# Tasks & work activities — coroner

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-1041.06 (Coroners).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Direct activities of workers conducting autopsies, performing pathological and toxicological analyses, and preparing documents for permanent records.
- **[Core]** 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.
- **[Core]** Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.
- **[Core]** Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- **[Core]** Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
- **[Core]** Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.
- **[Core]** Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
- **[Core]** Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.
- **[Core]** Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
- **[Core]** Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- **[Core]** Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.
- **[Core]** Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
- **[Core]** Locate and document information regarding the next of kin, including their relationship to the deceased and the status of notification attempts.
- **[Core]** Confer with officials of public health and law enforcement agencies to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
- **[Core]** Inventory personal effects recovered from bodies, such as jewelry or wallets.
- **[Core]** Coordinate the release of personal effects to authorized persons and facilitate the disposition of unclaimed corpses and personal effects.
- **[Core]** Arrange for the next of kin to be notified of deaths.
- **[Core]** Collect wills, burial instructions, and other documentation needed for investigations and for handling of the remains.
- **[Core]** Witness and certify deaths that are the result of a judicial order.
- **[Supplemental]** Record the disposition of minor children, as well as details of arrangements made for their care.

## Detailed work activities

- Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
- Coordinate enforcement of laws or regulations.
- Coordinate logistics or other business operations.
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Document information related to legal proceedings.
- Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
- Interview witnesses, suspects, or claimants.
- Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
- Supervise employees.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
