Policy Text
POLICY
153.0DEATH - NATURAL
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
4/2019
A.The most common situation involving death that an officer encounters is that of a
natural death.
1.Things to consider and note while investigating a death:
a.Age of victim
b.Location of victim
c.Condition of surroundings
d.Condition of victim (Bruises, clothing, etc.)
e.Prescription medicines on or about the person
f.Information from physician, if available
g.Information from family or friends, if on scene
B.If the physician will sign the death certificate, the reporting Officer will document the
name and contact information of the physician, the time of notification and what the
deceased was being treated for on the OI Report. At that time the body may be released
to the next of kin.
C.If the physician will not sign the death certificate, the reporting Officer will document
the name and contact information of the physician, the time of notification and what the
deceased was being treated for on the OI Report. At that time Miami Dade Homicide
will be notified. Upon the arrival of Miami Dade Homicide Detective(s) the scene will
be turned over to the investigator along with a completed copy of the OI Report. If
Miami Dade Homicide does not respond after being contacted, the name, rank and ID #
of the contacted Detective will be documented in the OI Report and the Medical
Examiner’s Office will be contacted.
D.Notify a supervisor of the death and any questionable circumstances involved.
1.The officer will initiate the death report being as complete and concise as
possible. The officer will include in his report all information, including:
a.Family or friends on the scene
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b.Time that victim was last seen alive and by whom
c.Person finding the victim and time
d.Time and person notified at Medical Examiner's Office
e.Name of supervisor notified.
2.The investigating officer will notify the next of kin, and note in his report that it
was done.
See also: Notification of Medical Examiner.
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