Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator - National ...

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7. Follow Laws (Related to the Collection of Evidence) Principle: The investigator must follow local, State, and Federal laws for the collection of evidence to ensure its admissibility. The investigator must work with law enforcement and the legal authorities to determine laws regarding collection of evidence. Authorization: Medical Examiner/Coroner Official Office Policy Manual; State or Federal Statutory Authority. Policy: The investigator working with other agencies must identify and work under appropriate legal authority. Modification of informal procedures may be necessary but laws must always be followed. Procedure: The investigator, prior to or upon arrival at the death scene, should work with other agencies to: A. Determine the need for a search warrant (discuss with appropriate agencies). B. Identify local, State, Federal, and international laws (discuss with appropriate agencies). C. Identify medical examiner/coroner statutes and/or office standard operating procedures (discuss with appropriate agencies). Summary: Following laws related to the collection of evidence will ensure a complete and proper investigation in compliance with State and local laws, admissibility in court, and adherence to office policies and protocols. 21
Documenting and Evaluating the Scene 1. Photograph Scene Principle: The photographic documentation of the scene creates a permanent historical record of the scene. Photographs provide detailed corroborating evidence that constructs a system of redundancy should questions arise concerning the report, witness statements, or position of evidence at the scene. Authorization: Medical Examiner/Coroner Official Office Policy Manual; State or Federal Statutory Authority. Policy: The investigator shall obtain detailed photographic documentation of the scene that provides both instant and permanent high-quality (e.g., 35 mm) images. Procedure: Upon arrival at the scene, and prior to moving the body or evidence, the investigator should: A. Remove all nonessential personnel from the scene. B. Obtain an overall (wide-angle) view of the scene to spatially locate the specific scene to the surrounding area. C. Photograph specific areas of the scene to provide more detailed views of specific areas within the larger scene. D. Photograph the scene from different angles to provide various perspectives that may uncover additional evidence. E. Obtain some photographs with scales to document specific evidence. F. Obtain photographs even if the body or other evidence has been moved. C 23
Page 1 and 2: U.S. Department of Justice Office o
Page 3 and 4: National Guidelines A Guide for for
Page 5 and 6: Message From the Attorney General T
Page 7 and 8: vi International Association of Cor
Page 9 and 10: viii The Director of NIJ, the Honor
Page 11 and 12: x Introduction ....................
Page 13 and 14: Foreword: Commentaries on the Need
Page 15 and 16: the tremendous importance of medico
Page 17 and 18: With many of the deaths today havin
Page 19 and 20: The creation of guidelines for medi
Page 21 and 22: Commentary Mary Lou Kearns, R.N., M
Page 23 and 24: I would encourage the adoption and
Page 25 and 26: Commentary Thomas J. O’Loughlin C
Page 27 and 28: Introduction “Is it [death invest
Page 29 and 30: The following groups were formed fo
Page 31 and 32: The educational backgrounds of the
Page 33 and 34: defense needs, the technique is use
Page 35 and 36: Training Guidelines The purpose of
Page 37 and 38: Medicolegal Death Investigation Gui
Page 39 and 40: 14 29. Pocketknife. 30. Shoe-covers
Page 41 and 42: 16 1. Introduce and Identify Self a
Page 43 and 44: 18 3. Confirm or Pronounce Death Su
Page 45: 20 6. Establish Chain of Custody Pr
Page 49 and 50: C. Describe scene environments incl
Page 51 and 52: Procedure: After personal property
Page 53 and 54: Documenting and Evaluating the Body
Page 55 and 56: C. Document the decedent’s positi
Page 57 and 58: 4. Establish Decedent Identificatio
Page 59 and 60: 6. Participate in Scene Debriefing
Page 61 and 62: 8. Ensure Security of Remains Princ
Page 63 and 64: Establishing and Recording Decedent
Page 65 and 66: 3. Document Decedent Medical Histor
Page 67 and 68: 5. Document Social History Principl
Page 69 and 70: 46 2. Release Jurisdiction of the B
Page 71 and 72: 48 4. Assist the Family Principle:

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