Coroners Officer JD

WILTSHIRE POLICE

Job Description

Post Title: Coroners Officer Department: Coroners Office

Post Number: Work Location: Divisional

Grade: W7 Security Vetting Level: SC

Responsible to: Detective Inspector Date : June 2007

Reporting Structure:

Detective Inspector

Detective Sergeant

Coroner’s Officer Coroners Officer

Job Purpose

The post holder is responsible for the investigation of sudden deaths occurring within the Division, and for associated administrative work on behalf of the Coroner. The post holder is required to liaise between Police, Coroner and Pathologist. Main Responsibilities

1 Attend Sudden Deaths. Assess the possibility of the death being as a result of criminal action - if so confer with the senior Detective officer attending. Arrange for the removal of the body to the mortuary, should the death appear to match the natural circumstance situation. Visit and examine bodies, and obtain identification required by the Coroner.

2 Attends Post Mortems. Attend Post Mortem examinations and provide full details surrounding the death to the Pathologist.

3 Investigation of Sudden Death. Obtain details of previous medical history from relatives of the deceased, family doctor and any hospital notes. In cases of suicide, industrial accident and any other cases of unnatural death, to act as Officer in Case, obtaining statements and preparing reports. In cases of all deaths where no relative can be found, assume initial responsibility for the deceased’s property. If the person dies intestate liaise with Senior Environmental Health Officer and HM Treasury Solicitors Department.

4 Liaison. Confer with the Coroner regarding either, releasing the body, or the requirement of an Inquest. In cases of death being the result of ‘natural causes’, informs the undertaker and relatives to arrange for removal of the body from the mortuary. During Post Mortem examinations in cases of un-natural death advises, after liaising with Senior Detective Officer if appropriate, Pathologist on samples of blood and tissue required for forensic examination.

5 Inquests. Assume full responsibility for arranging and running Inquests, including ensuring that all witnesses and Jurors if required, attend court at the relevant time. Ensure that all other interested parties are fully appraised of the details of the Inquest. In cases other than above, ensure that the body is held at the mortuary for the duration of Police enquiries, or the conclusion of an inquest.

6 Treasure. In cases of Treasure accept responsibility for artefacts for despatch to The British Museum, liaise with them and local Museums.

7 Major Disasters. In cases of major disaster – perform such duties as defined under the Mortuary Documentation Officer within the Wiltshire Constabulary Major Incident Plan. Dimensions Financial There are no financial dimensions attached to this post

Person Specification

Coroners Officer Attributes On Appointment Criteria

Qualifications:

Experience: Some experience in an investigative environment would be beneficial Essential

Skills: Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel Desirable Some knowledge of medical matters, medical terms, types of medication, Desirable pathology, pathological terms and findings Some knowledge of legal matters, e.g. legal terms, registration of death and the Essential acquisition of documents for disposal and registration and probate and repatriation of bodies from abroad Good communication skills both written and verbal Essential Ability to be patient and sensitive in their dealings with the bereaved. Essential

Knowledge: Knowledge of industrial diseases and injuries Essential Some knowledge of the procedures and law relating to Treasure Desirable General awareness of equality and diversity issues in the working environment Essential Awareness of workplace health & safety issues Desirable Understanding of confidentiality and Data Protection/Freedom of Information Essential issues

Attributes After Training

Qualifications:

Experience: Experienced in dealing with deaths, inquests and attending post mortems

Skills: Ability to work unsupervised whilst carrying out all of the duties expected of a Coroners officer Ability to develop and adapt to changing working practices in order to meet the demands of Wiltshire Police, new legislation or new policies introduced within the Force

Knowledge: Understanding of your responsibility to the Coroner, Police and Medical staff Knowledge of medical matters, medical terms, types of medication, pathology, pathological terms and findings Knowledge of legal matters, eg legal terms, registration of death and the acquisition of documents for disposal and registration and probate and repatriation of bodies from abroad. Knowledge of relevant Police procedures Understanding of your responsibility under Equal Opportunities and the way in which your role and the organisation may impact on minority and more vulnerable communities within Wiltshire Greater understanding of relevant health & safety issues within your working environment Understanding of the impact of the Human Rights Act on the organisation and the role that you undertake Greater understanding of Data Protection and Freedom of Information issues within your working environment Role Profile

Coroners Officer

Other Information

Coroners Officer

Post holders must have a current driving licence, and their own vehicle, which they should be prepared to use for work purposes as required. A mileage allowance will be paid.

The post holder may be required to take a Police Driving Test to ensure that they meet the specified standard to drive Police vehicles.

It will be necessary in cases of emergency for the post holder to be ‘called out’, outside of normal working hours.

Wiltshire Police provides a 24 hour 7 day a week service therefore applicants should be prepared to be flexible in their approach to working hours.

Where applicable the post holder will be expected to wear a uniform at all times when on duty.

You will be required to attend all necessary and relevant training courses in respect of your employment to ensure compliance with the policies of the Force. WILTSHIRE POLICE

Police Staff Application – Notes on Competency Evidence

Coroners Officer

Further to your request please find enclosed an Application Pack for the above position.

Before completing the Application Form please fully read the Guidance Notes enclosed within this pack.

On your Application Form please give your best example on the following competencies/criteria as selected from the Job Description/Advert. The competencies/criteria as set out below will be tested at shortlist stage (papersift); other competencies/criteria will be tested at interview.

If a competency/criteria is deemed Essential then all candidates selected for interview must fulfil this requirement.

No. Competency/Criteria Essential Desirable

1 Good communication skills both written and verbal ü

2 Ability to be patient and sensitive in their delaings with the bereaved ü

General awareness of equality and diversity issues in the working 3 ü environment

4 Some experience in an investigative environment ü

5 Competant in the use of Microsoft word, outlook and excel ü

Some knowledge of medical matters, medical terms, types of 6 ü medication, pathology, pathalogical terms and findings