10-113 - Dead Bodies – Offense/Incident Reports

Policy

When officers are assigned a dead body call and there are no suspicious circumstances, the officers shall make an Offense/Incident Report titled "DOA" (Dead On Arrival). The report shall include all pertinent information regarding identification, probable cause of death, name of doctor and removal of the body.

If the identity of the body cannot be established after the medical examiner arrives, officers shall use "unknown" for the victim's name on the report. A complete description of the victim shall be included.

It is expected that officers will give reasonable aid and comfort to the family members present and ensure that they are able to make necessary arrangements. Services of an MPD Community Chaplain or other clergy may be offered. (07/21/16)

• Probable Cause: Having reasonable grounds for supporting the requested Court order, to include: search warrants, arrests or other legal process. Probable cause is required by the Fourth Amendment. Officers must have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed or that there is evidence of the crime present in the place to be searched.