§ 18-170. Report of death; notifications; preservation of evidence.

(a)

Any member of the Police Department who finds a dead body or learns of a case where death has ensued, without a physician having been in attendance, shall immediately notify the officer in command of the station where the body was found and receive instructions in regard to his further procedure.

(b)

The officer in charge of such station shall promptly notify the medical examiner and officer in charge of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and report the details concerning the same to the Chief of Police. Should circumstances indicate the possibility of a crime having been committed, the commanding officer shall also notify the State's Attorney and shall at once note all particulars.

(c)

He shall not permit disturbances of the body or surroundings. He shall take care to prevent the handling of weapons or other objects presenting smooth surfaces as to obliterate visible or latent fingerprints thereon, and, if necessary, detain for the time being any individuals whose testimony, in his judgment, might be needed in establishing any fact or removing any doubt in connection with the case. He shall arrest any person against whom there exists reasonable suspicion of guilt supported by any fact, circumstances or credible information. He shall make a full report of all facts and details connected with the case.

(Gen. Res. No. 71-1951, Sec. 2; Gen. Res. No. 13-1970)