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How
and/or When do I contact the Coroner?
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Any death outside of a medical institution w/ the exception of persons on hospice (hospice RN’s will notify & report to the coroner) must be reported to the Coroner as soon as the death occurs. You need to call Cencom
at 479-273-5532(press "1"), or dial 911. |
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How long will it take
to get a toxicology report?
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All toxicology samples drawn by a coroner anywhere in the state are sent to the
Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock. We have no control on the time frame, but generally we receive the results in about 6 to 8 weeks. |
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How long will it take to get a autopsy report?
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All autopsies are preformed at the
Arkansas State Crime Lab. Homicide cases get 1st
priority. Depending on their case load, we'll receive a
preliminary report within a few days. The completed report takes 4 to 5 months. |
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How do I get a copy of a DC, toxicology, or other
reports?
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Contact the Corners Office at 479- 621-0223. |
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What funeral home do I use?
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The Coroners office can/willl not recommend a funeral home. However we will provide upon request a list of all Benton county funeral homes, you are not required to use a local funeral home, you may use a home anywhere in or out of
state. They will contact a local funeral home or embalming service. We encourage you to speak with local directors about
options and services offered. |
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When I contact the Coroner what is my expected wait time
and what steps are in place?
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When you contact a dispatcher they will take your information & a law enforcement officer
and in most cases E.M.S. will be sent to your location. Law enforcement may remain on scene for an extended period of time BEFORE they request a coroner, the average response time for the coroners office is 18
minutes or less. |
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Who removes the body and where are
they taken?
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The body will removed by the funeral home of
choice unless there is no next of kin present, or they
were a victim of a crime in which case the body will be removed by the coroners office. Most motor vehicle accident victims are removed from the scene by the coroner & taken to the Benton County Coroners Office. Crime victims will be taken to the Benton County Sheriff Office or Benton County Coroners Office to await the Ar. State crime lab. |
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When will the body be released by the
Coroner/State Crime Lab?
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If the body is not going for an autopsy it will be released from the
Coroner's office as soon as next of kin is notified and a funeral home is contacted.
Most autopsies are done the next business day and usually released that afternoon depending on the case load, we have no control of this. |
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Is an autopsy required in all cases?
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No. Deaths caused by violence, state custody deaths,
and unexplained deaths will be sent to the State Crime Lab
for an autopsy. Other deaths are determined on a case by case
basis and may or may not require the State Crime Lab. Most medical
and unattended deaths do not require an autopsy. |
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Why does law enforcement respond?
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State law requires that all deaths be investigated by law
enforcement to insure that no crime, neglect, or foul play
is involved. |