Jennifer L. Crawford
The Coroner's Office here in Canyon County consists of just one Elected Official and three Deputy Coroners who cover the entire county on death investigation calls. The office also employs a Pathologist to oversee autopsy cases. Canyon County has one of the highest growth rates in Idaho, and with the increasing population the Coroner's Office has its own influx of cases. The majority of people do not know what a Coroner's Office does for the County, or of the various challenges it faces. Having worked in the Coroner's Office for many years, I have the experience needed as well as firsthand knowledge of the changes that need be made. I believe it is imperative that the Coroner's Office be compliant with the policies currently set into place in order to protect its integrity. I also hope to implement new programs within the community to assist in our goal of creating a passion for forensic science for the upcoming generations. It is a not always the easiest task to try and get voters to see the importance of a change in administration at the Coroner's Office. However, the important work done in the Coroner's Office is something I have great passion for and I have exceeded every requirement for this position. I feel confident I can serve this office with honor and make the changes needed to refresh the stagnancy that seems to have taken hold. I will work hard to provide the highest level of compassion, dignity, and respect for the people of Canyon County.
A New Vision
I admit it is a daunting task to be 'that person' who chooses to stand up for a change but I am very passionate about my field of expertise and I know that I can implement the fresh vision and direction that our County needs. For years the Coroner's Office has been run with the idea that change is not welcome. I have great concerns that those long-held ideals will cost us, not only as tax paying citizens by being inefficient and wasting funds on outdated processes, but also as people that require a certain amount of empathy and respect by the individuals responsible for our loved one's care. In my many years at the Coroner's Office I observed a system that is broken. If given the opportunity, I will create an environment that is warm, welcoming, and full of the compassionate care that families deserve.
Work Experience
09/15/2019 – Current
Canyon County Coroner’s Office
Coroner - Full-time
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10/2008 – 9/02/2015
Canyon County Coroner’s Office
Sr. Deputy Coroner- Full-time
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Initiated an accountability and security procedure for controlled prescription medication pending proper disposal
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Conduct autopsies under the direction of a Forensic Pathologist
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Conduct examinations to determine circumstance and causes of death
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Prepared written reports for each case listing pertinent case facts in manner and cause of death including examination of the deceased
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Coordinates with various law enforcement agencies, physicians, hospitals paramedics and other related agencies
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Gathered, preserved and stored evidence using proper evidence collection, handling procedures; including chain of custody
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Dealt effectively and courteously with law enforcement officers, administrators, and the public
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Performs a variety of clerical functions related to creation and maintenance of case logs, files and materials; types of correspondence and reports
10/2005 – 10/2008
Canyon County Crime Lab
Criminalist Assistant/Evidence Custodian- Full-time
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Deliver evidence to appropriate areas for processing following special physical evidence procedures
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Prepare reports, logs, drawings, diagrams, documentation and related records for each investigation
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Perform proper collection preservation, and packaging of different types of evidence
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Handled, store and retrieved evidence as needed
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Respond to crime scene to perform technical processing and evidence collection
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Performed a variety of clerical functions as related to filling, sorting and routing information to the appropriate departments/individuals
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Research and prepare files/evidence for retention and disposition
5/10/2004 – 10/2005
Canyon County Sheriff’s Records Department
Records Specialist Full-time
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Gather sensitive information and send to the appropriate departments
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Scan and file individual’s criminal records
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Fingerprinting
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Communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
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Performed a variety of clerical functions as related to filling and sorting
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Fingerprint sex offenders and update registration paperwork
Education
Kaplan University
Bachelor in Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation
Graduated Summa Cum Laud, June 2010
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American Institute of Applied Science
Forensic Science Program 101, 2005