Douglas County, Illinois

History of the Coroner

In the 12^th century England, the power of the Sheriff was a growing entity within the King’s land.  To monitor the Sheriff for evidence of dishonesty, the King created the role of coroner.  For each county, four men were selected by the court for the role of “coroner,” named so because they were meant to serve the “crown.”  These men brought important concerns to the attention of the King and investigated any failure to inform the King of these important matters.  The coroners were deemed the only persons within the county with the power to arrest the Sheriff himself.

 By the 16^th century, the coroner had become an elected official.  While he still maintained the power to ensure the honesty of public officials, the most prominent role of the coroner had become what it is in the United States today:  investigating violent and suspicious deaths.

Responsibilities of the Coroner

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Respond or dispatch Deputy Coroner to death scene
• Collect toxicological samples and submit for analysis
• Makes death notification to next-of-kin
• Coordinate and facilitate organ donation
• Determine necessity for autopsy
• Facilitate autopsy process
• Coordinate transport of deceased from death scene
• Conduct death investigations when necessary
• Schedule and conduct inquests
• Summon jury from Jury Commission for Inquests
• Issue Temporary Death Certificates
• Issue Permanent Death Certificates
• Facilitate burial of indigent
• Issue Cremation Permits
• Maintain records of all deaths report
• Maintain permanent records of all inquested cases
• Maintain vital statistics related to all cases reported
• Take charge of personal property of a deceased person until it can be released
• Disaster Deputy Coroners
• Be prepared for any disaster situation