Sudden death

In some centres first line officers responding to sudden deaths manage all the police work. The following guidelines describe the police response to sudden death:

		First at the scene
		Continuity of the evidence
		Collecting evidence at the scene
		Collecting evidence from the body
		Evidence from the autopsy

First at the scene (Sudden death)

In centres where special units respond quickly to deaths, the first officer at the scene only secures the scene until they arrive.

In centres where special units are either not available or will take a long time to respond, the first officer at the scene may investigate a sudden death.

1. Take time to compose yourself.
2. Treat the death as a homicide.
3. Request the special units, if available, and the coroner.
4. Secure the scene.
5. Keep continuity of evidence until the units arrive.
6. Preserve or note evidence of a temporary nature.

See also First at the scene

See also Crime scene

See also Homicide

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Continuity of the evidence (Sudden death)

1. Stay at the scene until you are relieved of duties.
2. Keep the public away from the scene.
3. Keep the evidence in sight.
4. If the evidence is temporary:
   • photograph it
   • note its description
   • cover it with paper bags or boxes
5. Keep a continuity log noting:
   • the time
   • the evidence
   • the location of the evidence
   • what you did to the evidence

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Collecting evidence at the scene (Sudden death)

Collecting evidence is a police responsibility. If the special units will not attend, begin collecting and documenting evidence.

1. Photograph and measure the scene.
2. Record a description of the scene.
3. Examine the scene for such evidence as:
   • fingerprints
   • footprints
   • blood splatter
   • illicit drugs
4. Consider testing for gunshot residue. Avoid time delays.
5. Collect any evidence.
6. Keep continuity of the evidence.

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Collecting evidence from the body (Sudden death)

1. Photograph and measure the body.
2. Record a description of the body.
3. Consider covering the hands and feet with paper bags.
4. Consider examining the body for trace evidence and collecting it.
5. Collect evidence that is time sensitive:
   • gunshot residue
   • arrange for vaginal, rectal, and oral swabs if you suspect sexual assault
6. Keep continuity of the evidence.
7. Transport the body in a new body bag and maintain continuity of the body.

See also Crime scene

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Evidence from the autopsy (Sudden death)

Collecting evidence from the body and maintaining continuity of the evidence are police responsibilities.

1. Record the body measurements and weight.
2. Photograph the body:
   • overall, front and back
   • head, front, and side
   • identifying marks, tattoos
   • external injuries, including a scale in the photo
   • internal injuries, including a scale in the photo
3. Place each item of clothing in an evidence bag and label the bag.
4. Consider collecting evidence from:
   • fingernail scrapings or clippings, bagged and labeled individually
   • X-rays of body
   • fingerprints and footprints
   • blood/body fluids for poison, drugs, or alcohol
5. After the autopsy, ask the pathologist about the cause of death and other findings.
6. Take the specimens and evidence to the testing agency, maintaining continuity of evidence.

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