What is a county medical examiner and county medical examiner investigator?

A county medical examiner is a physician licensed within the state of Iowa and appointed by his or her respective County Board of Supervisors to conduct investigations necessary to determine the cause and manner of death of individuals who die under violent, sudden, or unexpected circumstances [Iowa Code 331.802(3)]. A county medical examiner investigator is a trained death investigator who assists the county medical examiner in performing these duties.