When do Deaths have to be reported to the Police?

Basically, if someone dies suddenly or unexpectedly, the death must be reported to the Police. This applies even if the deceased was currently being treated by a doctor but the doctor did not expect his patient to die at that stage. The death does not have to be reported if a doctor can issue a ‘Medical Certificate of Fact and Cause of Death’: a doctor is generally not allowed to issue a certificate unless he or she attended the deceased during his last illness and within the period of 14 days preceding the death. If someone dies when in a mental hospital or children’s home, the death must be reported to the Police, even if the death was expected by a doctor. If someone dies whilst held in custody by the Police or in prison, immediate notification must be made to the Deputy Viscount.

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