Under direction, with wide latitude for independent judgement and action, the candidate investigates deaths reported to the
OCME. Typical tasks include the following:
• Interviews witnesses to obtain information useful to determining OCME jurisdiction and certifying cause and manner of
death
• Responds to death scenes and hospitals, citywide and documents scene/investigative findings
• Examines and takes possession of bodies plus supervises their transport to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Identifies and establishes evidentiary value of items and determines which items are to be taken into evidence.
• Documents evidence and directs its removal, while safeguarding its quality, and establishes and maintains chain of
evidence.
• Obtains/documents information that will facilitate the decedent identification process
• Investigates death as required for cremation clearance.
• Identifies immediate life-threatening conditions and takes/coordinates action to remove hazards.
• Testifies in court.
• Provides information to family and authorized others as to cause of death, manner and circumstances as determined,
thus providing counseling, understanding, and education.
• Performs follow-up investigations and interviews within well-defined parameters, as assigned.
• Recommends release or maintenance of jurisdiction over bodies based upon preliminary investigation.
• Prepares detailed investigative reports
• Uploads records/photos as part of case investigation.
