Homicide Bureau Notification for Drug Overdose Death Investigations
PURPOSE
The purpose of this newsletter is to advise and update Department personnel regarding overdose death investigations.
BACKGROUND
Over the past five years, overdose deaths in Los Angeles County have more than doubled, with methamphetamine and fentanyl being the two controlled substances attributed to most deaths. Due to the rise in overdose deaths, the Overdose Response Task Force (ORTF) was created on July 1, 2022.
ORTF Response
The ORTF will investigate all overdose-related deaths, whether intentional (suicide) or accidental (overdose). These investigations aim to identify the seller(s) of the controlled substance and determine if they are criminally culpable in the death. The ORTF will use law enforcement resources and investigative methods to determine the source of the supply and the person(s) who contributed to the delivery of the controlled substance to the decedent. The team will be on-call and available to respond to scenes based on evidence and/or witnesses at the scene.
Patrol Response - Overdose Scene
Patrol deputies are typically the first law enforcement officials to arrive on scene. When arriving at a suspected overdose scene, deputies should consider the following:
Treat the scene as a crime scene, the potential may exist for an investigation/prosecution;
DO NOT MOVE OR SEARCH THE BODY. The coroner has jurisdiction over the decedent per 27491.3 of the California Government Code. Wait until the arrival of the coroner investigator and assist them with any evidence they collect from the decedent’s person;
Be Safe – something at that scene has already potentially caused a death;
Secure any digital device (phone, computer, etc.);
Identify and interview any potential witnesses or family members; and
Identify any cameras that may have captured narcotic transactions.
The following are the Standard Operating Procedures for notifications when responding to a possible overdose-related death, per MPP section, 5-09/090.00, Dead Bodies - Homicides, Suicides, Accidental and Natural:
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ATTACHMENTS
Overdose Death Investigation – On-scene Assessment Guidance for Patrol.
This form can be used as a quick reference for deputies when handling a suspected overdose death investigation. [REDACTED TEXT]