Deputy Medical Investigator

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Fields phone calls to the Medical Examiner's Office that are reporting deaths, and determines jurisdiction of each case reported,
• Travels to the scene of homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable and/or unattended deaths as required in accordance with established call schedule.
• Takes custody of remains in accordance with prescribed protocol and procedure.
• Performs initial on-scene examination of remains; collects on-site scene information and evidence to include drawing of body fluids and specimens by examining the bodies of decedents, taking pictures, securing physical evidence on the body or within proximity of the body and noting other physical evidence or circumstances relevant to the death.
• Conducts joint investigation of cause of death in association with law enforcement officials attending the scene.
• Collects information relevant to or related to, cause and manner of death; and assists the Forensic Pathologist in the determination of cause and manner of death.
• Conducts external examination of bodies as required in individual cases and photographs all pertinent investigative features at the scene.
• Conducts investigations for next of kin of deceased persons and investigations for unidentified deceased persons.
• Provides follow-up information to families pertaining to the cause and manner of their loved one’s death; and gives advice and information on death dispositions.
• Conducts interviews eliciting pertinent past and present history from persons associated with the decedent. Obtains and reviews medical histories and records from private physicians or health care agencies.
• Logs and tracks property and evidence, and ensures chain of custody of evidence is maintained.
• Oversees the removal and/or release of body to appropriate agencies or funeral homes.
• Collects data and prepares comprehensive case reports on death investigations in accordance with pre-established policy and procedure ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
• Conducts follow-up investigations as required.
• Communicates and consults with law enforcement personnel, funeral homes and other agencies to expedite disposition of the case.
• May be required to give sworn testimony in a deposition or before a court or other legal tribunal.
• Practices appropriate environmental safety and/or infection control methods.
• Assists in autopsies including photography, collection of personal effects and/or evidence, direct contact with remains/evisceration, procurement of tissue samples, procurement of toxicology samples and fingerprints, labeling of containers and other forms, transfer of remains to funeral home.
• Assists in cleaning/decontamination of autopsy suite; ordering, stocking and maintenance of equipment and supplies; and storage and documentation of evidence and tissue samples.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college and university, in the field of law enforcement, forensic science, biology, health science or related area, AND
• Three (3) years of related work experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Must be certified in Core Investigative Training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within one (1) year of date of hire.
• Must be certified as a Medicolegal Death Investigator by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within two (2) years of date of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicant must be willing to sign confidentiality statement related to information obtained related to personal data of decedents.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and/or biology.
• Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control standards.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures in relation to crime scene investigation and evidence identification.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of professionals including law enforcement agencies and funeral home directors.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers.
• Ability to operate on a scheduled on-call basis 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects.
• Ability to work with distressing procedures and circumstances and/or unpleasant odors.
• Ability to understand and communicate medical/forensic information and terminology.
• Ability to respond to scene investigations in a timely fashion.
• Ability to provide legal testimony, if required by law.
• Ability to maintain quality safety and infection control standards.
• Ability to maintain chain-of-custody procedures with respect to evidence collection and personal effects.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with respect to information gathered during on-scene and autopsy investigations.
• Ability to extrapolate pertinent factors related to death investigations from medical records.

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