Death Investigation GPSTC 320/321
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
autopsy - CORRECT ANSWER - 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: - CORRECT ANSWER - -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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - chief, regional, county or local
Coroner - CORRECT ANSWER - four year term, constitutionally elected, independent death
investigation
inquest - CORRECT ANSWER - official hearing or investigation seeking the cause of death
Death Notice - CORRECT ANSWER - LE must provide coroner with death notification the
county the body or death was found
when does LE have to investigate a death? - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - in conjunction not either or
Estimating time of death - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - if death occurred within four days
the mucous membranes are already dry. skin blisters, skin slippage, body is slightly pink
changes in the eyes - CORRECT ANSWER - -the outside surface of the eye begins to become
cloudy within 30 mins of death
-7 hours partial restriction
-60 hours: completely opaque
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
autopsy - CORRECT ANSWER - 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: - CORRECT ANSWER - -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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - chief, regional, county or local
Coroner - CORRECT ANSWER - four year term, constitutionally elected, independent death
investigation
inquest - CORRECT ANSWER - official hearing or investigation seeking the cause of death
Death Notice - CORRECT ANSWER - LE must provide coroner with death notification the
county the body or death was found
when does LE have to investigate a death? - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - in conjunction not either or
Estimating time of death - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - 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 - CORRECT ANSWER - if death occurred within four days
the mucous membranes are already dry. skin blisters, skin slippage, body is slightly pink
changes in the eyes - CORRECT ANSWER - -the outside surface of the eye begins to become
cloudy within 30 mins of death
-7 hours partial restriction
-60 hours: completely opaque
