Page 110 - CFDI Guide

accessibility. Finally, if the child had any known or potential allergies, this and any contributory factors

should be documented with the scene.

Of concern to law enforcement is any social services or child protection history for the child, siblings, other
family members, and caregivers. If there have been any previous deaths or similar circumstances, the level

of concern is elevated. Many states have central data for reporting abuse and neglect, and includes
mandatory reports – education and healthcare providers. This information is available to law enforcement,

including any findings and disposition – and those which did not have charges or other judicial disposition,
including unfounded. Availability to defense as part of prosecution disclosure or requiring a court order

varies and should be addressed by the defense attorney.

Additional reporting includes domestic issues not directly involving the child, such as domestic relations of
adults – parents, foster parents, etc. Any personal and premise history involving persons and locations

involved with the child is important.

The investigation by law enforcement and the medical examiner will likely be more closely conducted than
other investigations. The medical examiner’s findings – or healthcare provider if a non-fatal SBI incident –

will be needed for law enforcement to formulate their investigation if criminal activity – which includes
unintentional neglect – is suspected or determined.

Photographs, Video and Audio Evidence
Child death or SBI investigations should have more evidence than usual, and photographed. Additionally,
photographs should be more detailed of the child, where the child was found, any building or home the

child was in – fully photographed in every room and storage space, and full exterior photographs.

If the child was not at home, such as at daycare or school, the child’s home should be photographed as a

matter of documentation, even if no investigation of the home was completed or necessary. If the child
was transported to a hospital, photographs before transport (if law enforcement and EMS responded to

the child) and during treatment. If the child was transported by caregivers, then only hospital photographs
may be available. (law enforcement and medical examiner should still respond to the child’s home)

The next photographs will be at autopsy – full autopsy photographs, including any dissections for detailed

examinations (brain, cranium, spinal cord, eyes, and specific injuries – organs, contusions, etc.). In
addition, any imaging at medical facility – historical and of the incident – is important for law enforcement

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