Everything from health and safety breaches to negligent manslaughter..

Experts say police will be looking at a raft of options when it comes to pursuing charges around Whakaari White Island.

Police have backtracked on confirming whether they're pursuing a criminal investigation into the events surrounding the eruption.

Massey University Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Chris Gallavin says that could be anything from nuisance charges to failing to provide duty of care.

He says individuals could face potential imprisonment if they can be identified as being negligent.