HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

1004.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

California Government Code 27491 specifies all deaths requiring an inquiry by the Coroner. California Government Code 27491.2 authorizes, but does not require, the Coroner to render a field response where the death falls within the Coroner's jurisdiction. The purpose of this policy is to establish those deaths where the inquiry shall include a field response by the assigned Deputy Coroner.

1004.2 DEFINITION

A field response is defined as an in-person response by the Deputy Coroner to the death location, and/or any related incident location, to conduct a death investigation.

• All field responses to locations other than the death scene shall be made within the parameters of the 4th amendment.

1004.3 DEATHS REQUIRING A FIELD RESPONSE

The following deaths shall require a field response by the assigned Deputy Coroner:

• All known or suspected homicide deaths,

1. If the time from the initial injury to the time of death is significantly delayed, and the law enforcement agency declines to respond to the death location due to lack of forensic value, the Deputy Coroner may also waive his/her field response.

• All deaths occurring while in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
• All deaths when it is known or suspected that a peace officer was involved.
• All unnatural deaths occurring outside of medical facilities.
• Deaths that occur while in the emergency room under any of the following circumstances:

1. When death is a result of an accident or injury of an acute nature.
2. When the death is known or suspected as resulting from suicide.
3. When acute drug or ethanol overdose is known or suspected.
4. When acute asphyxiation, of a non-natural nature, is known or suspected.
5. When an acute drowning is known or suspected as being related to the death.

• Natural deaths that occur outside of medical facilities when any of the following circumstances apply:

1. When the death occurs outside of a private residence or temporary place of residence.

• A temporary residence may include motel rooms, board and care homes, and other similar facilities.

2. When the circumstances surrounding the death do not support a reasonable expectation of sudden death.
3. When the reporting party suspects neglect or reports poor living conditions.

• All deaths of unidentified persons.
• All deaths suspected as being a result of SUIDS.
• Residential deaths where the decedent was unattended at the time of death.

1. For purposes of this policy, unattended is defined as not having another party present in or about the residence at the time of death.

• Any other case under Coroner jurisdiction where the circumstances are such that prudent investigative practice would require any of the following actions by the deputy coroner:

1. On-scene examination of the body
2. Collection of the decedent's personal effects or sealing of the residence
3. Collection of evidence
4. In-person interview with witnesses
5. Evaluation of the scene
6. Identification confirmation

1004.4 EXCEPTIONS TO THE FIELD RESPONSE

Field responses to emergency room deaths as described in section 1104.2.E (emergency room deaths) may be waived at the discretion of the assigned Deputy Coroner when there is no investigative or forensic value to be gained from responding (for example: no law enforcement or witnesses present, no property or evidence to collect). Field responses to deaths in category 1104.2.J.2 (unattended deaths) may also be waived at the discretion of the assigned Deputy Coroner if the time the decedent was left unattended is minimal, there are no other investigative factors necessitating a response, and there is strong evidence to show that the death is not unexpected (for example: the decedent is under the care of a doctor for significant medical history or chronic illness, and there are no other circumstances to suggest an unnatural death). Any other exceptions to this policy shall be documented in the Coroner Investigator's written report.

1004.5 RESPONSE TIME

Deputy Coroners shall make every effort to respond to the death location as quickly as possible. Immediate response shall be made to any death on or near major highways resulting in significant traffic impact and other deaths in public view.

Unidentified Persons 1005 Unidentified Persons