CORONER
The Coroner is charged by law with many responsibilities, the foremost of which is the investigation and certification of a variety of deaths including all deaths of other than natural causes, and any apparently natural deaths in which no physician can reasonably state the cause. The Coroner can utilize any and all medicolegal investigative techniques, including an autopsy, to establish both the medical cause of death, and mode or manner of death (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined).
Additional mandated responsibilities include the notification of next of kin, granting cremation permits, protection and safekeeping of property belonging to deceased individuals, conducting inquests when indicated, maintaining public records, making reports to other agencies, identification of deceased persons and the interment of indigent dead and unclaimed bodies.
There has been continued growth and emphasis on the role of forensic science and medicine. This office has expanded its role in forensic medicine for both living and dead, playing a vital role in the community. These areas include: examination and evaluation of child, elderly and domestic abuse; testimony and interpretation of hospital records and procedures; alcohol and drug interaction in motor vehicle and other fatalities; compiling statistics pertaining to seat belted occupants in motor vehicle fatalities; illicit as well as environmental and industrial toxicology. The Coroner also interfaces with numerous other agencies and departments (Police, District Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff, Federal Aviation Administration, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Organization, Children and Youth, State Attorney General, Center for Highway Safety, Drug Abuse Warning Network, Public Health) to support the health and safety of Montgomery County residents. (Human Services Center, Fornance and DeKalb Streets, Norristown, 610-278-3057)
