What is the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?

A Coroner is elected by the people for a four-year term, and as long as they are re-elected, they may run as often as they like. The State of Wisconsin Statutes require that whoever is running for the Office of Coroner need be a resident of Outagamie County, have no felony convictions and be at least 18 years of age. Outagamie County does not designate any specific training to hold this office. A Medical Examiner may or may not be a physician and is appointed by the County Executive and they will hold that position until they are ready to step down or they are released from their position.

Can arrangements be made to view an autopsy?

Autopsies conducted by the Outagamie 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 forensic 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.