Information on Loughborough

Changes to sudden death attendance procedures

Posted on 27/07/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Changes to sudden death attendance procedures

Her Majesty’s Coroners for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are changing the way all sudden and unexpected deaths will be attended by the emergency services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland from August 1, 2009.

The Coroners have said: “Previously the police attended all sudden and unexpected deaths on behalf of the Coroner’s office. 

“It is our decision that in agreement with Leicestershire Constabulary and the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust that not all sudden and unexpected deaths will require attendance by a police officer.

“The sudden death of a loved one is a stressful experience for relatives and family members. A police presence is not always necessary and can sometimes add to the stress and seem intrusive to the bereaved. It may also, in some cases, cause delay in the removal of the deceased to a suitable place of rest.  We wish to avoid this whenever possible.”

Detective Superintendent Stu Prior from Leicestershire Constabulary said: “We will attend any sudden or unexpected death where the circumstances are suspicious or cannot be explained. Colleagues from EMAS will alert us to such cases and we will investigate fully.

"These new arrangements will save at least 1460 hours of police time per annum which we can now commit to other priorities to combat crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.”

Chris Gaskill, East Midlands Ambulance Service Leicestershire and Rutland General Manager said: “This positive change means that in many cases our crews will share details directly with the Coroner’s office so the family can start the grieving process in privacy much sooner.”