Field visit encounters: Finding a body 6 steps for field probation officers to take to preserve the scene and support law enforcement

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Corrections on 1/11/2023 by Leo Perez

In the field of community corrections, not many probation officers will stumble upon a dead body, during field/home visits, but the possibility does exist. Many people die each year due to unintentional injuries. Others may be victims of crimes or die from natural causes. Therefore, walking up to a home and finding a dead body is possible.

Because this possibility is present in our line of work, certain key steps should be followed in an effort to avoid liability as well as ensure that the deceased is properly taken care of.
What you should know about finding a body

If you discover a body during a home visit, there is a big possibility that you just walked into a crime scene. To a law enforcement agency, any crime scene with a dead body needs to be investigated with utmost importance. Because of the nature of the crime, the answer to “What happened?” can only be determined after a careful examination of the crime scene, and the proper documentation of all of the witness statements. You are now part of the crime scene. Here is what you should know.

1. Put your safety first

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