Army Memo from Provost Marshall, Task Force Ironhorse re: Standard Operationg Procedure for Death of a Detainee. The purpose of this memorandum is to outline the actions needed in order to properly dispose of and record the death of a Detainee in US custody.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
TASK FORCE IRONHORSE
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL
TIKRIT MAIN PALACE, TITKRIT, IRAQ
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF
AFYB-PM 23 Jul 2003
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Standard Operating Procedure for Death of a Detainee
1.
The purpose of this memorandum is to outline the actions needed in order to properly dispose of and record the death of a Detainee in US custody. References used include Article 120 and Article 121 of the Geneva Convention: relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
2.
Initial notification will begin, upon discovery of the body. 4 th MP CO Operations will notify the Provost Marshal. The CIC and Mortuary Affairs will be notified by the Provost Marshal, see enclosure 1, for the flow of information.
3.
A doctor must confirm the death and record approximate time of death. The body must be removed immediately upon examination from DCCP and placed in an area out of sight of both detainees and US Forces.
Contact Mortuary Affairs for temporary storage and transport of body. The detaining authorities shall ensure that prisoners of war who have died in captivity are transferred to their families, morgue, hospital or a facility that can properly dispose of the body.
4.
If such a facility is not available they will be honorably buried, if possible according
to the rites of the religion to which they belonged, and that their graves are respected,
suitably maintained and marked, so as to be found at anytime.
5.
Every death or serious injury of a prisoner of war caused or suspected to have been caused by a sentry, another prisoner of war, or any other person, as well as any death the cause of which is unknown, shall be immediately followed by an official inquiry by CID as well as a 15-6 Investigation. A medical doctor must conduct the 15-6 investigation.
Communication on this subject shall be sent immediately to V Corps. Statements shall
be taken from witnesses on a DA Form 2823, specifically from those who are prisoners
of war, and a report including such statements shall be forwarded to the V Corps and
CID.
DOD 001029
If the inquiry indicates the guilt of one or more persons, the 4 th Trifantry Division (M) shall recommend measures for the prosecution of the person or persons responsible to host nation.
6. The POC for this memo is CPT and can be reached at DNVT 312-5341R
MAJ P), MP Provost Marshal
111,11.11111111111
Encl 1: Information Flow Chart
002071
DOD 001030