Deputy Investigator (Coroner Department)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Death Investigator is responsible for conducting medicolegal investigations into deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner.

These investigations include sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unattended deaths.

The investigator collects and evaluates information from death scenes, gathers relevant medical and social history, coordinates with law enforcement and forensic experts, and prepares detailed reports to assist in determining cause and manner of death.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Routine Essential Functions:
1.

Receive calls for service from the Berks County Communications Center, outside agency calls, or supervisors. 
2.

Determine jurisdiction and whether further examination and/or an autopsy is warranted. 
3.

Respond to death scenes in a timely manner to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
4.

Examine decedents at scenes and document findings through photography, sketches, and written notes.

A foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology to accurately assess findings is required.
5.

Make determinations of suspicious/non-suspicious deaths and time of death using body conditions such as rigor mortis, liver mortis, algor mortis, and stages of body decomposition.
6.

Photograph the decedent and the death scene.

This will involve touching and moving the deceased.
7.

Collect evidence and secure personal property in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
8.

Interview witnesses, family members, and first responders to gather relevant historical and circumstantial information.
9.

Responsible for the safe and respectful transport of decedents from the scene to the morgue or designated facility when further examination or testing is required.

Duties include lifting, carrying, and handling remains in accordance with established protocols and safety procedures.
10.

Coordinate with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers.
11.

Required to assist with forensic autopsies and other medicolegal examinations, performing duties such as evidence collection, documentation, and support tasks as needed.
12.

Prepare detailed and accurate written reports, including investigative summaries and official documentation.
13.

Maintain chain of custody and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
14.

Determine next of kin and make death notification, either in person or by telephone.
15.

Assist funeral home representatives with decedent removals.
16.

Must be able to obtain body fluids utilizing phlebotomy techniques and preserve these for toxicological testing purposes.

These fluids may include blood, urine, vitreous, and bile.

Must be able to maintain a chain of custody for these samples and prepare and package them for testing. 
17.

Must be able to perform job functions while wearing personal protective equipment, as needed, such as Tyvek suits, respirators, boot ...