Sudden Death

Question 1

What is the Coroners role?

Answer 1

• Receive a report of death from NZ Police
• Decide whether to direct a PM and authorize who may attend.
• Authorize the release of the body
• Decide whether to open an inquiry and whether an inquest will be held

Question 2

What is the purpose of a Coroners inquiry?

Answer 2

To establish that;

• a person has died
• the persons identity
• when and where the person died
• the causes of the death
• the circumstances of the death

Make specified recommendations under the Act

Determine whether the public interest would be served by other investigating authorities investigating the death.

Question 3

What deaths must be reported to Police then to the coroner via Police if they occur in New Zealand or on specified aircraft or ships?

Answer 3

• Any death for which no doctor has given a doctors certificate
• A death that has been without known cause, suicide, violent death or an unnatural death
• A death that occurred during surgical, medical or dental treatment
• Any death relating to birth or pregnancy
• Any death in official custody or care

Question 4

Who must report a death to Police?

Answer 4

Any person who finds a body in New Zealand unless they believe the death is already known to Police or will be reported to Police.

Question 5

When must Police inform the duty coroner of a death?

Answer 5

As soon as you find a body or receive report of a death from outside New Zealand

Question 6

What steps would you take at a sudden death?

Answer 6

1 - Check for signs of life
2 - Inform your supervisor
3 - If suspicious contact CIB and Freeze, Control, Preserve scene, if not begin an investigation into cause of death.
4 - A duly qualified person completes verification of death form.
5 - Determine if the death is one that must be reported to the Coroner. Inform Coroner by phone if so.

Question 7

If death is to be reported to the Coroner who has custody of the body?

Answer 7

Police until it is reported to the Coroner then it is in the Coroners custody. He will direct what will happen with the body.

Question 8

If the family do not let you take things from a Sudden Death scene what are your powers?

Answer 8

Can seize evidence (without Warrant)
Can seize body (With Warrant)

(ILO, Victim Support etc should be used first. Consult with Coroner. Warrant is a last resort)

Question 9

What do you do in the case of the death of a prisoner in police custody?

Answer 9

• Freeze, control, preserve the scene
• Advise supervisor who will notify CIB, initiate any enquiry and inform District Commander
• District Commander will inform National Manager: Police Professional Conduct