And this (http://netk.net.au/CrimJustice/Autopsies.asp) is an interesting description of how autopsies should be conducted. While it doesn't mention police officers, it does say, "A crime scene examiner should be present at the autopsy of all suspicious or unexplained deaths. The officer takes notes of the procedures and colour photographs or a video recording of the sequence of the autopsy." (Which covers CSI and similar shows.)
This report (https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/goudge/report/v3_en_pdf/Vol_3_Eng_15.pdf), which follows an investigation into one particular pathologist's tendency to presume child abuse in all child-death cases, indicates that in Ontario in the '90s, forensic pathologists (i.e. Natalie) rarely went to the scene of death, though practice has now changed. There is no mention of police attending the autopsy: it says that results are reported to them.
Finally, there is this book excerpt (https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/criminalinvestigation/chapter/chapter-10-forensic-sciences/) from Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking by Rod Gehl and Darryl Plecas. It includes the following, "An autopsy generally takes place in the pathology department of a hospital. In the case of a suspicious death or a confirmed homicide, police investigators will be present at an autopsy to gather information, take photographs, and seize exhibits of a non-medical nature, such as clothing, bullet fragments, and items that might identify the body. These items would include personal documents, fingerprints, and DNA samples."
So it's not quite so simple. It looks as though, at least in some jurisdictions, the police do send someone to the autopsy.
no subject
And this (http://netk.net.au/CrimJustice/Autopsies.asp) is an interesting description of how autopsies should be conducted. While it doesn't mention police officers, it does say, "A crime scene examiner should be present at the autopsy of all suspicious or unexplained deaths. The officer takes notes of the procedures and colour photographs or a video recording of the sequence of the autopsy." (Which covers CSI and similar shows.)
This report (https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/goudge/report/v3_en_pdf/Vol_3_Eng_15.pdf), which follows an investigation into one particular pathologist's tendency to presume child abuse in all child-death cases, indicates that in Ontario in the '90s, forensic pathologists (i.e. Natalie) rarely went to the scene of death, though practice has now changed. There is no mention of police attending the autopsy: it says that results are reported to them.
Finally, there is this book excerpt (https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/criminalinvestigation/chapter/chapter-10-forensic-sciences/) from Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking by Rod Gehl and Darryl Plecas. It includes the following, "An autopsy generally takes place in the pathology department of a hospital. In the case of a suspicious death or a confirmed homicide, police investigators will be present at an autopsy to gather information, take photographs, and seize exhibits of a non-medical nature, such as clothing, bullet fragments, and items that might identify the body. These items would include personal documents, fingerprints, and DNA samples."
So it's not quite so simple. It looks as though, at least in some jurisdictions, the police do send someone to the autopsy.