Insuring that evidence remains admissible into a court of law is a primary responsibility of the forensic investigator. Failure to thoroughly document the possession and transfer of evidence may result in the loss of vital information due to inadmissibility.

For the forensic pathologist, this task begins with the submission of a specimen(s) by law enforcement officials and includes secure storage of evidence, photo documentation, maintaining a proper written record of findings, and documenting transfer to other professionals for necessary ancillary tests. Anyone that comes into possession of evidence may be called into court to testify about a specimen's identity.

The forensic pathologist continues to maintain secure control over specimens or portions of specimens and collected information until their return to law enforcement officials or disposal. Does this sound like a huge responsibility? You are right - it could make or break a case. Now, let us go through an example case to demonstrate some of these necessary measures.

These photos were taken immediately following submission by a law enforcement officer and are not merely for presentation here. As will be discussed in subsequent sections, photo documentation is an important part of forensic necropsies. These photos could provide visual support as to the identity of this specimen and could link the evidence number used by investigators and the accession number used by the laboratory for histology, ancillary tests, etc.

The tag on the right is an example of an evidence tag. Depending on the laboratory, enforcement agency, etc., this tag may be signed by the pathologist in the presence of the submitting officer. The evidence tag remains with the specimen until the necropsy is completed.

The marker on the left is placed in every photograph taken during the necropsy. It contains the accession number for the laboratory, the signature of the pathologist, the date, and a scale. Markers insure that every photograph has an inherent, proven link to a specific case.

During the course of the necropsy, it is important for the pathologist to have the foresight to collect the appropriate samples in the correct manner. For example, the photo above is a case of anticholinesterase toxicosis in a group of seagulls. The investigator had to carefully sample the contents of each component of the alimentary tract, avoiding cross contamination between components and individual animals.

In addition, the samples would have to be stored in the proper container (acid-rinsed glassware in this case) and shipped in a secure manner to the appropriate laboratory. All ancillary tests must be performed using methods that are the current standard for a specific field and defensible in court.

A necropsy report generated for a forensic case is different from that of a standard necropsy. We have concentrated on findings significant to wildlife crimes; however, general principles of a post-mortem examination apply. For example, history, age, nutritional state, concurrent disease or injury, etc. should be documented. These findings may be especially relevant in cases where the cause of death is debatable, such as in toxicoses.

There are many guidelines regarding the language and content of forensic necropsy reports. Data given on the evidence tag should be noted in the report including the name of the submitting officer and agency. All descriptions should be concise and non-technical terminology used when possible. All conclusions should be supported by relevant information and alternatives discussed when results are equivocal. It is important to remember that the necropsy report ultimately may have to be understood by non-medical people. All organ systems should be examined and all abnormalities described, even those usually regarded as incidental in a standard necropsy. Finally, normal findings should be described as well. These extra steps provide written support that a complete and thorough necropsy was performed.

A significant time period may occur between the submission of specimens and the prosecution of a case. Thus, if necropsy findings are documented meticulously and readily after examination, it will be easier for a pathologist to recall details about a case should his/her testimony be required.

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