What is the protocol for dealing with a death in custody or confinement?

The protocol for dealing with a death in custody or confinement involves several critical steps to ensure that the situation is handled according to legal and procedural standards. The correct approach includes notifying the criminal investigation division, the chief of the medical examiner, and the department of corrections.

This protocol is designed to ensure a thorough investigation and proper handling of the circumstances surrounding the death. The criminal investigation division is responsible for determining if any criminal activity contributed to the death and ensuring accountability. The chief of the medical examiner performs an autopsy to establish the cause of death, which is imperative for legal and public health records. The department of corrections is involved because they have oversight of the custody environment and can provide relevant information regarding the circumstances leading to the incident.

Each of the other choices focuses on a more limited response, such as only contacting local police or just the state police, which would not cover all the necessary parties involved in such serious incidents. Notifying the public attorney's office may also be part of some protocols but is not central to the immediate process of investigating a death in custody, making it less comprehensive than the correct choice. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects related to the death are examined thoroughly and transparently.