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Information about the Office of the Coroner and the duties performed by this department.



DOUGLAS COUNTY CORONER

200 South Prairie     Tuscola, IL  61953

Phone:  (217) 253-4808     Fax:  (217) 253-5235

 

Coroner

Joe Victor

 

Secretary

Chana L. Ray

 

Deputy Coroner’s

Joe Irace                         Butch McCollam

Steve Cook                       Steve Gingerich

Todd Ray                               Brian Moody

Shane Gould                              Bob Faust

Joe Carter                                Bill Rogers

Olen Kibler                            Jim Sanstrom

Jim Crane                                Jason Goad


 
 

History of the Coroner



In the 12th 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 16th 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

 

Miscellaneous 



Document
The Role of the Coroner
Document
2010 Coroner Annual Report




























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