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Experts and commissioners split on whether coroner should be law‑enforcement role or independent office
Summary
Presentations from a former sheriff/coroner and the current civil coroner framed trade‑offs: law‑enforcement coroners bring investigative experience while civilian coroners can provide an independent, medical‑focused perspective; commissioners discussed qualifications, accreditation and chain‑of‑custody procedures.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission heard from two presenters about whether the county's coroner function should remain paired with law enforcement or be an autonomous office. Dan Haggerty, introduced as a Jefferson County commissioner and former sheriff/coroner, described the practical responsibilities when law enforcement serves as coroner: securing scenes, ensuring chain of custody, and deciding whether detectives should be involved. "You are the coroner. You are the first one in charge, and you do…
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