❓ Hon Stephen Dawson inquires about the status of police coronial cases, allocation delays, and communication with families. The response clarifies the roles of police and the coroner, acknowledges delays, and outlines communication protocols.
AnsweredQoN 3283Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How many police coronial cases are currently pending? (2) How many suicide cases are waiting to be allocated to officers within the Police Coronial Investigation Unit? (3) How old are the cases waiting to be allocated to officers within the Police Coronial Investigation Unit? (4) Are families advised of any delays in investigation?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 September 2015
Responded by
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police
Response time
29 days
(1) Western Australia Police investigate reportable deaths on behalf of the State Coroner and a formal report is completed for the consideration of the Coroner. This question should be referred to the Attorney General to provide a response.
(2) The determination of suicide as a cause of death is a matter to be determined by the State Coroner.
(3) The oldest reportable death file awaiting allocation is May 2013. Where outstanding investigative actions exist, in particular, post mortem reports/toxicology reports/medical information from health service providers, these files are re-categorised as awaiting allocation. When the information is received, the files are reallocated for investigation.
(4) The Coronial Investigation Unit provides formal correspondence to the senior next of kin outlining the investigation process and that unexpected delays in the investigation can occur from time to time due to extenuating circumstances. The Coroner's office ensures follow up contact with the senior next of kin through the use of the Coroner's office appointed delegates.
(2) The determination of suicide as a cause of death is a matter to be determined by the State Coroner.
(3) The oldest reportable death file awaiting allocation is May 2013. Where outstanding investigative actions exist, in particular, post mortem reports/toxicology reports/medical information from health service providers, these files are re-categorised as awaiting allocation. When the information is received, the files are reallocated for investigation.
(4) The Coronial Investigation Unit provides formal correspondence to the senior next of kin outlining the investigation process and that unexpected delays in the investigation can occur from time to time due to extenuating circumstances. The Coroner's office ensures follow up contact with the senior next of kin through the use of the Coroner's office appointed delegates.
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