Coroners
What is a Coroner?
A coroner is a public official who is responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances. The primary role of a coroner is to determine the cause and manner of death, which may involve conducting autopsies, examining medical records, and collecting evidence from the scene of death. Coroners often work closely with law enforcement, forensic pathologists, and other professionals to ensure thorough investigations.
Coroners may be elected or appointed officials, and their qualifications can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. Some regions require coroners to have medical, forensic, or legal training, while others may allow individuals with minimal certification to take on the role. In many places, especially in the United States, coroners are involved in a system that distinguishes between coroner systems and medical examiner systems, with medical examiners typically being licensed physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology.
The work of a coroner can be emotionally demanding, as it often involves dealing with bereaved families and sensitive situations. They must handle cases with a high degree of professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality. Aside from investigating deaths, coroners also have the duty to provide testimony in court regarding their findings, as their conclusions can significantly impact criminal investigations or insurance claims.
Overall, the role of a coroner is crucial in the context of public health, law enforcement, and community services, as they help ensure that deaths are investigated thoroughly and that public safety is upheld through their findings and recommendations.
Tasks
- Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
- Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
- Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
Technology Skills
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Alcestis
- Structured query language SQL
- Toxicology databases
- Transact-SQL
-
Video conferencing software
- Zoom
-
Graphics or photo imaging software
- 3D graphics software
- Graphics software
- Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus
-
Operating system software
- Google Android
- Linux
- UNIX
-
Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Autopsy saws
- Autopsy scissors
- Autopsy dissection forceps for general use
- Autopsy knives or blades
- Autopsy hanging scales
Knowledge
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Associate's degree
-
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
- Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
- Interview witnesses, suspects, or claimants.
- Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
- Coordinate logistics or other business operations.
Work Interests
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$43790.0 - $123710.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.