Inquest into the Death of Janice Ann CROFT

Contributing factors

• long-standing bipolar disorder, untreated at time of death
• financial crisis and mortgage default
• imminent property eviction
• extreme attachment to property and inability to accept relocation
• prior suicidal ideation and explicit threats
• lack of early mental health and financial intervention
• police apprehension operation timing and information limitations

Coroner's recommendations

1. Western Australian Police Force should continue implementation of body-worn cameras for tactical response group operators to provide objective evidence in complex police operations
2. Financial institutions should provide mortgagors the option to nominate a third party (such as next of kin) whom the institution must contact and provide confidential information before commencing legal proceedings to take possession of mortgaged residential property
3. Government bodies should increase funding to assistance organisations including Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Consumer Credit Legal Service (WA), Lifeline WA, Law Access, and community legal centres to extend services to wider community
4. Financial institutions should employ appropriately trained individuals focused on customer well-being, particularly in times of financial difficulty