What is the normal process of a forensic death investigation?
In many cases when there is a death, at least two jurisdictions are involved. The police or law enforcement agencies involved have jurisdiction over the crime scene and its associated physical evidence. The medical examiner is responsible for the body of the deceased and any physical evidence in direct contact with the body. With the exception of life-saving efforts that may be attempted by fire/ rescue officials, the body may not be touched or moved by anyone (including law enforcement officials) without the permission of the medical examiner. Therefore, forensic investigators from the Medical Examiners Office typically respond to every non-natural death scene before the body is removed from the scene. Forensic investigators will document the pertinent details and collect information about the circumstances of death. The body will then be transported to the Medical Examiners Office, where it will be placed in refrigeration until examination.
