Coroner's Procedures and Body Removal

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the SBA Coroner regarding the removal of bodies?

To carry out the post-mortem examination themselves.

To sign a Removal Certificate authorizing transfer to the Coroner of the RoC. (correct)

To deny access to bodies under their jurisdiction.

To transport the body directly to the burial site.

In what situation should further retention of a body by the Police be requested?

When there is no evidence collected at the scene.

When no Coroner is available to sign documentation.

When complex cases demand prolonged investigation. (correct)

When the body requires immediate burial.

Who authorizes the utilization of local experts in investigations?

The Senior Divisional Officer.

The Divisional Senior Command or DCM. (correct)

The officers present at the scene.

The Duty Commanding Officer.

What is CJPU’s role in complex crime cases?

To provide scene examination support. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How should requests for support from RAF Akrotiri Photographic Section be submitted?

Via the Commanding Officer or JOCC during silent hours. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What initial actions should be taken upon notification of an industrial accident?

Ensure the scene is attended and an incident log is initiated. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When should support from the National Crime Faculty UK be sought?

When local expertise is insufficient or unavailable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should officers ensure when attending the scene of an industrial accident?

That they secure the evidence and preserve the scene. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should Prosecuting Officers do when witnesses are unavailable for trial?

Interview witnesses to ascertain their availability. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When is it not necessary to obtain a statement from a person seen?

When the case information is sufficient without it. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for recording the decision not to take a statement?

The Divisional Crime Manager. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be strictly adhered to during interviews of victims of sexual offences?

Ensure interviews are conducted by specially trained officers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In cases of domestic violence, what is the preferred gender of the interviewing officer?

The same sex as the victim unless stated otherwise. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be a primary consideration when interviewing a victim?

Ensuring the victim feels comfortable confiding. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended attire for officers visiting a victim's home?

Plain clothes for a more approachable presence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do if there is overwhelming evidence against a victim's allegation?

Continue to accept the allegation as genuine. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of CJPU sniffer dogs?

To search for explosives, weapons, and drugs (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which form must accompany submissions to forensic laboratories?

P161 - SBAP/CR/04 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who must authorize submissions to forensic laboratories?

The DCM or the DDCM (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should decisions regarding exhibit submission for forensic examination be based on?

Consultation with the SOCO involved in the case (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the Memorandum of Understanding between SBA Police and CyPol?

Coordination on combating crime and forensic issues (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who serves as the liaison point between SBA Police and the director of Forensics at CyPol HQ?

The Divisional SOCO (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the DCM consider in applying for forensic submissions?

Strategic perspective and budgetary constraints (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which area should always consider the utilization of SBA Police Dog Handlers?

Crime occurrence areas (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action if a male child has been a victim of sexual offences?

A male officer should conduct the interview. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances should a victim rest before providing a detailed statement?

In most cases, after the initial details are obtained. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if a victim of assault has visible injuries?

Photographic evidence should be documented with and without a scale. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who must provide consent for a medical examination of a victim under 16 years of age?

A parent or guardian. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be arranged immediately for the victim of a sexual offence?

A medical examination as soon as possible. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When should the first statement from a victim ideally be obtained?

Within 24 hours of the incident, subject to approval. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary when taking photographs of injuries on intimate parts of a victim's body?

Photographers of the same gender as the victim should be used. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the record of the first description of the suspect?

It must be retained for disclosure purposes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which two Forensic Pathologists from Greece have been contracted by the Service?

Dr Chara Spiliopoullou and Dr Emmanouil Sakelliades (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for using RoC Mortuaries when the Service Hospital mortuary is unavailable?

Written authority due to arrangements made with the Ministry of Health (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where will examinations of victims of sexual assaults be conducted?

At the private clinics of the contracted scientists (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which General Surgeon is contracted by the Service, and where is he based?

Dr Paul Pastides, based in Limassol (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should be taken into consideration regarding the Forensic Pathologists from Greece?

Their services may come with some delay due to their travel (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the RAF Akrotiri Health Centre in the PME process?

To supply consumables and specially trained medical staff (A) Signup and view all the answers

How must decisions be made concerning the place of examination for victims of violence?

At the discretion of the Divisional SOCO after consultation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the treatment of victims of GBH?

Victims must be examined at the hospital where they are taken (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Removal and Jurisdiction

Removal of bodies from Coroner's jurisdiction requires authorization via a Removal Certificate signed by the SBA Coroner in consultation with the Coroner of the RoC.
Post-mortem examinations (PME) are officially ordered by the Coroner of the RoC and followed by the issuance of a Burial Certificate if burial is permitted.
In complex cases, if the police need to retain the body, a new Removal Certificate from the Coroner of the RoC is required.

Support from Local and External Experts

Utilization of local experts (psychologists, vets) must be authorized by the Divisional Command Manager (DCM) or a member of the Divisional Senior Command.
The Crime Joint Police Unit (CJPU) can assist in scene examinations for complex cases involving multiple crime locations.
RAF Akrotiri's Photographic Section can be requested for support through the Commanding Officer during designated hours.
The DCM maintains connections with the National Crime Faculty UK for 24-hour remote support in crime investigation expertise.

Procedures for Industrial Accidents

On notification of an industrial accident, notify the Divisional Duty Officer to attend to the scene, initiate an incident log, and ensure evidence preservation.
Witness availability is critical for prosecution; officers must document witness unavailability and manage statement collection accordingly.
If a statement is not necessary, sufficient records must be logged detailing the individual and their account.

Guidelines for Victims of Sexual Offences

Specially trained officers must conduct interviews for victims of sexual offences, domestic violence, or child abuse, ideally recorded visually when appropriate.
Officers must approach interviews tactfully, accept allegations as genuine unless evidence suggests otherwise, and ideally match interviewer's gender to the victim’s preferences.
For vulnerable and young witnesses, an appropriate adult must be present during interviews; responses should be detailed, ensuring the victim's comfort is prioritized.

Medical Examinations of Assault Victims

Medical examinations should occur promptly, with visible injuries photographed; photographs must be sourced from officers of the same gender, particularly for intimate areas.
Consent from victims under 16 must be obtained from a parent or guardian before medical examination.
Female victims should preferentially have female doctors conducting examinations when possible.

Forensic Science and Coordination

Exhibits submitted for forensic analysis must adhere to established protocols and include appropriate forms; the DCM must authorize submissions.
Coordination between SBA Police and CyPol ensures effective handling of prints and DNA samples, enhancing forensic examination processes.

Medical and Forensic Contacts

Gynecologists and forensic pathologists are contracted for examinations, with specific contact details provided for direct communication.
In emergencies, the RoC mortuaries are available as alternatives to the Akrotiri Service Hospital mortuary, requiring written authorization for use.

Miscellaneous

Police dog handlers are available for searches in crime areas; CJPU has specially trained sniffer dogs for explosives, weapons, and drugs.
Documentation and recording protocols are crucial to uphold integrity throughout investigations and ensure adherence to legal standards.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for body removal from a coroner's jurisdiction and the associated documentation needed. It highlights the roles of the SBA Coroner and the Coroner of the RoC, including the Removal Certificate, PME Order, and Burial Certificate processes. Test your understanding of these legal requirements.