Annual Report - Chief Executive Office - Los Angeles County

County of Los Angeles Annual Report 2006-2007
Coroner
The Coroner investigates and determines the cause and mode of all sudden, violent or
unexplained deaths within Los Angeles County. Comprehensive scientific investigations
are conducted, including autopsy, toxicology, histology, and scanning electron microscopy
analysis. In addition to forensic autopsy, the department uses state-of-the-art equipment
to provide high-quality scientific evaluations of evidence to determine the cause and
manner of death.
The Coroner works proactively with law enforcement agencies and others in the criminal
justice system. The department is accredited by the National Association of Medical
Examiners, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the California
Medical Association for Continuing Medical Education, and the American Society of Crime
Laboratory Directors. The department is also certified by the Commission on Peace
Officer Standards & Training (POST) to participate in the reimbursable training program
and provide POST-certified training to other agencies.
Major Accomplishments 2005-2006
Hosted the National Association of Medical Examiners meeting in Los Angeles.
Obtained reaccredidation of the department by the National Association of Medical
Examiners.
Received a grant/loan funding of $1.6 million from the Productivity Investment Board
for the multi-year development of a service providing revenue-generating DNA lab.
Collaborated with the local health registrar in signing a letter of intent for participation
in the state’s Electronic Death Registration System designed to improve the tracking
and handling of death certificates.
Developed a protocol for monitoring law enforcement death notification to the Coroner
to help improve response times.
Developed a replacement phone system with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to
improve efficiency in communications.
Developed and implemented a Board-approved contract for the harvesting of tissues
for the purpose of improving quality of life.
Acquired Board funding for a crypt facility to increase decedent storage and to renovate
the Coroner’s autopsy floor.
Completed business continuity planning for critical Coroner’s functions.
Participated in the formation of the Los Angeles County Elder Death Review Team.
Major Objectives 2006-2007
Continue next phase development of revenue-generating DNA testing program to
improve identification of Coroner cases and market services to public and private sector.
Continue next phase development of the Electronic Death Certificate Registration
(EDRS) system designed to improve the tracking and handling of death certificates.
Continue the construction of a crypt facility to increase decedent storage and the
renovation of the department’s autopsy floor to ensure health and safety for workers.
Work with Public Health Department and the California State Coroners Association to
develop a liaison and partnership with the California State Funeral Directors
Association toward the collaboration, preparation, planning and training for pandemic
flu and other potential disasters.
Complete an internal review of the forensic pathology fellowship program as required
for continued accreditation.
Relocate non-biohazardous department functions to the old administration building and
continue planning for the upgrade and expansion of autopsy facilities.
Complete business continuity planning for less critical Coroner’s functions.
Procure a mobile command post and a refrigerated storage vehicle for use in disasters.
Public Protection
Dr. Lakshmanan
Sathyavagiswaran
Chief Medical Examiner/Coroner
(Appointed 02/18/92)
Anthony T. Hernandez
Director
(Appointed 07/12/94)
Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget
Gross Total $25,991,000
Less Intrafund
Transfer $543,000
Net Total $25,448,000
Revenue $2,321,000
Net County Cost $23,127,000
Positions 221.0
Supervisor Gloria Molina
presents scroll to National
Association of Medical Examiners
president Dr. Fred Jordan at
conference held in Los Angeles.
In background are Dr.
Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran,
chief medical examiner-coroner,
and Director Anthony Hernandez.
Coroner’s weapon of mass
destruction vehicle.
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