Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme
Protective Marking
Not Protectively Marked
Publication Scheme Y/N
Yes
Title
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Policy
Version
2.0
Summary
This policy provides an overview of the Disaster
Victim Identification (DVI) process. DVI is the
internationally accepted term to describe the
processes and procedures for recovering and
identifying deceased people in multiple fatality
incidents.
(B)OCU or Unit, Directorate
Homicide & Serious Crime Command -
Specialist Crime & Operations (SC&O)
Author
Disaster Victim Identification Team (SC&O1)
Review Date
April 2019
Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
Protective Marking: Not Protectively Marked Publication (Y/N): Y
Title: Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Policy
Summary:
This policy provides an overview of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process. DVI is the internationally accepted term to describe the processes and procedures for recovering and identifying deceased people in multiple fatality incidents.
Branch / OCU: Homicide & Serious Crime Command - Specialist Crime & Operations (SC&O)
Date created: 29 April 2015 Review date: April 2019 Version: 2.0
Author: Disaster Victim Identification Team (SC&O1)
Application
• When? This Policy applies with immediate effect.
• Who? All police officers and police staff, including the extended police family and those working
voluntarily or under contract to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) or the Commissioner must be aware of, and are required to comply with, all relevant Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) policy and associated procedures.
This Policy applies in particular to officers and staff in the following roles: (This list is not intended to be exhaustive.)
• Police officers and police staff involved in initially responding to incidents involving DVI. • Police officers and staff involved in the investigation of DVI
• Managers involved in the supervision of responses to DVI
• Chairs and members of Strategic Committees and Policy Forums
• What? The DVI process should be activated in regard to multiple/mass fatality incidents. Each
incident will need to be managed on an individual basis. The size and nature of the DVI incident will dictate the extent and type of police DVI response.
The principles of DVI may be used for a range of incidents that have resulted in deaths of human beings, from those involving as little as two or three people to mass fatality incidents. A mass fatality incident is defined as any incident where the number of fatalities is greater than normal local arrangements can manage. The key procedures of DVI are;
•
Scene investigation and victim recovery•
Mortuary Investigation•
Reconciliation Investigation•
IdentificationPolicy Principles
Disaster Victim Identification is the internationally accepted term to describe the processes and procedures for recovering and identifying deceased people and human remains in multiple fatality incidents.
The process involves the bringing together of ante mortem and post mortem data to facilitate identification. The MPS works with HM Coroners, to implement the Interpol standards of identification, using one or more of the primary identifiers (DNA, fingerprints, odontology or in some case unique medical identifiers) wherever possible, to formally identify deceased disaster victims.
HM Coroner has overall responsibility for establishing the identity of the deceased. Police will investigate on behalf of HM Coroner. The Senior Investigation Manager (SIM), an experienced Senior Investigating officer (SIO), will lead and manage the police investigation into the identity of the deceased.
If a criminal investigation is ongoing, in relation to the incident from which the DVI arises, both the SIM and SIO involved in the investigation will liaise to share relevant information to assist both investigative processes.
The principal aims of the MPS DVI process, in line with the recommendations from the Lord Justice Clarke report, which arose out of the Marchioness inquiry, are:
• Provision of honest and as far as possible accurate information at all times and every
stage.
• To treat the deceased and the bereaved with respect and dignity
• A sympathetic and caring approach throughout
• Avoidance of mistaken identity
The MPS responds to local, regional, national and international DVI incidents directly or at the request of others, including the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO DVI). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is a key partner with regard to international incidents.
The key roles and responsibilities in the DVI process are: • Central Casualty Bureau. Two departments;
1. The Incident Call Handling Centre (ICC) - Single point of contact for receiving and assessing information about persons involved, or believed to be involved, in the incident.
2. Casualty Bureau Incident Room - Reconcile missing person records with casualty, survivor and evacuee records. Collate information for relevant parties. Trace and identify people involved in the incident.
