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Coroners Act 1997
68ECoronial investigation scene powers
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68E Coronial investigation scene powers
A police officer or other person may, in accordance with a coronial
investigation scene order, exercise any of the following powers at, or
in relation to, a coronial investigation scene if the police officer or
other person suspects on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do
so to preserve evidence related to the coronial investigation:
(a) direct a person to leave the scene or remove a vehicle, vessel or
aircraft from the scene;
(b) remove from the scene—
(i) a person who fails to comply with a direction to leave the
scene; or
(ii) a vehicle, vessel or aircraft if a person fails to comply with
a direction to remove it from the scene;
(c) direct a person not to enter the scene;
(d) prevent a person from entering the scene;
(e) prevent a person from removing evidence from, or otherwise
interfering with, the scene or anything in it and, for that purpose,
detain and search the person;
(f) remove an obstruction from the scene;
(g) perform any necessary investigation;
Examples
1 search the scene
2 inspect anything in the scene to obtain evidence in relation to an inquest
or inquiry
(h) conduct any necessary examination or process;
(i) open anything at the scene that is locked;
(j) take electricity, gas or any other utility, for use at the scene;
(k) photograph or otherwise record the scene and anything in it;
(l) seize and detain all or part of a thing that might provide evidence
in relation to an inquest or inquiry or provide evidence of the
commission of an offence;
(m) dig up anything at the scene;
(n) remove wall or ceiling linings or floors of a building, or panels
of a vehicle;
(o) take possession of the remains of a deceased person on behalf of
the coroner, including body tissue, clothing and items apparently
in the possession of the deceased person;
(p) remove or cause the removal of the remains of a deceased person
to any location nominated by the coroner;
(q) anything else reasonably necessary or incidental to the
investigation.