Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department DGO 6.05
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 06/14/23
Eff. 09/21/23
Page 1 of 7
Death Cases
6.05.01 PURPOSE
This order describes the procedures for the preliminary investigation of death cases and
delineates responsibilities of the responding officers, supervisors, and the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner (OCME). This order does not cover In-Custody Deaths (DGO 8.12) or
Investigations of Officer-Involved Shootings and Discharges resulting in death (DGO 8.11).
6.05.0 2 DEFINITIONS
Department of Public Health’s Comprehensive Crisis Services (CCS) supports the needs of
children, youth, adults, and families impacted by violence and/or mental health crises. CCS
routinely responds to homicide scenes. CCS can provide clinical support, therapy, and crisis case management services. If need ed, members may contact CCS directly or refer individuals to
CCS at (415) 970-3800. Dying Declaration is a statement made by a dying person r egarding the cause and circumstances
of their impending death .
Human Service Agency Family and Children ’s Services (FCS) responds to suspected
child abuse, neglect, or exploitation reports . If needed, members may contact FCS directly
at (415) 558- 2650.
Member refers to sworn personnel, unless otherwise specified.
San Francisco Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP) is a street outreach and crisis
response program that aims to reduce and intervene in street violence. SVIP members routinely
respond to homi cide scenes resulting from street violence and can be identified by a
jacket/windbreaker with an “SVIP” logo. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is “the sudden death of an infant under one year of age
which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.” (California Department of Public Health)
6.05.03 POLICY
Members’ primary responsibility in a death case is to determine whether any crime occurred which contributed to the death. To preserve potential evidence, the initial response to any death
case should treat the location as a crime scene until determined otherwise. Members should make
DGO 6.05
Rev. 06/14/23
Eff. 09/21/23
Page 2 of 7
reasonable efforts to protect the d ecedent’s privacy and dignity. Members are reminded that they
may only take or use a photograph of the deceased for law enforcement purposes (PC 647.9).
After members conduct a preliminary investigation, the OCME is the lead investigating agency
for SIDS, suicides, overdose deaths, and natural death cases. The Homicide U nit is the lead
investigating unit for suspicious deaths and homicides. Homicides and suspicious deaths which
occur in San Francisco under the jurisdiction of other l aw enforcement entities (e.g., SF Sheriff’s
Department, UCSF Police Department, BART P olice Department, etc.) may be investigated by
that jurisdiction ; or by San Francisco Police Department ’s (SFPD) Homicide U nit if requested by
the other jurisdiction , and at the discretion of the Deputy Chief of the Investigations Bureau.
6.05.04 PROCEDURES
A. General Procedures During Death Investigations
1. Determining Death - A member who discovers or is dispatched to the scene of a death
shall ensure an ambulance has been called and immediately initiate life-saving
procedures , if appropriate . Even if death is evident , such as rigor, rotting/advanced
decomposition, evisceration of heart/brain, decapitation, or lividity, an ambulance is
needed as paramedics declare the time of death. If the paramedics determine that the
person is dead, members shall note the time of death and confirm paramedics have
contacted the OCME to respond to the scene.
If there is any doubt concerning the manner of death, members shall obtain a statement
from OCME personnel clarifying whether the death appears natural or suspicious . If
SFPD and OCME personnel disagree concerning the nature of the death, a n SFPD
supervisor shall immediately contact the L ieutenant of Homicide through the Department
Operations Center to discuss the investigation.
2. Searching or M oving a Body - Members shall no t search nor move a body, except in the
following s ituations :
a. If the member believes their life or the lives of others are in danger if the body is
not searched or moved immediately.
b. If failure to move the body would likely result in its loss ( e.g., by fi re, ocean
currents , etc. ). If possible, this decision should be made by a supervisor.
c. With the permission of OCME.
Whenever a body is moved or searched prior to the arrival of the OCME, members shal l
notify the OCM E, document the reason in the incident re port, and document the name of
the individual who authorized the search or movement , if applicable .
3. Witnessing Searches - Members should witness search es by OCME personnel and obtain
an OCME property receipt for any property taken from the body or the premises. A
Homicide Investigator, with the consent of OCME pe rsonnel , may take charge of any
evidence relating to a suspected homicide