Aquatic Death Investigation *FULL*

Service Description

Historically, most law enforcement officers responding to a drowning scene do so from the point of viewing it as an accident. A horrible situation in which their first response is to be very supportive of any persons involved. In some cases, the officer’s response and behavior to the incident is more in-line with victim services as opposed to a criminal investigation. While officers must be professional and show empathy in such cases, until otherwise determined, every drowning investigation should be conducted as a homicide. Basic Response to Aquatic Death is an 8-hour introductory course, participants will review how to interview involved persons and identify unique characteristics of drowning investigations, document actions at the scene as they relate to drownings, and discuss proper evidence collection that are the keys to a proper case management. Due to the unique dynamics and locations of victims of aquatic death, attendees will gain knowledge of specific techniques and methods used for locating, documenting, and recovering submerged evidence and victims. They will understand the investigator’s role in reference to dive team operations and will leave with better insight and interpretation of evidence affected by prolonged exposure to water.