Ultimately, it’s coroners and medical examiners (MEs) who lead the forensic science team. Coroners are generally appointed to oversee the enquiry and do not necessarily have any medical or forensic skills. MEs are generally trained pathologists with extensive experience in forensics. Coroners that don’t have forensic expertise normally appoint an ME as their deputy.

MEs work in parallel with the police, supplying them with their findings throughout the investigation. They are responsible for overseeing the forensic investigation and presenting the results in court. They are also responsible for establishing the identity of the body, determining the time and cause of death and signing the death certificate.