PD Institutes Miscarried Fetus Policy

The Mesa Police Department has revised its procedures regarding miscarried fetuses, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

The policy changes come after the office revealed that five police officers who flushed a stillborn fetus down a toilet will not face charges for their part in the incident.

According to the new policies, if officers come across fetal remains as the result of a miscarriage, they're required to tell the Mesa Fire Department, which has experience with handling such remains.

"The incident reflects the need for additional training and more sensitive procedures," the county attorney's office said in a statement.

The original incident occurred when officers and firefighters discovered a woman had miscarried in a Motel 6.

The 4-inch fetus was photographed, and after discussions about what to do with it, officers decided to flush it down the toilet.

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Posted By Phoenix Accident Injury Attorneys