FORENSIC STRATEGY
11.4 IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY
11.4.3 CRIME SCENE ATTENDANCE
The SIO should be clear about why they want a Home Office pathologist to attend a scene. If the SIO is of the opinion that the investigation would benefit from it, they should insist that the pathologist attends before the body is moved. This should first be discussed with the coroner.
Although it is not always necessary for the pathologist to attend crime scenes, occasions will frequently arise when attendance will benefit both the SIO, in relation to scene interpretation and removal of the body, and the pathologist in understanding and interpreting the injuries. The majority of pathologists have considerable experience of suspicious deaths. If there is any doubt, it is recommended that an SIO discusses the need to attend with a pathologist. The pathologist’s attendance at the scene will be particularly beneficial if the incident involves one or more of the following:
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Multiple stabbing or mutilation;•
Shootings involving multiple shots;•
Complex scenes, eg, a buried body or the attempted destruction of a body by fire;•
Where there are multiple scenes and/or multiple deaths;•
Circumstances where samples are required to be taken in situ, eg, – sexual offences– weapons embedded in the body – entomological evidence exists;
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Where advanced decomposition has occurred;•
Any scene where the SIO considers that attendance might be of benefit to the investigation.The SIO retains overall responsibility for all the crime scenes and directs all investigative activity. The pathologist must not attend scenes until the SIO is satisfied the initial crime scene assessment examinations have been completed and that the body can be removed from the scene without detriment to the investigation. Premature attendance of a pathologist at a scene can place the SIO under pressure to remove the body.
11.4.3.1 Briefing the Pathologist
Prior to an attendance at the crime scene the SIO should brief the pathologist, in writing where possible, and ensure the needs of the investigation are fully communicated. The following key areas should be included in the briefing:
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Identity of the body if known;•
History of the body – including the medical history of the victim, drugs found at the scene and actions taken or developments since the discovery of the body;•
Timescales concerning the finding of the body, the last sighting and any other significant times which may impact upon an estimation of the time of death;•
Any additional information received from other experts if appropriate;•
Initial evidence from witnesses;•
Scope and priorities of the investigation;•
Any special evidential expectations and requirements of the scene examination and post-mortem.At the briefing, the pathologist, in liaison with the SIO, the CSM and other physical evidence experts, will evaluate the available information and identify:
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Health and safety issues in relation to the scene of discovery of the body and the personnel involved in the examination of that scene;•
Evidential issues raised by the circumstances of death and how these issues are best approached;•
Risk of contamination posed by the circumstances of the case, and the measures that are required to prevent such contamination;•
How the examination of the scene and body should be approached;•
The best location for the autopsy and, if possible, an approximate time of arrival at that location.Pathologists should make a detailed, dated and timed record of the briefing.
Pathologists must record full details of the scene and the body, and document both their own actions and those of others that may be significant to the pathologist’s examination.
11.4.3.2 Taking Specimens at the Scene
It is essential that no specimens be taken from the body until there has been consultation between the pathologist and the CSM. SOCOs and forensic scientists, if present, should be consulted.
Where it is considered likely that trace evidence may be shed or contaminated by manipulation of the body into the body bag, it may be advisable to remove some or
When deciding what material will be relevant in any particular case, taking samples from the following areas should be considered:
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Tapings from exposed body surfaces and uppermost surfaces of clothing;•
Combings of head hair, beard and moustache hair and pubic hair;•
Plucked hairs from the above sites (additional hair samples may be needed if there is objective evidence of chronic drug use);•
A swab or swabs from the mouth, teeth, genitals and any injured or moist surface areas of the body;•
Tapings from the hands where any foreign material is recognised;•
Scrapings from underneath the fingernails of each hand, or fingernail cuttings.If the pathologist is unable to attend or is delayed and it is agreed the removal of the body is essential, for example, because of the locality or adverse weather, the SIO should ascertain from the pathologist what action might be taken prior to removal.
When a scene has not been attended, photographs, video recordings and other imaging techniques may be useful in the subsequent briefing of the pathologist.
11.4.3.3 Removal of the Body
When a scene has been assessed, the pathologist will usually supervise the packaging and subsequent removal of the body. If trace evidence has not been collected at the scene, the deceased’s hands may be placed in bags before the body is removed. If the head is to be similarly placed in a bag, it must be remembered that any open head wound is likely to shed blood into the bag during transit. This may obscure such details as the direction of dried bloodstains and make it difficult to collect trace evidence. It is advisable to examine the head for such material at the scene, where applicable.
On arrival at the autopsy room the body should remain undisturbed, still in its wrapping or body bag, until the pathologist arrives to undertake the examination.
This is unless any different action has previously been agreed with the SIO, or other person designated by the SIO, for some specific purpose.
The SIO is responsible for ensuring continuity of the body. They must designate an officer to accompany the body from the crime scene to the post-mortem examination room, and to identify the body to the pathologist.
Where the death may be related to firearms or explosives samples taken from hair and hands must be made using only the appropriate, specific sampling kits approved by the relevant forensic science laboratory.