INTERPOL DVI Protocol
Definition
The INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification protocol (last revised 2022), which defines standardised Post-Mortem (PM) data-collection forms and the matching process between PM and Ante-Mortem (AM) records for mass-casualty identification. Used in parallel with national medico-legal systems.
- Owner
- INTERPOL
- Last revised
- 2022
- Core mechanism
- Standardised PM and AM data-collection forms
- Function
- Matches post-mortem to ante-mortem records
Common questions
How does the protocol interact with national law?+
It runs alongside, not instead of, national medico-legal systems. INTERPOL forms and matching procedures feed the identification process while the host or affected state retains legal authority over death certification and disposal.
What triggers use of the protocol?+
A mass-casualty or disaster event where the affected or hosting state requests deployment of an INTERPOL DVI team, or where multiple national jurisdictions are involved in the victims.
Related terms
- BNSS § 194
- Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (replacing CrPC § 174). Requires a police inquest for deaths that are sudden,...
- Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (CJA 2009)
- The primary UK statute governing HM Coroner's jurisdiction in England and Wales. Section 1(2) triggers a duty to investigate when the coroner...
- CPP Articles 74-75 (France)
- Articles 74 and 74-1 of the French Code de procédure pénale governing the procureur de la République's investigative authority over deaths in...
- Medical Examiner (US)
- A physician (typically a board-certified forensic pathologist) appointed by government authority to investigate deaths within their jurisdiction. Distinguished from the elected Coroner...
- NAME Referral Criteria
- The National Association of Medical Examiners consensus criteria for deaths that should receive medico-legal investigation. Categories include sudden unexpected death in apparently...