Introduction | Principles | Data Entry | Coding Reference | Quality Reviews

Data Entry

Data entry of the information into the NCIS is performed locally. In most cases the data is entered directly onto a local case management system. The LCMS was originally designed as a court information system and provide the interface with the NCIS. Jurisdictions currently utilising a version of the NCIS LCMS are:

• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

Over the years of operation modifications have been made to each of the LCMS, resulting in six versions of the system that look and operate slightly different. The LCMS have the functionality to collect all NCIS data as well as any additional data sought by the specific jurisdiction. This additional data is collected and entered at a local level and is not downloaded to the NCIS.

The two remaining jurisdictions (New South Wales and Victoria), code directly into the NCIS via the internet interface, after relevant information is downloaded from the independent court management system.

Consistency of Source Documents

The data entered into the NCIS is collected from sources such as the police investigations, autopsy reports, toxicology reports and coronial findings. It is acknowledged that quality and consistency of these documents may vary between and within each jurisdiction. It is also acknowledged that the primary intention of these documents is for the death investigation and legal concerns regarding the circumstances and causes of death. As a result there may be limitations when these documents are considered for statistical use.

There are also inherent differences between the state and territory legislative provisions governing the reporting of a death to a coroner, which impact on the type, quality and quantity of the information collected and reported by each jurisdiction. This will also impact on the quality of information available in the NCIS.