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I. Colorado Coroners are elected county officials that serve for a four year term. Coroners also have jurisdiction in municipalities within there respective counties. Only coroners, deputy coroners, or physicians (MD's or DO's) may pronounce a person dead.

II. Coroners are Level III peace officers and have the authority to enforce all of the laws of Colorado while acting within the scope of his authority and in the performance of his duties.

III. Coroner investigates deaths as noted in handout and certifying death certificates. May order autopsies without permission of next of kin, may request and must be given any medical records regarding the deceased from any physician or medical institution. Also may hold inquests and seat a jury to hear all facts surrounding the death and if deemed necessary issue warrants for persons named as suspects in the death.

IV. Coroner is charged with acting as sheriff if the sheriff leaves office and until a successor is named. Also is charged with arresting the sheriff when a warrant is issued by due process. Will also serve subpoenas to sheriff etc. when the sheriff is party to a case.

V. Responsible for notification of next of kin. Obtain toxicology samples in automobile, boating, or aircraft accidents per department of health regulations. They are also responsible for returning drivers licenses of the deceased to State of Colorado DMV.

VI. Works with various agencies, FAA, NFSB, bureau of Mines, OSHA, State archaeologists, and law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction at scene. Also work with forensic pathologists, odontologists, anthropologists, toxicologists, FBI and CBI fingerprint experts etc, when determining cause, manner of death, and identification.