Deputy Coroner

Department: Coroner • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) • Safety-sensitive position with random drug/alcohol testing.

About the role

Responsible for the investigation of human death cases reported to the coroner under Arkansas law and rendering rulings as to cause, manner, and time of death.

Responsibilities

• Receives and investigates reports of human deaths within the County as prescribed by law and policies.
• Investigates death scenes by gathering evidence, photographing the area and body, measuring and sketching the scene and location of the victim, and recording all details of the scene, victim, and circumstances that would facilitate the identification of the cause and nature of death.
• Interviews witnesses, family members, acquaintances and friends of the victim, and investigative personnel to determine pertinent facts concerning the death.
• Prepares, transports, and releases deceased bodies to appropriate agencies.
• Examines physical changes such as lividity, temperature, and rigor mortis of deceased body to determine time and position at death.
• Examines the nature of any wounds to determine the exact cause of death.
• Draws body fluids such as blood, vitreous humor, and urine from victims for lab analysis and prepares reports for submission of samples to a proper investigative agency.
• Maintains written narrative reports on each case investigated and puts records into computer; submits reports with the determination of nature of death to supervisor for review and completion of death certificates.
• Attends autopsies and assists Medical Examiner as requested.
• Answers questions from family members, insurance companies, investigative personnel, attorneys, funeral homes, etc., regarding death investigations.
• Ensures County vehicle maintenance and maintenance of supply and equipment inventory.
• May be required to issue subpoenas, swear witnesses, or exercise the power of arrest as necessary during investigations.
• Conducts classes for Law Enforcement Agencies, emergency personnel, and the general public concerning crime scene and evidence preservation, investigative methods and procedures, suicide prevention, criminal behavior, etc.
• Testifies in court regarding death scene investigations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, motor vehicle report, and a job-related physical exam.
• In addition to pre-employment checks, employees who operate county vehicles are required to undergo an annual motor vehicle report.
• This position is safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License.
• Must be able to complete training for certification by the State Crime Laboratory for the removal of body fluids for toxicology testing.
• Must have a vision level of or correctable to 20/20.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology of forensic medicine.
• Comprehensive knowledge of criminal investigative techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of interviewing techniques and methods.
• Ability to prepare detailed written narrative reports.
• Ability to maintain a detailed record-keeping system.
• Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate with and gather information from family and friends of victims, investigative personnel, attorneys, and the general public.
• Ability to conduct duties in uncomfortable weather conditions including cold, heat, rain, etc.
• Ability to remove fluid samples from deceased bodies.
• Ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
• Skill in the operation of a computer.
• Skill in the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, drag, or push an average body weight of 100-200+ pounds with and without assistance.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, twist, reach, kneel, crawl, squat, climb, and balance to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to climb ladders, trees, and other obstacles within crime scenes.
• Ability to negotiate up and down stairs and over rough or uneven terrain.
• Visual acuity is sufficient to observe details at the death scene.
• Manual dexterity is necessary to sketch death scenes, operate a computer keyboard, and draw body fluids.
• Ability to communicate orally, individually and in groups.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

Education and Experience

Completion of high school; completion of training in forensic medicinal methods and terminology; considerable experience with death scene investigation or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Prefer certification as an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator (ABMDI).

Schedule

Work is primarily performed in the field and may require the performance of duties in uncomfortable weather conditions including cold, heat, rain, etc. May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.