unnatural coloration of the skin, caused by fluid leakage within the tissues; can be useful in determining the positioning of a body at the time of death and whether a body was moved after death.
1.4.9 Necropsy
An autopsy performed on a deceased animal.
1.4.10 Nonaccidental Injury or Death
Injury or death that has been deliberately inflicted.
1.4.11 PE
An acronym for “physical exam.”
1.4.12 Predation
The hunting or scavenging of an animal or animal remains by another animal for food. Victims of predation are often mistaken for victims of animal cruelty perpetrated by humans. There are certain hallmarks of predation that veterinarians can use to distinguish between those scenarios (see Chapter 11).
1.4.13 Radiographs
Radiograph means X‐ray.
1.4.14 Rigor
The result of chemical changes in the body that cause stiffening and contraction of the joints and muscles; occurs one to six hours after death.
1.4.15 Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan (SOAP) Note
SOAP is a standardized method of documentation within an animal's medical record.
1.4.16 Stereotypic Behavior
Abnormal behaviors seen in animals confined and deprived of environmental enrichment (i.e. circling, pacing, self‐mutilation).
1.4.17 Unremarkable
Used when describing results that are normal or where nothing out of the ordinary has been found.
1.4.18 Veterinary Forensics
The collection of data from an animal and related materials that can be used for the investigation of animal abuse, neglect, or nonaccidental death.
1.5 Terms and Phrases: Law Enforcement and Field Services
1.5.1 Affidavit
Generally speaking, a sworn statement. Also, the supporting document of a search warrant request that outlines the probable cause motivating the warrant request.
1.5.2 Chain of Custody
The documentation that tracks a piece of evidence and who it comes into contact with, from where it was found at the scene of a crime to the point it is being offered as evidence of that crime.
1.5.3 Citation
An official notice of a violation of state law generated by someone with authority to enforce those laws (i.e. law enforcement).
1.5.4 Civilian
Any individual who is not a sworn peace officer.
1.5.5 Custodial
In the criminal context, when a person is in the custody of a state agency and cannot leave of their own free will. Custody can be defined as literal physical custody (i.e. in handcuffs or in prison) or constructive custody, which occurs when the circumstances of an interaction with a representative from a state agency are such that the individual does not feel they are free to leave.
1.5.6 Evidence
Statements, objects, or information that indicates an alleged fact is more likely or less likely to be true [8].
1.5.7 Interview
The questioning of a witness or a suspect in furtherance of an investigation.
1.5.8 Miranda
A series of warnings/rights that must be stated verbally and/or in writing to a person who is in the custody of an individual acting on behalf of the state or the federal government before the person is asked any questions about their involvement in a situation under criminal investigation [9].
1.5.9 Officer Safety
A term used to refer to the topics of policies, procedures, and trainings employed by law enforcement agencies in order to best protect their agents in the field from harm.
1.5.10 Probable Cause
There is information available to indicate that a crime more likely than not has occurred or is occurring.
1.5.11 Protective Custody
In the context of animal cruelty cases, the retention of a victim animal for inspection, preservation, and security from abuse, neglect, or danger during which chain of custody is maintained.
1.5.12 Public Information Officer (PIO)
A peace officer designated by a law enforcement agency to be the liaison between the department and representatives of the media.
1.5.13 Reasonable Suspicion
There is some reason beyond a “hunch” that creates the belief that a crime has or is occurring.
1.5.14 Reporting Party
A person who reports a concern about a situation to an entity with authority to act.
1.5.15 Risk Assessment
A standardized procedure in which law enforcement evaluates the risks associated with locations and individuals they are likely to encounter when pursuing a particular tactical move in an investigation. Routinely done prior to search warrant executions.
1.5.16 Search Warrant
An order from a judge that commands a peace officer to search a specified location and seize specific evidence of a particular
