What is a coroner’s investigation?
A coroner’s investigation is different from a criminal investigation.
If a coroner investigates, it does not mean there is suspicion of a criminal act or of any wrong-doing.
The coroner’s investigation is the process by which the coroner establishes who has died, and how, when, and where they died.
As part of the investigation, the coroner may decide to hold an inquest, which is a fact-finding inquiry sometimes held in a court.
Sometimes a death may be referred to the police for investigation on behalf of a coroner. This may be because the police have expertise, e.g. relating to a road traffic collision.
In some cases, other organisations such as a hospital, the Health and Safety Executive, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, the Care Quality Commission, or the Independent Police Complaints Commission are required to conduct a separate investigation into the death.
This investigation usually takes place first and the coroner will be given the results so they can use the information in the inquest.