Death Scene Investigation and Communication

Death scene investigation and communication
Name
Institution affiliation
Overview
In the cases involving sudden, suspicious, unexplained, and unnatural deaths, the investigators have to follow some investigative and medico-legal procedures that establish the course and the cause of death. A collaborative effort of the investigators and other involved stakeholders comes in handy towards solving the case and informing the relatives. Officers require extensive training to obtain the conduct skills critical in disseminating such news to the kin. Based on their statutory mandate, these professionals should obtain training that govern their successful interaction with the next of kin.
1 A. question 2
An investigator communicating with next of kin about death
The initial step that I as an investigator will take about communicating with NOK (next of kin) about the unexpected demise of the college student would be to consider that different people grief differently. One has to take into consideration the personal, cultural and religious factors that revolve around the immediate members that may affect how they receive and process the news. I will be empathetic, tolerant, and understanding regarding any reaction, and for that, I would give them enough time to allow the news sink in, and assume the responsibility of comforting them
Next, I would avail information on generously to help the members make sense of their case as well as decide on the concerned measures going forward.

I will be willing and ready to answer all the questions that they could have. SWGMDI (2012, p.2) argues that, ‘Grieving families have difficulty processing information verbally and remembering details’ In cases that I realize that the family members’ language is different or that the coordination is difficult due to some challenges, I will make an effort to have a personal translator who will clarify everything. One has to be as vivid as can in conveying deadlines and obligations.
Lastly, one has to make an effort to retrieve the personal effects of the diseased as early as possible. Delivering such later on could rekindle the grief and set them off balance. Let them know the pieces like Identification Cards that would be used in processing forensic evidence.
For matters regarding viewing the body, SWGMDI (2012) suggests that one should be upfront with the family regarding the current status of the body. This aspect averts the crafting of unrealistic hope seeing as the body may be decomposed or distorted beyond the expected. He or she has to state with clarity the severity of the distortion of the body to avoid more heartache. Connecting the family with the funeral home attendants might make things easier as the latter has experience in handling dead bodies. One must provide a safer and good grieving ground for the people as well as grief with them. This solidarity makes them feel less abandoned.
Communicating with the family regarding their legal rights in the matter is critical. One has to direct them on the acquisition of the final autopsy that determines the cause of the death. If they decide to seek justice, one should take them through the processes and connect them with a legal representative.
2 A. Question 1. The type of information required in every death investigation
An investigator will acquire the personal information of the diseased. He or she will need to contact the relatives hence the assets like phones and documents come in handy. An autopsy report is also critical in an investigation as it indicates the means as well as the cause of the demise of the victims. This extensive report proves the health status of an individual beforehand as well as the information. The concerned medical examiner or coroner conducts it then he or she sends a copy of the original to the law enforcement officers. An investigator will also require the pronunciation of death concept to proceed with the researching procedure. One also requires the information that might lead to the cause of demise. Interviewing suspects and witnesses clarifies the matter thus helps in the case solving.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 SWGMDI. (2012). Principles for Communicating with Next of Kin during Medicolegal Death Investigations. New York: SWGMDI’s NOK services and communication committee. Retrieved from www .SWGMDI.org