Death Investigation GPSTC 320/321
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autopsy - ✔✔the examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death. Dissection of
a dead body. For the purpose of determining the cause of death and the circumstances
surrounding the scene
When examining body: - ✔✔-make sure to look at all aspects
-dead bodies don't bruise
-take pics with and without rulers at different angles
-hospital tubing should be left intact when applicable.
Who has control over scene of death - ✔✔OCGA 45-16-25 when present at the scene of
death, the leave officer shall have jurisdiction over the scene of death. Coroner and LEO
shall make inquiries together regarding cause of death
Medical Examiner - ✔✔chief, regional, county or local
Coroner - ✔✔four year term, constitutionally elected, independent death investigation
inquest - ✔✔official hearing or investigation seeking the cause of death
Death Notice - ✔✔LE must provide coroner with death notification the county the body
or death was found
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY EMILY CHARLENE, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, when does LE have to investigate a death? - ✔✔Suicide or casualty
Suddenly when in apparent good health
When unattended by a physician
In any suspicious or unusual manner with particular Attention to those persons 16
years of age and under
After birth but before 7 years of age if death is Unexpected or unexplained
As a result of an execution carried out pursuant to the imposition of the death penalty
Any inmate
signs of death - ✔✔decomposition, cessation of circulation, cessation of respiration,
complete muscular relaxation, algor mortis-cooling down, rigor mortis-onset after 4-6
hrs, last 4-6 hrs, up to 24 hrs., livor mortis- cadaveric lividity-red-blue discoloration,
changes of the eye
the eye having a "glazed over" look
the signs of death must work - ✔✔in conjunction not either or
Estimating time of death - ✔✔Can never give an exact time of death; examiner can
analyze many characteristics to give an approximate time of death.
can be estimated within *four* hours
recent death - ✔✔the easiest to determine. the body is still warm
mucus membranes are still moist. pupils are beginning to dilate and fix.
Death 1/2 hour to four days prior - ✔✔if death occurred within four days the mucous
membranes are already dry. skin blisters, skin slippage, body is slightly pink
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY EMILY CHARLENE, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Exam Questions and Answers 100%
Pass
autopsy - ✔✔the examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death. Dissection of
a dead body. For the purpose of determining the cause of death and the circumstances
surrounding the scene
When examining body: - ✔✔-make sure to look at all aspects
-dead bodies don't bruise
-take pics with and without rulers at different angles
-hospital tubing should be left intact when applicable.
Who has control over scene of death - ✔✔OCGA 45-16-25 when present at the scene of
death, the leave officer shall have jurisdiction over the scene of death. Coroner and LEO
shall make inquiries together regarding cause of death
Medical Examiner - ✔✔chief, regional, county or local
Coroner - ✔✔four year term, constitutionally elected, independent death investigation
inquest - ✔✔official hearing or investigation seeking the cause of death
Death Notice - ✔✔LE must provide coroner with death notification the county the body
or death was found
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY EMILY CHARLENE, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, when does LE have to investigate a death? - ✔✔Suicide or casualty
Suddenly when in apparent good health
When unattended by a physician
In any suspicious or unusual manner with particular Attention to those persons 16
years of age and under
After birth but before 7 years of age if death is Unexpected or unexplained
As a result of an execution carried out pursuant to the imposition of the death penalty
Any inmate
signs of death - ✔✔decomposition, cessation of circulation, cessation of respiration,
complete muscular relaxation, algor mortis-cooling down, rigor mortis-onset after 4-6
hrs, last 4-6 hrs, up to 24 hrs., livor mortis- cadaveric lividity-red-blue discoloration,
changes of the eye
the eye having a "glazed over" look
the signs of death must work - ✔✔in conjunction not either or
Estimating time of death - ✔✔Can never give an exact time of death; examiner can
analyze many characteristics to give an approximate time of death.
can be estimated within *four* hours
recent death - ✔✔the easiest to determine. the body is still warm
mucus membranes are still moist. pupils are beginning to dilate and fix.
Death 1/2 hour to four days prior - ✔✔if death occurred within four days the mucous
membranes are already dry. skin blisters, skin slippage, body is slightly pink
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY EMILY CHARLENE, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
