Test Your Knowledge of Death Investigation Procedures with This Quiz!

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is considered an accidental death?

Homicide

Suicide

Poisoning (correct)

Natural death

What is an attended death?

A death in which the decedent has been treated by a physician within the past year and the physician will sign the death certificate (correct)

A death that occurs within 30 days of a traffic crash involving a motor vehicle

A death resulting from suspicious circumstances

A death in which the decedent has not been treated by a physician within the past year

What is a life-threatening medical event?

A medical emergency that poses an imminent danger to the life of the individual suffering the event (correct)

A medical emergency that can be treated at home

A medical emergency that requires surgery

A medical emergency that is not dangerous

What is the difference between homicide and murder?

Homicide is the lawful killing of another person, while murder is the unlawful killing of another person Signup and view all the answers

What is an unattended death?

A person dies more than 30 days after being treated by a physician Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do if they find a victim dead?

Conduct a cursory inspection of the body and surrounding area for anything of a suspicious nature, interview family and witnesses, and attempt to ascertain if there was anything that might have contributed to the death Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do to preserve the crime scene?

Restrict access to authorized personnel only and establish one route in and out of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do with information regarding the deceased?

Only release it with clearance from the lead investigator Signup and view all the answers

What do Florida Statutes outline regarding death investigations?

The duty of law enforcement officers in death investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an accidental death?

Poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is an attended death?

A death in which the decedent has been treated by a physician within the past year and the physician will sign the death certificate Signup and view all the answers

What is a life-threatening medical event?

A medical emergency that poses an imminent danger to the life of the individual suffering the event Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between homicide and murder?

Homicide is the lawful killing of another person, while murder is the unlawful killing of another person Signup and view all the answers

What is an unattended death?

A person dies more than 30 days after being treated by a physician Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do if they find a victim dead?

What should officers do to preserve the crime scene?

Restrict access to authorized personnel only and establish one route in and out of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do with information regarding the deceased?

Only release it with clearance from the lead investigator Signup and view all the answers

What do Florida Statutes outline regarding death investigations?

The duty of law enforcement officers in death investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is an attended death?

A death in which the decedent has been treated by a physician within the past year and the physician will sign the death certificate Signup and view all the answers

What is a life-threatening medical event?

A medical emergency that poses an imminent danger to the life of the individual suffering the event Signup and view all the answers

What is homicide?

The unlawful killing of another person Signup and view all the answers

What is a traffic fatality?

The death of a person that occurs within 30 days of a traffic crash involving a motor vehicle where the death is a result of the crash Signup and view all the answers

What is an unattended death?

A death that occurs more than 30 days after being treated by a physician Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do if they find a victim dead?

Conduct a cursory inspection of the body and surrounding area for anything of a suspicious nature Signup and view all the answers

What should police officers do upon arrival at a crime scene?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the duty of medical examiners according to Florida Statutes?

To determine the cause of death Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between murder and homicide?

Homicide is the act of killing another person, while murder is the unlawful killing of another person Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Death Investigation Procedures

Accidental deaths include deaths caused by non-criminal actions and events such as fire, drowning, electrocution, accidental shooting, sexual perversion, poisoning, or work-related accidents.
An attended death is a death in which the decedent has been treated by a physician within the past year and the physician will sign the death certificate.
Homicide is the act of killing another person, while in-custody death is the death of a person in the custody of law enforcement officers or other authorities.
Life-threatening medical events are medical emergencies that pose an imminent danger to the life of the individual suffering the event, such as cardiac arrest, seizures, stroke, and significant respiratory distress.
Murder is the unlawful killing of another person, while natural death occurs in the course of nature resulting from an illness or internal malfunction of the body.
Primary or attending physician is the physician responsible for the treatment and care of the patient.
Suicide death is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death, while a suspicious death is a death resulting from suspicious circumstances.
Traffic fatality is the death of a person that occurs within 30 days of a traffic crash involving a motor vehicle where the death is a result of the crash.
Unattended death is when a person dies more than 30 days after being treated by a physician.
Officers are required to notify the district sergeant of all death investigations and the district sergeant will notify the shift lieutenant.
Officers should determine if the person is alive and request emergency medical personnel if necessary, and if the victim is found dead, officers should not move or change the body position, clothing, or items on the body.
Officers should conduct a cursory inspection of the body and surrounding area for anything of a suspicious nature, interview family and witnesses, and attempt to ascertain if there was anything that might have contributed to the death.Police Procedures for Death Investigations
Police officers are instructed to preserve the crime scene and prevent contamination.
Officers should establish a perimeter around the crime scene and restrict access to authorized personnel only.
One route in and out of the crime scene should be established, and all persons entering should be logged.
Emergency personnel should be identified and their names and unit numbers obtained.
The Department of Children and Families should be contacted if the decedent is under the age of 18.
Suspect BOLO information should be initiated if applicable.
Upon arrival of a detective or supervisor, the investigating officer will give a briefing on witnesses, evidence found, and any relevant information.
All officers involved should thoroughly document their involvement in the case, including statements made and evidence recovered.
Procedures for handling witnesses and witness control should be followed.
Information regarding the deceased should not be released to anyone without clearance from the lead investigator.
Protocols for handling prescription medications during natural death investigations are established.
Florida Statutes outline the duty of medical examiners, the duty to report deaths, and the duty of law enforcement officers in death investigations.

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Description

Do you know the ins and outs of death investigation procedures? Test your knowledge with this quiz that covers topics such as accidental deaths, homicide, natural deaths, and suicide. Learn about the responsibilities of police officers in preserving crime scenes, handling witnesses, and documenting evidence. Brush up on the Florida Statutes that govern the duty of medical examiners and law enforcement officers in death investigations. Challenge yourself to see how much you know about these important procedures.