The Role of the Coroner and Police

The Coroner directs the investigation in order to determine:

• The identity of the deceased;
• Where they died;
• When they died;
• Why they died (medical cause of death); and
• How they died (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, underdetermined).

The Coroner is assisted by the police.  In situations where foul play is suspected or apparent, the police will direct a criminal investigation and they will be assisted by the Coroner. 

The Coroner's investigation is fact finding and does not assign fault or blame.