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What we can investigate

We can only investigate issues that may be related to someone’s death. This could include how their physical or mental health, suicide, self-harm and substance misuse risks have been managed.

You do not need to ask us to investigate a death as we are automatically told when someone has died.

What we cannot investigate

We cannot investigate decisions or actions taken by the police, courts, hospital staff or coroner. For example:

  • someone’s offence or arrest
  • decisions made about sentencing or remand 
  • decisions made by hospital staff
  • what is said in a post-mortem report