Coroner Investigations Supervisor

IMPERIAL COUNTY

CLASS TITLE: CORONER INVESTIGATIONS SUPERVISOR

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned Sheriff’s Lieutenant, directs daily operations of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Division. Provide direction and oversight to the most complex medical legal investigations of deaths within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is a non-sworn Supervisory position assigned to the Sheriff-Coroner’s Division. The incumbent in this classification investigates and reports on causes of death which fall within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Checks listing of decedent’s personal property and ascertains that all items have been listed and are accounted for; releases property to next of kin.

Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; provide training, direction and assistance to subordinates; recommend and implement remedial action recognition.

Locates and notifies relatives of the deceased; releases bodies to funeral homes.

Responds to calls and goes to scenes of death; takes photographs and preserves evidence and makes notes of matters helpful to the law enforcement officials; confers with law enforcement officials regarding circumstances of death.

Verifies accuracy of documents prepared by subordinates for certification; prepares and supervises preparation of statistical data and reports.

Receives and reviews reports of deceased persons from physicians, law enforcement agencies, and hospital personnel; determines if the case is within legal jurisdiction of the Coroner.

Oversee the operations and activities of the Sheriff-Coroner Division.

Prepare records for burial of the unclaimed and indigent deceased; prepare probable method and death classification (accident, natural, suicide, or homicide) and other pertinent information.

Work closely with other division supervisors to ensure consistent application of division policies and procedures.

Monitors case work progress of subordinate employees and checks reports for completeness and accuracy.

Perform related duties as assigned.

August 2005 Coroner Investigations Supervisor - Continued Page 2 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Sheriff’s Department organization, policies and directives. Principles and practices of supervision and training. Basic medical terminology and human anatomy. Basics of toxicology and bacteriology. California Probate, Penal Code and Civil Code. Act as an expert witness on cause of death, investigate work; acts as an expert witness on cause of death. Modern methods of crime scene investigations. State, County and federal laws and ordinances. Geography of the County and specific areas of assignment. Crime scene preservation and techniques. Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Health and safety regulations. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

ABILITY TO: Train, supervise and evaluate personnel. Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action. Articulate findings of evidence for use in case investigation. Assign and review the work of others. Understand and work within scope of authority. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Comply with safety standards and regulations. Work confidentially and with discretion. Act as an expert witness in court or other legal proceedings. Prepare and maintain clear, accurate, and concise case notes, sketches, and records. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Compose reports and gather statistics. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Work independently with little direction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school and possess a B.A. degree in forensic science, biology, criminal justice or related field. Two (2) years experience handling criminal investigations. Two (2) additional years of experience may be substituted for the required education.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Indoor and outdoor environment; subject to shift work, working evenings/variable hours, and driving a vehicle to conduct work.

August 2005 Coroner Investigations Supervisor - Continued Page 3

Physical abilities required include above-average physical endurance to lift dead bodies weighing a minimum of 160 lbs and remove them from the scene of death and seeing to drive a vehicle.

Incumbents may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, communicable diseases, post examination (autopsies), decaying bodies and physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals, long hours and adverse weather conditions.

August 2005