Sudden death Policy and Procedures Flashcards
What is the purpose of a coroner’s inquiry?
To establish that a person has died
The identity of the person
The cause of death
When and where they died
What death’s must be reported to a coroner?
No known cause, suicide, unnatural or violent death
No doctor certificate given
Death during medical, surgical or dental treatment
Death during birth
Death in custody
When does a person who finds a body not have to report it to Police?
If it is already known to Police or if it will be reported to Police
When must Police report a death to a coroner?
The death must be reported immediately to the duty coroner
Who is qualified to verify death?
Registered medical practitioner
Nurse
Registered midwife
Intensive care paramedic
Paramedic
Emergency medical technician
What may indicate a death is caused by a criminal act?
No apparent cause
Poisoning but no motive for suicide
A body in a burned building
Signs of injury that are inconsistent with the accident
Apparent suicide in an unusual position
If there are no suspicious circumstances about a death, the immediate family can make arrangements to have the body removed if
The deceased’s doctor has been located and issued a certificate as to the cause of death, and
It is not a coroner’s matter
What do you do if the family do not allow a body or evidence to be removed?
Remove the body with a SW
Seize evidence without warrant (s20)
When seizing evidence in relation to a death, the evidence must be
On or in the immediate vicinity of the body and relevant to the post-mortem of the body
Delivered to the coroner
Notify the family within 5 working days of the items that were seized
Police’s responsibility to inform immediate family of death
When reporting to the coroner is not required, police must inform the deceased’s immediate family as soon as the deceased’s identity is confirmed
For estranged families, police should consider notifying all parties
Deaths of prisoners in police custody - actions of supervisor are?
Immediately freeze the scene and ensure evidence including the charge sheet is preserved
Notify CIB
Establish and initiate any enquiry
Notify the district commander immediately
