The NCIS Unit provides support to all approved death investigators and third party researchers to equip them with knowledge and skills to best utilise the NCIS for their approved purpose.
General search and how to guides are designed to build basic system usage skills for all users. Example for common searches are also provided. Advanced training and support is also available.
Data manuals
Data dictionary
The NCIS Data dictionary is a reference manual for those involved in entering, interpreting or analysing information in the NCIS. It includes a comprehensive list of all data fields available in the NCIS with definitions and applications.
Coding manual
The NCIS Coding manual is a reference manual for those entering data into the NCIS. The manual provides guidance and advice on data fields and common coding scenarios. It contains tailored advice on common external-cause scenarios as well as tips on how to consistently code common scenarios.
Manual - Coding (PDF, 3.58 MB) (External link)
See How to code cases for more advice and support resources.
General search guides
General search guide
A comprehensive introduction to searching the NCIS database.
New Zealand general search guide
A comprehensive introduction to searching for New Zealand data.
Guide - New Zealand general search (PDF, 608.36 KB) (External link)
How to use search functions
Find case search
Search for specific cases using the details available.
Guide - How to use the Find case search (PDF, 2.07 MB) (External link)
Query design search
Build and perform advanced searches across the database to identify cohorts.
Guide - How to use the Query design search screen (PDF, 2.56 MB) (External link)
Coroners search
Search specifically for keywords in attached reports.
Guide - How to use the Coroners screen (PDF, 2.42 MB) (External link)
External codes search
Search for codes provided by external agencies to the NCIS.
Guide - How to use the External codes search screen (PDF, 1.99 MB) (External link)
Multiple fatality event (MFE) search
Search for linked cases relating to the same incident or event.
Guide - How to use the Multiple fatality event screen (PDF, 1.76 MB) (External link)
How to search by value
Demographics
Search for cases or cohorts by particular demographics using each of the NCIS search screens.
Guide - How to search by demographics (PDF, 2.92 MB) (External link)
Examples
How to search by age
Example - How to search by age (PDF, 1.63 MB) (External link)
How to search by sex
Example - How to search by sex (PDF, 1.62 MB) (External link)
How to search by Indigenous origin (Australia only)
Example - How to search by Indigenous origin (AUS) (PDF, 1.53 MB) (External link)
How to search by ethnicity (New Zealand only)
Example - How to search by Ethnicity (NZ) (PDF, 1.53 MB) (External link)
How to search for specific types
Drowning and water related deaths
Search for drowning deaths including water-related locations and activities.
Guide - How to search for drowning and water-related deaths (PDF, 2.1 MB) (External link)
Drug related deaths
Search for drug-related deaths.
Guide - How to search for drug-related deaths (PDF, 199.93 KB) (External link)
Fire related deaths
Search for fire-related deaths.
Guide - How to search for fire-related deaths (PDF, 180.32 KB) (External link)
Intentional self-harm deaths
Search for deaths related to suicide and intentional self-harm.
Guide - How to search for intentional self-harm deaths (PDF, 149.21 KB) (External link)
Transport related deaths
Search for transport-related deaths including vehicle types.
Guide - How to search for transport-related deaths (PDF, 120.03 KB) (External link)