• Survivor Reception Centres. Provide short term shelter in a secure environment. Basic
first aid is given. Data collection and dissemination regarding casualties and missing persons. Evidence retrieval (including forensic material). Identification of witnesses/potential suspects. Liaison with local authority & partner agencies.
• Hospital Investigation Team. Liaise with hospital ‘Bronze’. Information collection and
dissemination regarding casualties and missing persons. Evidence retrieval (including forensic material). Identification of witnesses/potential suspects.
• Family Liaison. Single point of contact for families into any criminal investigation and the
identification investigation. Collection of Ante mortem data and explanation of identification processes to family.
• Disaster Victim Recovery. Recovery of the deceased - managed as an evidence
recovery process. Includes chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents (CBRNE)
• Mortuaries. To facilitate the post mortem procedures to achieve the identification and
investigative strategies. Collection of all post mortem data and samples and personal property from deceased. Includes use of specialist scientific roles.
• Humanitarian Assistance Centre. Managed by Local Authority. Ongoing, long term
support and assistance to those affected by the incident.
• Friends and Families Assistance Centre. Single Point of Contact for families and friends
to attend to report loved ones missing and to gain advice and assistance from police and support agencies.
• Reconciliation Process. Collation and analysis of ante mortem and post mortem data to
positively identify the deceased. Report completed containing scientific evidence of identification and evidence by the police reconciliation investigator of supporting identification evidence.
• Repatriation. Both repatriation into and out of the UK. In both cases the coroner will need
to be satisfied of correct identification and may request additional DVI processes dependant on the confidence in the operation.
• Identification Commission. Chaired by HM Coroner. Responsible for scrutinising the
evidence, relating to identity, in order to correctly and formally identify the deceased.
Purpose and Benefits
The purpose of the policy is to provide an overview and guidance to Disaster Victim Identification, thereby establishing an effective MPS approach to DVI.
The benefits are as follows;
• The policy provides a corporate approach and response to an incident involving DVI; with clear guidelines and acts as a single point of reference on issues relating to DVI.
• Adherence to the policy will ensure an improved service to the public, including families affected by DVI, through a well managed response and investigation.
• Following the correct DVI procedures will maximise the opportunity for expeditious correct identification and reduce opportunities for incorrect identification.
Associated Documents and Policies
Toolkits directly supporting this Policy:
Survivor Reception Centre (SRC) Toolkit Hospitals Toolkit
Victim Recovery Toolkit Disaster Mortuary Toolkit Reconciliation Toolkit
Other MPS policy and guidance relating to this policy: Critical Incidents Policy
Family Liaison Policy
London Homicide Manual - Disaster Victim Identification Mass Fatality Plan
National and International guidance relating to this policy: Interpol - Disaster Victim Identification
London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) Manual
College of Policing - Civil Contingencies - Disaster Victim Identification College of Policing - Civil Contingencies - Casualty Bureau
HM Government - Emergency preparedness Relevant legislation:
Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Crime and Disorder Act 1998
Notices to be Cancelled / Amended
Item 2, Notices 14/08, 2 April 2008 and Item 2, Notices 19/10 of 5th May 2010 are cancelled.
For further enquiries on this policy please contact DS Heather Scott, or alternatively DI Howard Way, SCD1, Disaster Victim Identification Team on extension 64736.
Equality Impact Assessment
Policies are developed and reviewed using a consultative approach involving relevant internal
and external stakeholders. Additionally, developers must consider what action needs to be
taken to help overcome or minimise any disadvantages that people who share a protected
characteristic will experience in compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Finally, the impact of
the policy will be monitored to identify any emerging issues, learning and benefits
post-delivery of the policy. The table below summarises the outcomes of these steps:
Research and consultation
Review of research
Guidelines were developed in preparation for the Olympics in 2012 for all the processes that were incorporated under DVI - five Toolkits have been developed in order to fill this knowledge/procedures gap: These Toolkits cover procedures for the following
• Victim Recovery
• Hospitals
• Disaster Mortuaries
• Survivor Reception Centres
• Reconciliation
The guidelines were borne out of learning from live events and exercises held over the last few years.
