Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the statutory authorization under which the Coroner is empowered?

The Coroner derives power from the Colorado Constitution and Colorado Revised Statutes 30-10-601 through 30-10-621.

• What is the term of office for the Coroner?

The Coroner's term of office is 4 years. There are no requirements for the Coroner other than being a resident in the County for 1 year and being over 21 years of age.

• How many deaths does the Coroner's Office investigate per year?

In 2005, there were 1023 deaths reported to the Coroner's Office. Of the 1023, 152 were autopsied.  The total number of deaths in Boulder County was 1675.  Please see the Coroner's 2005 Annual Report (PDF) for additional information.

• What is your mailing address?

Office of the Boulder County Coroner, P.O. Box 471, Boulder, Colorado 80306

• Can arrangements be made to view an autopsy?

Autopsies conducted by the Boulder County Coroner's Office are not open to the public. Only those medical and law enforcement individuals having a primary interest in the patient may attend the autopsy.

• Is there a charge for an autopsy?

The Coroner decides which cases are to be autopsied depending upon the circumstances of death. There is no charge to the family for a Coroner's autopsy.

• Who performs an autopsy?

A medical doctor who has specialized in pathology.

• Do you offer internships or need volunteers?

No; the nature of the work and our staffing levels preclude having either an internship program or monitoring volunteers.

• Do you provide any sort of educational programs?

Yes, time permitting, the staff makes presentations at schools or for civic groups.