SFJ BK401 Obtain and record ante mortem data

Overview This standard is about the collection of ante mortem information and samples from the family, premises or property of persons involved, or potentially involved, in a multiple fatality incident. It includes treating family members in a manner which respects their needs, culture, religion and personal circumstances, whilst obtaining relevant information and ante mortem samples to support the process of victim identification.

There is one element

1 Obtain and record ante mortem data

Target Group This standard is for family liaison officers who collect, or arrange collection, of ante mortem information and samples from the family, premises or property of persons involved, or potentially involved in a mass fatality incident.

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Performance criteria

You must be able to: P1 identify the family members of an individual involved, or potentially involved, in a multiple fatality incident P2 assess any risks involved in meeting with family members P3 interview families as soon as possible after the incident, in accordance with the interview strategy P4 communicate with families in a manner which is courteous, non- judgemental and promotes understanding P5 treat individuals in a manner appropriate to their needs, culture, religion and personal circumstances P6 provide the family with as full and up-to-date information as possible about the incident and its investigation P7 gather initial information and evidence from the family as required to support the identification/investigation strategy P8 obtain, or arrange collection of suitable comparative ante-mortem samples in the least intrusive manner possible and with the necessary consent P9 handle, package, seal, label and exhibit ante-mortem samples, where required, in a manner which prevents contamination, cross- contamination, loss or degradation of potential evidence P10 accurately and fully complete the relevant ante-mortem forms P11 document any property or material taken from the family P12 maintain appropriate records of all contact with the family and other parties connected to the family P13 avoid duplication of requests for information P14 share relevant information with other personnel and agencies, in accordance with information sharing protocols P15 obtain guidance or information from specialists where required P16 liaise with other officers, staff and specialists engaged in the disaster victim identification process

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Knowledge and Legal and organisational requirements understanding

You need to know and K1 current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and understand: guidelines for obtaining and recording ante mortem data K2 current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidelines in relation to race, diversity and human rights K3 current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidelines in relation to health and safety

Obtaining and recording ante mortem data

You need to know and K4 methods of identifying family members of an individual involved, or understand: potentially involved, in a mass fatality incident K5 why it is important to interview families as soon as possible after the incident K6 why it is important to communicate with families in a manner which is courteous, non-judgemental K7 how to communicate with individuals in ways that promote understanding K8 how to treat individuals in a manner which recognises their needs, culture, religion and personal circumstances K9 why it is important that family(s) are provided with open, honest and timely information where possible K10 the information and evidence which may be obtained from the family to support the identification strategy K11 the types and quantities of comparative ante-mortem samples that may be obtained to support the identification strategy K12 how to obtain ante-mortem samples in the least intrusive manner possible K13 how to avoid duplication of requests for information K14 how to obtain consent from family members for the collection of ante- mortem samples to support the identification strategy K15 how to handle, package, seal, label and exhibit ante-mortem samples in a manner which prevents contamination, cross-contamination, loss or degradation of potential evidence K16 protocols for sharing relevant information with other personnel and agencies K17 how, when and from whom to obtain technical/specialist support and advice K18 the importance of maintaining effective communication with others involved in the DVI process

Documentation

You need to know and K19 the types of ante-mortem documentation that must be completed

SFJ BK401 Obtain and record ante mortem data 3 SFJ BK401 Obtain and record ante mortem data understand: K20 the procedures for completing and submitting ante-mortem documentation K21 how to record any property or material taken from the family K22 why records must be kept of all contact with the family and other parties connected to the family

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Additional Information

Scope/range 1. information related to 1.1. family background performance 1.2. circumstances of relevance to the individual involved criteria 1.3. medical history/records of the individual involved 1.4. distinguishing features of the individual involved

2. ante-mortem samples 2.1. familial DNA 2.2. objects or materials likely to yield a DNA profile 2.3. objects or materials likely to yield fingerprints 2.4. photographs

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Developed by Skills for Justice

Version number 1

Date approved May 2010

Indicative review May 2015 date

Validity Current

Status Original

Originating Skills for Justice organisation

Original URN SFJ BK401

Relevant Public Services; Public Service and Other Associate Professionals occupations

Suite Policing and Law Enforcement

Key words DVI, deceased, fatality, victims, disaster, emergency, identify, ante mortem

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