Internal consultation
Consultation with the following internal departments including Directorate of Legal Services (DLS), Territorial Policing (TP), Special Operations (SO) and Specialist Crime and Operations (SC&O). Feedback was broadly supportive, with minor wording changes requested.
Consultation has also been carried with the SAMURAI group (Staff
Associations Meeting Up Regularly and Interacting), a body that represents the internal staff support associations.
External Consultation
There has been wide consultation with external stakeholders including Coroners, UK DVI, London Resilience, British Transport Police (BTP), City of London Police (CoLP) and various embassies and consulates.
Protected Characteristics (Equality Act 2010)
Summary of Equality Impact Assessment
A full Equality Impact Assessment was carried out.
The nature of this policy means that each activation/exercise is unique. Consideration has been given to a variety of needs for different
groups/individuals and these have been built into the toolkit. Learning from future activations or exercises will further enhance the services provided as issues are brought to light.
Due to the unknown nature, both in type and size, of the next DVI incident, measures will be put in place to provide an efficient, effective and
professional response. This will be achieved by the use of the MPS DVI Toolkits and the MPS working alongside other statutory and voluntary agencies. Assessment of individual needs will be made at the time when in
possession of the information as to what is required and the environmental factors. Further advice can be gained from the MPS diversity specialists at the time of the incident.
Age
See summary above.
Both the very young and elderly may have needs which necessitate additional sensitive care or support or the deployment of specific
resources, such as mobility aids, trauma specialists, other specific health care specialists, communication aids.
Deaf/ disability
See summary above.
Provision of specialist equipment adapting/choosing premises to allow full access and use wherever possible, specialist health care provision, communication/visual aids are some of the considerations.
Gender reassignment
See summary above.
Shared facilities may be an issue. Consideration must be given to the appropriate use of shared facilities and or the provision of single sex/private facilities as appropriate. In regards to Data sharing -
Consideration must be given if any of the parties involved are or may be transgender - under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 - if any individual has or is applying for a Gender Recognition certificate - it is a criminal offence to disclose their previous gender history if MPS personnel are made aware of it through an official capacity.
Pregnancy and Maternity
See summary above.
Shared facilities may be an issue. Consideration must be given to the appropriate use of shared facilities and or the provision of single
sex/private facilities as appropriate. Pregnant women may require greater support and assistance and referral to medical facilities.
Race
See summary above.
Consideration should be given to use of Language Services for non English speakers, paperwork being translated into other languages, dealing with gender differently (males speaking to non family females may cause difficulties), food requirements & cultural requirements/needs.
Religion or belief
See summary above.
Consideration must be given to the provision of prayer rooms/areas and appropriate food/clothing to the survivors and religious holidays and any gender issues in communication. In regards to the deceased -
consideration will be given to religious practices relating to dealing with the deceased.
Sex
See summary above.
Consideration must be given to the appropriate use of shared facilities and or the provision of single sex/private facilities as appropriate.
Sexual Orientation
See summary above.
Consideration must be given to the appropriate use of shared facilities and or the provision of single sex/private facilities as appropriate.
Monitoring
12 month
implementation plan
Monitoring will be carried out following any live activations and exercises (which are held twice in an 18 month period) to review the response provided to persons affected by the incident in light of any particular group who may have been adversely affected and change processes where possible to meet those needs.
The MPS will ensure we meet the needs of minority groups wherever possible and will comply with any legal, moral or ethical obligations. A diversity review will be undertaken in regard to certain DVI trained personnel to identify any areas of under representation or barriers to recruitment and if any identified to take steps to address through senior management and future recruitment/selection processes.
Working with statutory organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to identify ongoing developments in the MPS response.
