Sudden Death

Question 1

When can a coroner release a body if there is no post-mortem to be done?

Answer 1

The coroner cannot release the body earlier than 24 hours after notifying police if no post-mortem is to be done. However if a senior Sergeant or above agrees to the release of the body it can be done within the 24 hour period.

Question 2

A COR 30 is the document to approve release of a body. What should Police be confident of prior to signing the COR 30?

Answer 2

Police must be satisfied that no post-mortem is required because there are no potential crime concerns.

If police refused to sign a COR 30, there needs to be evidence to support this refusal. This would be evidence that the coroner had not previously been given.

Question 3

Name the five methods of identifying a body?

Answer 3

Visual ID
Fingerprints
Odontology (dental)
Comparison identification process (DVI)
DNA

Question 4

What ID methods must have authorisation from the Coroner?

Answer 4

Fingerprints
Odontology
DNA