Coroner training AAC
F A M I L Y & F R I E N D S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » Continued From Previous Page 10 <<< “In order to properly certify deaths not submitted to the crime
lab, coroners need to have training which enables them to under- stand medical diseases and processes,” Schwin said. “Coroners can be, and are sometimes, the first line of defense for recognizing prob- lems in the community, such as disease patterns or trends in child accidents or suicides.” Coroners across the state oftentimes manage other full-time jobs
and provide coroner services on a part-time basis with part-time pay “Coroners provide an essential role in the death investigation
process, and should not be overlooked. Teir role ultimately leads to a greater understanding of the risks and hazards in our community By providing appropriate training to all coroners, Arkansans will reap the rewards.” Schwin who is certified as a law enforcement training instructor in crime scenes, evidence and body submissions is currently working on creating and instructing a class for coroners and investigators. “Te citizens of Arkansas deserve the best quality death investiga- tion possible. Arkansas has well-trained and talented law enforce- ment investigators. Te state crime lab and the medical examiner’s office are well-staffed and accredited,” Schwin said. “Tese are important parts of our death investigation system, but they are not enough.”
A funding source and a curriculum for coroner training is badly needed in Arkansas. “Te coroners are an essential link between law enforcement in the field and the medical examiner’s office,” Schwin said. Coroners are tasked with assessing bodies at scenes; when the body is sent to the medical examiner (ME), the coroner is expected to provide detailed information about the body and the death scene to the ME. Information obtained at the scene may allow the medical ex- aminer to estimate a time of death. Te coroner typically removes the body from the scene, and is responsible for securely storing the deceased until transported to the crime lab. In cases where foul play
is suspected, the body is considered evidence. “We are attempting with help of the Arkansas State Crime Lab,
Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Law Enforcement Train- ing Academy, Association of Arkansas Counties and the Arkansas Coroner’s Association to provide a training course for death scene investigators here in our state,” Krout said. “We have some things to really look hard at for the future of coroners. I hope we can all work together to help not only coroners but also the residents of Arkansas who need great death scene investigators.” Proposed legislation might generate funds by basically follow- ing suit of what other states do. Te funds would be generated by a $50 fee for transporting bodies out of Arkansas to other states. Tis is a regular occurrence when residents from other states die in Arkansas and then of course the body must be returned to its home state for proper burial. Other states currently charge Arkansas for the same service. “It is critically important that coroners be trained in the proper re-
moval techniques to ensure preservation of any evidence that may be on the body. Well-trained coroners can identify suspicious wounds or marks on the body,” Schwin said. “Tis attention to detail is needed in order to enable the law enforcement agency and the crime lab to conduct a thorough investigation.” Te investigative staff of the ME’s office and the coroners around the state communicate frequently regarding cases submitted to the crime lab. “Our state statutes [A.C.A.12-12-315 and 20-17-1223] include
the coroners in the death investigation process. During the exami- nation performed at the ME’s office, it is sometimes necessary to request further medical information from coroners. Coroners have the authority to gather any records pertaining to the deceased to help determine a cause of death.” On the Web Go to
www.arcounties.org and search the “News” link for “Coroner training” to read Schwin’s suggested curriculum for coroners.
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COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013
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