Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Essential Job Functions
Receives instruction and on the job training by performing the following duties:

• Plans and conducts the investigation into the circumstances of death at the scene to determine the jurisdiction of the Department of Medical Examiner.
• Examines the body of the decedent and the surroundings at the death scene and performs required tests for air, water and body temperature, livor mortis, and degree of rigor mortis.
• Takes custody of any money, valuables or miscellaneous items or documents; lists and records clothing within reports and personal property on appropriate receipts; arranges for or makes the removal of bodies to the Forensic Science Center or other location.
• Responsible for recognizing, collecting and preserving physical evidence, including gunshot residue, sexual assault evidence, appliances, ligatures, garrotes, drugs, narcotics and paraphernalia, and trace evidence.
• Notifies and coordinates evidence handling and collection with departmental criminalist or criminalist of other agencies. Interviews witnesses, friends, and relatives to obtain information about the decedent and circumstances of death and related matters.
• Receives initial notice of death from public or government agencies, initiates investigations, determines Medical Examiner's jurisdiction, and notifies and exchanges information with other public agencies when necessary.
• Notifies and coordinates with representatives of other criminal justice agencies when necessary. Writes reports of investigations, including all pertinent data and evidence relevant to the circumstances of death.
• Enters data into computerized records system as required. Provides information regarding State laws and codes, County ordinances, and Departmental policy and procedures in response to inquiries from members of the medical profession, law enforcement and other government agencies, mortuaries, cemeteries, and the general public.
• Testifies in court or under deposition regarding the findings of an investigation of the circumstances of death.
• Records information in logs and ledgers regarding Departmental activities; fingerprinting bodies in accordance with Departmental standards.
• Uses field photography equipment as required.
• Enters information in sections of death certificates in conformance with regulations of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.
• May be required to drive personal vehicle when performing County business.
• May be required to drive a County vehicle to locations throughout the County to transport bodies from death scenes to the Medical Examiner's facility.
• May be required to travel by aircraft, boat, or other vehicles, or travel in heavy equipment to conduct investigations and remove decedents and to perform duties in areas of difficult accessibility, limited visibility and mobility, or adverse weather or disaster conditions.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Option I: Two year's field investigative experience* with a law enforcement or governmental regulatory agency
• Option II: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with specialization in administration of justice, health/physical sciences or nursing
• Option III: An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college with specialization in administration of justice and one year's field investigative experience* with a law enforcement or governmental regulatory agency
• Option IV: A current California certificate to practice as a Paramedic and three years experience working in paramedic services with no more than a one year lapse in service before applying for the Medical Examiner Investigator Trainee position
• Option V: A current California license as a Registered Nurse or a certificate to practice as a Physician's Assistant issued by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance and three years experience working in trauma/emergency services or forensic nursing.

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