Module 17

There are numerous actions that need to be considered at a suspicious death scene, and each incident may have different questions that have to be asked in addition to those already identified.

These actions may depend upon the nature of the death. For example, a sudden infant death (SID) may not be an obvious homicide, but due to the concerns about infanticide being covered up as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), each cot death is dealt with not only as a potential murder scene, but also as an opportunity for further research to be done into SIDS.

The additional steps for consideration would include:

• Checking the telephone for last number redial and answering machine facilities. (N.B. Do not touch the telephone system until crime scene investigation has been completed unless there is a risk of losing the potential lines of enquiry that redial will supply. This enquiry can now be done retrospectively.)
• Use still and video photography at the earliest opportunity. If a camera is available from the outset (in addition to, and prior to the arrival of specialist scene photographers), use it.
• If there is a computer at the scene, ensure that its preservation is facilitated by seeking the advice or presence of a forensic computer investigator. (See Computer Module) If such a resource is unavailable, the computer will be removed with all of its cabling intact. If the computer was switched ON upon arrival, it will be turned off simply by removing the plug, NOT by closing it down. Even switching the computer off is considered as interference with the content of the hard drive.
• If the deceased had a camera, this will be seized and the film developed.
• House to house enquiries shall be undertaken at some stage. But this is not necessarily the prime concern at the time of the scene discovery. The exact nature of the information to be divulged to the house occupants, as well as the precise line of questioning, should ideally be confirmed first. Urgency may dictate that the house-to-house enquiry be undertaken quickly, but care must be taken not to divulge too much information, as some information will be known only to a suspect.
• If a weapon is found at the scene, do not touch it. If it is a firearm, it must be handled by a trained individual, who will make it safe while minimising the damaging effects of handling in respect of forensic evidence.
• Ambulance personnel will be interviewed about the action they took at the homicide scene, particularly in respect of movement of the body or associated articles. Not only if they moved the deceased, but also who, why and how. Elimination fingerprints should be taken from the emergency crew

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