INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT

 

The Investigations Department is comprised of a Chief Investigator, Deputy Chief Investigator, and eight full time Medicolegal Death Investigators. This department is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are always at least 2 investigators on duty at any time. Death Investigators are specially trained to gather information and evidence as it related to establishing the cause and manner of death. The death investigation is not part of the law enforcement investigation, which typically focuses on criminal acts. Death Investigators often have backgrounds in law enforcement and /or EMT training and/or formal forensics training. Most Investigators are certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) or working towards that certification.

 

The Investigators primary function is to locate, preserve and gather the evidence necessary to allow the Coroner to make a determination as to the cause and manner of death. In addition to death investigations, Investigators with the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office also investigate and issue Orders of Protective Custody to assist in the providing emergent care for individuals with a mental health crisis (suicidal, homicidal or gravely disabled).