« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
3 INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE PATHOLOGIST
3.1 Standard
The forensic pathologist must be readily accessible to the Procurator Fiscal and police in accordance with whatever conditions are set out in an appropriate contract or local service delivery agreement.
At the initial contact with the police or Procurator Fiscal, the pathologist will determine:
a) that if not already directly contacted by the Procurator Fiscal, the latter has been notified of the death and has authorised the attendance of the pathologist
b) the nature of the case and, if known, the issues surrounding it
c) the need for the pathologist to attend the scene of discovery of the body following discussion between the Procurator Fiscal, Senior Investigating Officer ( SIO) and Crime Scene Manager ( CSM)
d) if attending the scene, its location, any directions to it, and an agreed time of arrival, bearing in mind the possible requirement of others to attend beforehand
It may be relevant for the pathologist to document these issues and record the timings.
3.2 Code of practice
It is the responsibility of pathologists to ensure that, when on call, they can be contacted at all times. Adequate arrangements should be in place for pathologists to be available to provide cover during off-duty and leave periods. Maintenance of these arrangements is the responsibility of the pathologist. Those involved in a rota system should give adequate advance notice of any changes in such arrangements.
It is also the responsibility of pathologists to ensure that the relevant Procurators Fiscal have available to them full contact details. Even when not on duty, it is helpful if such details are known in case there is some emergency, such as an incident involving mass fatalities, in which the attendance of as many pathologists as possible may be required.
There should be no unreasonable delay in responding to a call, particularly where examination of the body at the scene is required. The Procurators Fiscal and/or police must be made aware of the time required to travel to a particular incident; this will vary from situation to situation depending on the distances involved. If there is to be an undue delay, arrangements should be in place, and adequate resources available, for the provision of a suitable deputy.
On occasion, the pathologist can reasonably expect the police to make arrangements for travel, for example to avoid the pathologist having to drive a long distance. Provision of rapid transfer by the police may also be appropriate in some cases.
« Previous | Contents | Next »