2.2 Sudden Death Flashcards

1
Q

What is the role of the coroner?

A

Determine the need for a post-mortem to assist them determine cause of death. [s43 Coroner’s Act 2006]

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2
Q

In deaths where the Coroner determines that there will be no need for a post-mortem and wishes to release the body back to whanau the Coroner must do what?

A

s 43(1) A coroner who decides not to direct a pathologist to perform a post-mortem of a body must not authorize its release earlier than 24 hours after notifying a constable of the decision.

Note: does not apply if a senior sergeant or above agrees to the coroner authorizing the release of the body within the 24 hour period.

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3
Q

What should Police consider before agreeing to the release of a body under s43?

A

Are the Police satisfied a post-mortem is not required because there are no potential crime concerns.

It is not a question of whether the Police think cause of death can’t be ascertained in the absence of a post-mortem as that is an issue for the coroner. There needs to be an evidentiary basis to support a refusal to sign the release. This would in effect amount to evidence that the coroner has not previously been provided with.

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4
Q

Can the coroner authorize the release of the body if identification of the deceased is not confirmed?

A

No - the coroner must be satisfied with the identification.

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5
Q

What is the rule of thumb in terms of the identification of a deceased?

A

Visual identification is usually sufficient. When the deceased no longer looks in death like they did in life, visual identification is not appropriate. Then non-visual identification methods are required.

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6
Q

Detail the hierarchy of identity considerations (5)

A
  1. Visual ID. Staff are required to attach a photograph of the deceased to the Visual Statement of Identification to support timely determination of identity.
  2. Fingerprints
  3. Odontology
  4. Comparison Identification process - contact Duty SAR to engage DVI staff and for advice about the completion of a Comparison Report for the coroner.
  5. DNA - request authorisation from coroner (if there are existing records for comparison).
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7
Q

How do you inform the duty coroner of the progress in identifying the deceased?

A

Through the NIIO

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8
Q

If approached by media in aftermath of a sudden death(s), is it appropriate for police to comment about a sudden death before the coroner?

A

It is the coroner’s role to determine circumstances of death and it is therefore not appropriate for police to make premature comment.

You should:
- seek advice from the Police Media Team
- Consult with the Responsible Coroner in cases when police wish to make comment in relation to an active coronial investigation.

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9
Q

When should the deceased’s name be released to the media?

A

Once notification has been made to the deceased’s family, asap. Usual practice to occur within 24 hours.

Note: requests from NOK for withholding the name of the deceased cannot be granted by Police and they should be told this.

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10
Q

Can circumstances of death be released in suspected or established suicide?

A

Not without the coroner’s authority.

s71 Coroner’s Act details restrictions on making public details of self inflicted deaths.

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