The coroner may also, in his discretion, if the circumstances warrant, hold an inquest, and he shall hold an inquest if requested to do so by the Attorney General, the district attorney, sheriff, city prosecutor, city attorney, or a chief of police of a city in the county in which such coroner has jurisdiction. Such inquest shall be held with or without a jury, at the coroner’s discretion and shall be open to the public.
Source:
Section 27491.6, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=27491.6..