Coroners Act 1995

If a police officer reasonably believes that – an article, substance or thing at a place where a death, fire or explosion has occurred is likely to have evidentiary value in a coroner's investigation into that death, fire or explosion; and there is a danger that the article, substance or thing could be lost, concealed or destroyed, or its evidentiary value could be ruined or compromised, if it is not immediately secured – the police officer, with assistance and using reasonable force if necessary, may enter and inspect the place and take possession of the article, substance or thing.

Subject to subsection (3)(a), a police officer may exercise power under subsection (1) whether or not a coroner is investigating the death, fire or explosion at the relevant time.

The following provisions apply to the exercise of the power specified in subsection (1) if at the relevant time a coroner is investigating the death, fire or explosion:the power is to be exercised only if the police officer reasonably believes that in the circumstances it is impracticable to obtain, or unsafe to wait for, authorisation under section 59(3); as soon as practicable after exercising the power, the police officer is to give the coroner and the Chief Magistrate notice and full particulars of the police officer's action; except as may otherwise be provided by an order in force under section 60(2), on the giving of the notice referred to in paragraph (b) the article, substance or thing is in the legal custody, care and control of the coroner.

The following provisions apply to the exercise of the power specified in subsection (1) if at the relevant time a coroner is not investigating the death, fire or explosion:the police officer may retain the article, substance or thing pending the commencement of an investigation; if an investigation is commenced within 12 months of the power being exercised – the police officer must immediately give the coroner and the Chief Magistrate notice and full particulars of the police officer's action; and except as may otherwise be provided by an order under section 60(2), on the giving of the notice the article, substance or thing is in the legal custody, care and control of the coroner; if an investigation is not commenced within 12 months of the power being exercised, the article, substance or thing is to be – returned to the person from whom it was taken or, if that person is not legally entitled to take possession of it, to the person who is so entitled; or disposed of as the Commissioner of Police directs if it is illicit.