P.R. Laws tit. 34, § 3019
In every case, the removal of the corpse shall be authorized by the prosecutor or coroner investigating the case. Such order shall specify whether the corpse should be taken to any of the facilities of the Institute throughout the Island with the purpose of performing the autopsy or conducting subsequent investigations, or whether the corpse may be returned to family members.
The forensic pathologists and investigators of the Institute investigating a death at the site where it occurred shall have the same authority, whenever they have determined with reasonable certainty that the death was not caused by any violent or criminal act covered under clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of § 3011 of this title.
In the event that forensic investigators do not arrive at the crime scene, and violent and criminal acts covered under clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of § 3011 of this title are not involved, the investigator of the Puerto Rico Police Department shall prepare a report on the circumstances of the death and the evidence gathered at the crime scene. Said report shall be delivered to the Institute along with the corpse, and it shall be an essential requirement to admit such corpse to the Institute and carry out the pertinent forensic analysis.
In cases of death by fire, a preliminary report shall be provided in which the circumstances of death and the evidence gathered at the scene are described. This preliminary report shall also be delivered to the Institute along with the corpse and shall be a requirement for admission.
In cases of death occurred in any of the correctional institutions of the Government of Puerto Rico, the corrections administrations’ official in charge of such institution, or in the absence thereof, the highest-ranking corrections officer, shall be responsible for drafting the report in which the circumstances of death and the evidence gathered are described, along with the names and statements of the persons who found the body. Likewise, said report shall be a requirement for admission of the corpse to the Institute.
History —July 24, 1985, No. 13, p. 689, § 19, retroactive to July 1, 1985; Dec. 29, 2009, No. 200, § 10.