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‘Restrictions on liberty and interference with rights, privacy, dignity and self-respect ... [should be] kept to the minimum necessary in the circumstance’ (Jervis, J. The Offıce and Duties of Coroners, 1957).
Note: The police only attend deaths that are considered un- natural or suspicious. If the doctor signs the death certificate, they are unlikely to be involved. However any evidence that it was not a natural event will force the doctor’s hand. For example an obvious suicide note, empty Nembutal bottle, even a copy of the Peaceful Pill Handbook lying close by will likely have the doctor involving the coroner’s office and a police visit. Remember, suicide is NOT a crime, but assisting certainly is. If police do question you in a way that is clearly officious it is wise to say nothing on or off the record. In most jurisdictions you will need to tell the police your name and address. But that is it. And never submit to a police interview unless you have a lawyer present. Seek legal advice immediately.