Medicolegal Death Investigator

The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) is responsible for investigating deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Lubbock County Medical Examiner (LCME) in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Article 49.25. The MDI works closely with law enforcement, medical personnel, and families to determine the cause and manner of death, ensuring thorough documentation, evidence collection, and reporting. This role involves responding to death scenes, conducting interviews, managing personal property, and preparing detailed reports for review by the Medical Examiner.

• Attend death scenes to gather evidence and work cooperatively with law enforcement personnel to ensure proper collection and preservation of evidence related to the death investigation.
• Interview family members, witnesses, law enforcement, physicians, and other relevant individuals to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.
• Examine the body and surrounding scene, documenting conditions through written reports and photography.
• Recognize, document, and preserve evidence, personal belongings, and biological specimens, ensuring proper Chain of Custody.
• Receive notifications of deaths and determine jurisdiction according to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Article 49.25.
• Investigate deaths falling under LCME jurisdiction, including out-of-county cases, and document circumstances through reports and photography.
• Perform professional-level analysis of gathered data to assist in determining the cause and manner of death.
• Enter detailed death investigation reports, scene photographs, and evidence information into the data collection system.
• Prepare necessary paperwork for specimen/evidence submission and facilitate transfer using proper Chain of Custody forms.
• Maintain accurate records and files in both paper and electronic formats.
• Communicate with next-of-kin, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other relevant parties to facilitate information sharing and case progress.
• Notify and exchange information with other public agencies as necessary.
• Provide information and assistance to family members of decedents, ensuring sensitive handling of information.
• Handle inquiries and requests for information, responding within established guidelines.
• Assist in providing training and information to staff, interns, and other interested parties.
• Collect, document, secure, track, and dispose of the decedent’s personal property.
• Facilitate the disposition of the body, including indigent and unclaimed bodies.
• Assist with identifying decedents and ensuring timely notification of next-of-kin.
• Receive decedent bodies and prepare them for disposition or further investigation as required.
• Provide direction and assistance to staff, responding to non-routine situations, especially those occurring outside of normal business hours.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during investigations, including at crime scenes, any time of day or night.
• Offer guidance and support to fellow team members and newly assigned investigators, ensuring proper investigative techniques and protocols are followed.
• Testify in court or under deposition regarding findings from death investigations as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and LCME policies.
• Keep staff updated on any relevant changes in laws or procedures.
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to support the smooth operation of LCME and the completion of death investigations.

• Bachelor's degree in health sciences, physical sciences or behavioral sciences or related field of study.
• Two (2) years or work-related experience required.
• Registered Medicolegal Investigator by ABMDI or eligibility to become registered within 24 months of hire.
• Knowledge of Texas county and state laws regarding death investigation.
• Ability to properly identify, photograph, document, preserve, and retain evidence and personal belongings.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Confidentiality of all that is seen and heard during the scope of the job is always required.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and background check.