American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What is the best initial step for an investigator arriving at a crime scene involving a nude body?

1. Cover the body with a clean sheet or covering

2. Proceed with the investigation

3. Stand with the police officers until the crowd is pushed back

4. Cover the body with a blanket recovered from a nearby home

The correct answer is: Cover the body with a clean sheet or covering

The best initial step for an investigator arriving at a crime scene involving a nude body is to cover the body with a clean sheet or covering. This action is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps to preserve the dignity of the deceased, which is an important ethical consideration in death investigations. Covering the body also aids in the protection of physical evidence that may be obscured by the presence of surrounding debris or the exposure to the elements. Moreover, covering the body with a clean, specifically designated covering is preferable because it minimizes contamination and prevents the introduction of extraneous materials that could interfere with the forensic examination. The use of a clean sheet ensures that no foreign substances from other environments are added to the scene, thereby maintaining the integrity of the evidence. While other steps, such as investigating the broader scene or managing onlookers, are certainly part of conducting a thorough investigation, addressing the body immediately is a priority for both ethical considerations and the integrity of the investigation.