The Wisconsin Constitution provides for the office of the Coroner or Medical Examiner in each county in the state. In Jefferson County the office of the Coroner is an elected official with a four-year term, although this is a part-time position, the Coroner is paid on an annual basis with per diem. The services of the Coroner are considered investigative, rather than judicial, in nature. The Coroner is responsible for medicolegal death investigations in his/her county. The Coroner generally retains the services of a pathologist to determine any medical cause and conditions of death.
A Coroner oversees the administrative duties of the Office of the Coroner and serves as the chief medicolegal death investigator of each county jurisdiction. Administrative duties include, appoint, supervise and train deputies to act in behalf of the Coroner in his/her absence. Conduct investigations of deaths, which are reportable under state statute 979.01 and 979.10 and issue the necessary permits for disposition of bodies. Order autopsies and diagnostic tests to assist in the determination and documentation of the cause and manner of death. The proper securing and storage of documents/evidence and the responsible dispersal of public funds in providing for the budgetary administration of the Office.
