MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which action should be taken when encountering a deceased individual at a scene?

1. Move the body immediately for evidence collection

2. Wait for the Medical Examiner to arrive

3. Begin searching for identification

4. Start interviewing witnesses on the scene

The correct answer is: Wait for the Medical Examiner to arrive

When encountering a deceased individual at a scene, the appropriate action is to wait for the Medical Examiner to arrive. This is critical for several reasons. First, the Medical Examiner is trained to handle situations involving deceased individuals and is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, which requires preserving the scene for evidence collection. Moving the body or disturbing the scene prior to the arrival of the Medical Examiner can compromise any potential evidence that could be critical for an investigation. Additionally, the presence of medical and forensic specialists will ensure that the proper procedures are followed, and that both the legal and investigative aspects are properly managed. While searching for identification or interviewing witnesses can be important aspects of an investigation, these actions should only take place after stabilizing the scene and ensuring that the body is protected from any contamination or alterations that could affect the investigation's outcome. Thus, waiting for the Medical Examiner is the most responsible and effective course of action in this scenario.