HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

1008.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

As stated in Policy 1101 - Identification, the preferred method of fingerprinting for all decedents received at the Coroner Division Facility is Livescan. This policy establishes the rules and guidelines for use of the Livescan system.

1008.2 INTAKE RESPONSIBILITIES

During intake processing at the Coroner Division Facility, the Deputy Coroner shall:

• Take fingerprints of all 10 digits using the Livescan system.

1. If the decedent has fewer than 10 digits, fingerprints shall be taken of the remaining digits, with specific annotation made in Livescan regarding the missing digits (i.e.

deformed, missing, etc.)

2. If the quality of fingerprint detail is compromised due to condition of the remains, the Deputy Coroner may use his/her discretion to take fingerprints via an alternate method as detailed in Policy 1101.

• Electronically save and submit the fingerprints to CA DOJ and the FBI for search.
• Print a copy of the completed 10-print card and retain it in the case file.

1008.3 RETURN OF LIVESCAN SEARCH RESULTS

The investigating Deputy Coroner shall be responsible for reviewing and verifying all returned Livescan results. Results will be provided via the livescan software, at which time the Deputy Coroner shall:

• Review and verify the two separate returns for possible hits. Returns will include:

1. California Department of Justice (DOJ)
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

1008.3.1 POSITIVE LIVESCAN SEARCH RESULTS

If Livescan results return with a positive match, the Deputy Coroner shall search at least one of the returned record number(s) through CLETS to find the name associated with that record. If it is not possible to find the name via the CLETS database, the Deputy Coroner shall contact the returning agency directly to obtain the information.

• If the name and date of birth associated with the matched record is printed directly on the return by the returning agency, this requirement to verify does not apply.
• For already identified decedents, the Deputy Coroner shall confirm the identification by ensuring that the name and date of birth printed on the return and/or found via CLETS matches the information input in the Coroner's Log.

1008.3.2 NEGATIVE LIVESCAN

If the Livescan return indicates negative search results, the Deputy Coroner should consult the Coroner to determine whether a positive return was anticipated based on case history and circumstances.

• For already identified decedents:

1. If a positive return was not anticipated and Livescan results are negative, no further action is required.

• For unidentified decedents:

1. If Livescan results are negative, the Deputy Coroner will document the search results and pursue identification via other means detailed in Policy 1105 – Unidentified Persons.

1008.4 LIVESCAN DISCREPANCIES

If a Livescan search returns a result that significantly differs from information previously obtained by the Deputy Coroner, the Deputy Coroner shall:

• Immediately notify the Coroner
• Conduct any necessary follow-up investigation as needed.

1008.4.1 SPELLING OR MINOR VARIANCES

If the Livescan discrepancy appears to be only a spelling difference or minor variation, and all other demographic information matches that entered by the Deputy Coroner, the Deputy Coroner should note the name variance in their narrative report. The Deputy Coroner shall then compare the name spelling against other available sources in order to determine spelling accuracy.

Record Information Management Systems/RIMS