During the course of any investigation involving deceased individuals, investigators shall make every reasonable effort to establish and confirm the identity of the decedent. Identification efforts may include, but are not limited to, the examination of government-issued identification documents or personal effects found on or near the body, comparison of medical or dental records, fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, tattoo or scar comparison, or any other accepted forensic identification method. When a decedent's identity has been positively established and confirmed through reliable means — including verification by a sworn law enforcement officer or other authorised investigative authority — the individual shall be referred to by their legal name in all investigative reports, supplemental documentation, and official records.
In situations where the identity of the deceased cannot be conclusively determined, remains unconfirmed, or there is any uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the identification, investigators shall not speculate or assign an unverified identity within official documentation. Instead, the decedent shall be referred to using the temporary designation John Doe for unidentified males or Jane Doe for unidentified females until identification has been made and formally confirmed.
Investigators are expected to document all identification efforts undertaken during the investigation, including any forensic methods utilised, notifications made to relevant agencies, and the current status of identification at the time the report is completed.