Job Description of a Death Investigator

Anytime a body is found, a death investigator is called in to conduct an investigation. Death investigators use scientific expertise and knowledge to determine the time and cause of death. Death investigators often help in civil and criminal investigations, and are an integral part of the justice system.

Death Investigation Defined

A death investigator is tasked with determining the time, cause and manner of death, including all suspicious, violent, unexplained and unexpected deaths.

Education Requirements

While there are no formal educational requirements to be a death investigator, as requirements vary by agency, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of medical and biological terminology and practices. Agencies will often hire doctors, nurses or certified medical examiners as death investigators.

Primary Job Duties

Death investigators are responsible for investigating a body at the scene to determine if further investigation is required. If the investigator determines additional investigation is required, the death investigator has the body transported to a morgue, where a full autopsy will be conducted.

Secondary Job Duties

Death investigators often have secondary duties, including testifying in court, signing death certificates, working with law enforcement and notifying families of the cause of death.

Additional Considerations

Death investigators must also constantly observe the rule of evidence when conducting investigations, including proper maintenance of the body, properly conducting the autopsy, and interpreting the evidence for criminal investigators and the court.

References

• U.S. Department of Justice Death Investigation Guidelines
• The Medicolegal Death Investigator
• King County Death Investigator Job Description