhibits to the OC Exhibits, in order to maintain an unbroken chain of exhibit continuity and security.
They should also provide the OC Exhibits with:
the post-mortem Scene Exhibit Schedule
copy of the OC Body’s notebook entries
formal statement.
Who is responsible for arranging the foraml ID of the body?
The OC Body - must also obtain statement in relation to formal ID.
When shoudl formal idenitification take place?
At the direction of the OC Investigation. If possible prior to PM, however consideratiosn around contamination, body bag etc need to be made.
In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Maori Victim, an Iwi Liaison Officer (ILO) must be engaged as early as possible. In what ways can the ILO provide assistance to the investigation?
In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Maori victim, an Iwi liaison Officer must be engaged as early as possible. This will support an understanding and awareness of the Maori traditions, protocol and beliefs, and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Maori community.
Describe who should be appointed as OC body at a serious crime scene?
The OC Body should be an experienced investigator with awareness
of forensic issues. Where this is not possible, the OC Body may require additional support and/or mentoring.
List some of the Responsibilities of the OC Body during the PM:
attend the post-mortem examination with the OC Investigation, or deputy appointed by
them
attend the briefing of the pathologist by the OC Investigation, and contribute as required
ensure the Police photographer takes appropriate and sufficient photographs of the body
before clothing is removed, again after the body is disrobed, and during the post-mortem
examination. The pathologist will direct the photographer
preserve evidence from the body
record, label and secure all samples and exhibits associated with the body
arrange for fingerprints and palm prints to be taken, if required
attend the debrief of the pathologist and record the findings, on direction of the OC and/or
pathologist
ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed.
What are the general duties of OC Body?
ensure death has been certified by a doctor or qualified paramedic using a Deceased Person
Certificate (POL 265)
maintain security and continuity of the body, samples and exhibits, from the scene to the
commencement of the post-mortem examination
secure and guard the body, 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
establish if the body has been moved or disturbed
ensure the body is photographed ‘in situ’ and consider using video recording
on authority of the OC Investigation, arrange transportation of the body to the mortuary
complete sudden death procedures
on authority of OC investigation, arrange formal identification of the body using form Pol
265A
obtain historical medial records of victim for information of pathologist
Under what circumstances may the OC body make any notes of discussions concerning the post mortem examination?
notes: The OC Body must not make any notes of discussions
concerning the post-mortem examination, unless specifically directed to by the OC Investigation and/or the pathologist.
Whoses responsibility is it to ensure that photographs of the body are taken at the mortuary?
OC BODY
Describe the instruction to be given to the photographer regarding the taking of photographs of the body.
the body, before it is stripped
the body, after it is stripped
close up photographs of any wounds, marks, internal injuries and unusual features.
These photographs must include a measuring scale placed in proximity to the feature
being photographed, to make a permanent record of the dimensions of the feature.
Describe who the term ‘family’ relates to?
includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whänau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
includes ‘chosen’ family
should reflect the victim’s culture and lifestyle.
Who gives authority for a PM to happen?
Coroner
Skeletal bones - what can the pathologist tell you?
- Whether the remains are actually bones
- If they are human
-The age, gender, height and race
