Death Investigation Protocols

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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for making the notification to the appropriate Medical Examiner (ME) in cases where necessary?

The deceased's family members

The reporting officer (correct)

Crime Scene Investigation Section

VCD personnel

In the case of personal property on a deceased body, which entity is responsible for its recovery during a suspicious death investigation?

Family representatives

Medical Examiner (correct)

Local law enforcement

Crime Scene Investigation Section

What should an officer do if there is doubt that a death was caused by natural reasons?

Handle the incident as a death other than natural (correct)

Report directly to the ME without further assessment

Contact the victim's family for confirmation

Assume it was a natural death

What is the primary duty of officers when arriving at a scene of apparent death other than natural?

Assess whether a crime has been committed Signup and view all the answers

What type of perimeter should officers establish to protect and preserve a crime scene?

A primary and secondary secure perimeter Signup and view all the answers

If a crime scene involves a weapon that poses danger, what discretion do officers have?

They may move the weapon to protect evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of disputes over personal property found on a deceased body?

Deemed civil disputes to be resolved outside law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

Who should notify Crime Scene Investigation Section to respond to a scene?

VCD personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the procedural instruction issued by the Kansas City Police Department on 9/16/2021?

Investigating non-vehicular deaths Signup and view all the answers

Which entity must be contacted immediately upon confirming a death at the scene?

Violent Crimes Division personnel Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do regarding scene contamination?

Prevent unnecessary entry to the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol regarding the Medical Examiner's Office upon confirming a death?

The ME’s Office must determine whether to respond to the scene Signup and view all the answers

What information must be recorded in call notes when notifying VCD personnel?

The name and rank/title of the person notified Signup and view all the answers

What action should be prioritized by officers when they first arrive at a death scene?

Secure the scene and preserve life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a responsibility of officers at the death scene?

Contacting medical personnel for transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date for the procedural instruction concerning death investigations?

9/16/2021 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of VCD personnel following an apparent natural death?

To notify the closest relative. Signup and view all the answers

What must be confirmed by the primary officer in relation to the physician after determining the cause of death is natural?

That the physician is willing to sign the death certificate. Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition can an officer leave the scene after determining an apparent natural death?

If the body has been removed by a mortuary. Signup and view all the answers

What should the officer ensure regarding the personal property of the deceased?

That a responsible person takes custody of it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer's primary action regarding the family or responsible person at the scene of an apparent natural death?

To assess their emotional state and offer support. Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is required if a physician agrees to sign the death certificate?

A summary of the call notes. Signup and view all the answers

What actions are taken by Crime Laboratory personnel after the body is relinquished to the ME?

Collecting evidence pertinent to the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative action should the officer consider if no responsible person is present after determining natural death?

Contact a mortuary to arrange body collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for access to the crime scene before VCD personnel arrive?

CSIS must have permission from VCD personnel to access. Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to cover a victim at risk of evidence contamination?

A new, unused disposable blanket with the vinyl side facing the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure must be followed after collecting evidence at a crime scene?

The responding personnel must maintain security of the property. Signup and view all the answers

If a crowd gathers at a crime scene due to the presence of a body, what is the first action the responding sergeant should take?

Expand the crime scene and perimeter of the area. Signup and view all the answers

When may the body be moved from the crime scene?

After all other options to secure the scene have been exhausted. Signup and view all the answers

Which transport method is NOT permitted for moving the body to a medical facility?

A private vehicle of a witness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of maintaining a crime scene log?

To keep track of who enters and exits the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a reporting party begins to leave the crime scene?

Request that they remain until released by VCD personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is one circumstance that necessitates the completion of an Incident Report titled 'Dead Body'?

A physician cannot be contacted or declines to sign the death certificate. Signup and view all the answers

What must be documented in the Incident Report regarding the response from the ME's Office?

Who responded and confirmed the death. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'obvious signs of death' to be included in the Incident Report?

Lack of vital signs along with rigor mortis or lividity. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the closest relative of the deceased cannot be contacted?

Make a notation of the relative's contact information in the report. Signup and view all the answers

What should the responding officer do if they cannot establish the identity of the closest relative at the scene?

Document the reason for the inability in the Incident Report. Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the responding sergeant when a responsible person is not present?

Attempt to establish the identity of the closest relative. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included regarding notification in the Incident Report?

Name and rank/title of the person notified and time of notification. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario does NOT warrant the completion of an Incident Report titled 'Dead Body'?

A physician is available and willing to sign the death certificate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Death Investigations Protocol

Guidelines established for handling death investigations excluding vehicular deaths.
Emphasis on procedural integrity and proper scene management.

Officer Responsibilities

Request sergeant supervision at the scene for the preliminary investigation.
Contact Violent Crimes Division (VCD) personnel prior to other notifications.
Record details of notifications, including name, rank, and time.
Prevent unauthorized access to the scene; allow entry only for life preservation or safety of responders.

Medical Examiner Notification

Notify appropriate Medical Examiner (ME) Office regarding confirmed death.
VCD staff is responsible for contacting the ME based on necessity evaluations.

Personal Property Management

ME is responsible for recovering personal property from deceased if a criminal investigation is underway.
Disputes over property classified as civil matters.

Crime Scene Procedures

VCD personnel determine need for Crime Scene Investigation Section (CSIS) involvement.
For apparent non-natural deaths, classify scene as potential homicide.
Secure perimeter to protect and preserve crime scene evidence.

Evidence Handling

Do not move weapons unless necessary for officer safety; otherwise, maintain the integrity of the scene.
Use new disposable blankets to cover victims exposed in public areas.

Crowd Management

If a crowd forms, exhausting all other containment options is required before moving the body.
If necessary, transport body to a medical facility using ME's transport van or ambulance.

Evidence Collection

Crime Lab and ME Investigator handle evidence collection; VCD responsible for closest relative notifications.

Natural Death Case Procedures

Confirm with ME that the death is natural.
Contact physician or responsible party for arrangements regarding the deceased's body and personal property.
An officer must remain on the scene until the body is removed.

Reporting Requirements

Document confirmations concerning the signing of death certificates and arrangements for body removal.
Complete "Dead Body" Incident Report under specific circumstances, e.g., absence of medical care.

Notifications of Relatives

Identify and notify the closest relative if not present at the scene.
Documentation required for attempts to contact relatives and their relationship to the deceased.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential guidelines for death investigations, focusing on officer responsibilities, medical examiner notifications, and proper crime scene procedures. It emphasizes the importance of procedural integrity and effective scene management in investigations excluding vehicular deaths.