By law, the police have to attend the scene or setting of every sudden death, including deaths by suspected suicide, to investigate its cause. This means they are required to gather information and may interview the family and friends of the person who has died. The police must report every suspected death by suicide to the coroner. 

As part of their investigation, police may need to examine personal items of the person who died, including mobile phones and computers. If they need to take these items away, these will be returned when the investigation is complete. If the person left behind a note, police may take this also. Although it may not always be possible, you can request a copy of the note to keep in the interim, and ask for the original note to be returned once the investigation is complete.

The investigation may be distressing at times, but is necessary for the police to do their job. 

Police can organise for a Victim Support volunteer to be present while they are attending the scene.

Police can also organise an iwi liaison officer to participate if whānau would like additional cultural support.