ABSTRACT
Investigations into deaths in custody are still very incomplete and insufficiently independent in many countries. This chapter identifies the key elements that should form the basis of all investigations following a death in custody. It also indicates basic evidence-taking acts that can and should be immediately undertaken by any other less-qualified independent investigator if the required competencies mentioned earlier are not completely met. All cases of death under custody should be submitted to autopsy, in order to determine the cause of death. A very thorough autopsy procedure is crucial for shedding light on controversial deaths such as those occurring in custody. It is recommended that all central detention authorities draw up policies and procedures to be followed in the event of any death in custody. The postmortem examination of a body goes from an external examination of the body to a full forensic autopsy completed with ancillary analyses.
