Deputy Coroner I – Death Scene Investigator

Duties

• Works under the general supervision to gather, review, and/or interpret a variety of written documents, including scene reports, medical/ psychological records, legal documents, police/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records, toxicology records, and autopsy reports.
• Establishes jurisdiction of death cases and responds to death scenes. Renounces death and takes custody of the deceased if necessary.
• Conducts thorough death scene investigations, photographs the death scene and the decedent, and conducts interviews; writes thorough case reports.
• Determines investigative techniques, scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Coordinates with law enforcement agencies in the preservation and collection of evidence, maintenance of chain of custody, and processing of the death scene.
• Identifies the deceased and locates the decedent's primary next of kin. Notifies the next of kin of the death and interviews the next of kin.
• Serves as a liaison to the bereaved; obtains and relays case information and applicable resources.
• Interacts with a myriad of agencies and representatives to conduct investigation follow-up.
• Performs digital x-rays of the decedent as necessary.
• Collects, inventories, and secures the decedent's medications and property. Conducts, obtains, or assists with the intake, collection, maintenance, and/or disposition of bio-hazardous materials/waste, fingerprints, property, evidence, toxicology, histology, medications, and specimens of the decedent.
• Maintains and inventories investigative equipment and supplies; operates and maintains office, scene, morgue, and autopsy equipment; cleans and maintains office, morgue, vehicles, and equipment.
• Prepares and provides professional testimony in court relating to certain cases.
• Greets the public, answers telephone calls, and performs administrative tasks.
• Represents agency or present at public outreach events and public education functions.
• Provides direction to interns and volunteers.
• Serves as a backup to other Deputy Coroners during peak workloads or mass disaster.
• Performs other duties as required.

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

Requirements

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher.

Required Experience

• Five years of relevant medicolegal death investigation and/or law enforcement experience may substitute for the required education.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Registry Certification within two years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of investigative practices and techniques. Knowledge of proper handling and processing of evidentiary material.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology; knowledge of State and Local laws regarding deaths and human remains.
• Must possess a high level of attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Skill in preparing comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work with deceased persons.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and react appropriately in emergency or stressful situations and exercise tact and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to assist with autopsy procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and with proper regard to spelling, grammar and punctuation; ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to delegate appropriately.
• Ability to execute and follow policies, procedures, and verbal/written directives.
• Ability to anticipate and initiate collection of needed follow-up information and case progress.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, other agencies and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive and confidential material.
• Ability to use standard office and photography equipment, proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

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