Coroner's Investigator

Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Reviews coroner reports to determine course of action; checks cases and prepares samples; prepares equipment and supplies for autopsies.
• Assists pathologist in autopsies, makes incisions and sutures; performs evidence collection, labeling, photography, and specimen collection; maintains cleanliness and sanitation of the morgue.
• Answers, responds to, and investigates calls involving deceased individuals; lifts, moves and transports deceased; collects relevant information to make determinations as to the cause, circumstances and manner of death.
• Tracks and updates the County sex offender’s registry.
• Ensures scene photography when necessary; secures, collects and preserves the decedent’s property for release to next of kin; documents information relating to the death investigation; obtains medical information, evidence and specimens; interviews witnesses and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and the medical community.
• Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biological evidence for forensic analysis, including but not limited to gunshot residue collection, fingernail scrapings, sexual assault specimen collection, forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology, and microbiologic testing; packages and prepares evidence and specimens for storage or transports ensuring legal chain of custody; secures proper biohazard waste disposal regulations according to protocol.
• Testifies in court or when deposed through a legal process; establishes the identity of the deceased; searches and obtains available information relevant to their identify; obtains fingerprints and documents distinguishing physical characteristics; identifies individuals responsible for the custody and final disposition of the deceased; assists in ordering autopsies and arranges for services of forensic or medico specialists.
• Prepares written reports of case investigations, explains the circumstances of death, including the probable method and manner (accident, homicide, suicide, or natural), and other pertinent facts including summaries of information from hospital charts.
• Prepares for and assists with inquests; subpoenas jurors and witnesses.
• Serves as a liaison between the Sheriff-Coroner and the Public Guardian/Administrator ensuring transference of the decedent's assets to the Public Administrator; assists in maintaining the inventory of property belonging to the deceased.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, and techniques of investigation, including the gathering, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Sources of information used in locating persons.
• Court procedures and operations.
• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement.
• Court procedures and operations.
• Basic medical terminology and human anatomy.
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to evidence handling.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and forensic interview techniques.
• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for death investigations.
• Organization, procedures, operating details, and legal provisions of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, statues, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Interview and obtain information from witnesses, families, and others.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Interact in a calm, courteous and professional manner when dealing with the public and when responding to a variety of public inquiries.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, some of whom may be hostile or irate and/or from varying ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Coordinate activities with a variety of personnel and agencies.
• Present accurate court testimony concerning evidential property.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade;
and
• One (1) year of experience in medical, nursing, medical examiner, coroner or investigative field working with deceased persons and families.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

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