Responsibilities

The coroner’s office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, investigating and determining the cause and manner of death. The coroner and his staff investigate cases of homicide, suicide, accidental death, and all natural deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or medically unattended.

The coroner is mandated by Georgia law to determine the cause and manner of death by an extensive investigation, which may include a post-mortem examination (autopsy). This investigation is independent of the police and/or fire department but is done in conjunction with both departments.

When it is necessary for this office to order a post-mortem examination, it is vital in determining the cause and manner of death of the deceased. When ordered by this office, a charge is never incurred by the family and is only performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist.