59Powers of entry, inspection and possession

59 Powers of entry, inspection and possession

(1)  A coroner who has jurisdiction to investigate a death, a fire or an explosion may, with any assistance the coroner considers necessary –

(a) enter, with such force as is reasonable, and inspect any place and anything in it; and

(b) take a copy of any document relevant to the investigation; and

(c) take possession of any article, substance or thing which the coroner reasonably believes is relevant to the investigation and keep it until the investigation is finished.

(2)  A coroner may only exercise the powers under subsection (1) if the coroner reasonably believes it is necessary for the investigation.

(3)  If a coroner reasonably believes it is necessary for the investigation, the coroner may, in writing, authorise a police officer or a person authorised by the coroner for the purposes of this section to exercise any one or more of the following powers:

(a) enter, with such force as is reasonable, a specified place;

(b) inspect a specified place and any article, substance or thing in it;

(c) take a copy of specified documents or classes of documents;

(d) take possession of specified articles, substances or things or classes of articles, substances or things.

(4)  The powers specified in subsection (3) may be exercised at or between times specified in the authority during a period so specified (being a period not exceeding one month after the authority is given).

(5)  Subject to subsection (6) , a police officer or a person authorised by a coroner for the purposes of this section may not exercise any of the powers specified in subsection (3) unless the police officer or person, before exercising any of those powers, gives a copy of the police officer's or person's authority to exercise those powers to the owner or occupier of the place to be entered or inspected, or the person in possession of the document or thing, to be inspected, copied or taken.

(6)  A police officer or a person authorised by a coroner for the purposes of this section may exercise any of the powers specified in without giving a copy of the police officer's or person's authority to exercise those powers to the owner or occupier of the place to be entered or inspected, or the person in possession of the document or thing, to be inspected, copied or taken, if it is not practicable in the circumstances to do so.