Coroner Division

The Coroner Section is staffed by a supervising Sergeant,  two Detectives, a Forensic Technician, a contract Forensic Pathologist, and a part-time back-up Forensic Pathologist.  In 2007, the Sheriff's Office hired its first Forensic Autopsy Technician.  This position assists the Forensic Pathologist during autopsies along with other duties assigned by the supervising Deputy-Coroner.  Sheriff’s personnel provide 24-hour, seven day coverage for all of Santa Cruz County.

In Santa Cruz County the duties of the Sheriff include those of Coroner as defined and authorized by statute.  Primarily, the Sheriff-Coroner is charged with the investigation of all sudden and unexpected deaths, securing the decedents personal property pending legal disposition and the internments of indigents.  The Coroner Section also handles missing persons cases.

In 2007, the Coroner Section received and investigated close to 400 missing persons reports, both adult and juvenile. 

The Coroner Section is also charged with the responsibility of indigent cremation.  In 2007, they handled 41 indigent cremations.

During 2007, the Coroner Section investigated close to 900 deaths in Santa Cruz County.  There were a total of 200 autopsies performed which included, but was not limited to, 7 homicides, 41 suicides, 81 accidents, and 26 traffic related deaths. (Note: autopsies are performed on ALL suspected homicide and suicide cases by the Sheriff’s Coroner Section, including those within incorporated cities).  There were also a number of visual inspections by the Forensic Pathologist.

The Autopsy: An Explanation

The Coroner's Office is obligated by the State of California Government Code to inquire into and to determine the circumstances, manner and cause of death in those cases that involve homicide, suicide, accident and where no medical history is known (natural deaths).  Unexpected deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) also come under jurisdiction of the Coroner.

What is an Autopsy?
An autopsy is a systematic examination of the body of a person who has died.  This examination is performed by a doctor who is a specialist in forensic pathology, in consultation with the doctors who were looking after the person during life.  The autopsy begins with a complete external examination followed by an examination of individual organs inside the body.  The techniques used are similar to those used in the medical operating theater, except that every part of the body is examined.  A number of special investigations are also performed, which include looking for infections caused by viruses or bacteria, as well as looking at tissues under a microscope for the presence or absence of particular diseases.

Once the examination is completed, the pathologist prepares a detailed report of the autopsy findings and a summary of the person's medical history.   A copy is provided to the family on request.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff
701 Ocean St. Rm. 340
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831)471-1121
sheriff@scsheriff.com
Copyright © '08