Coroners

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (15%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (40%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (45%)

• Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Locate and document information regarding the next of kin, including their relationship to the deceased and the status of notification attempts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Record the disposition of minor children, as well as details of arrangements made for their care.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Arrange for the next of kin to be notified of deaths.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inventory personal effects recovered from bodies, such as jewelry or wallets.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Collect wills, burial instructions, and other documentation needed for investigations and for handling of the remains.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct activities of workers conducting autopsies, performing pathological and toxicological analyses, and preparing documents for permanent records.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate the release of personal effects to authorized persons and facilitate the disposition of unclaimed corpses and personal effects.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with officials of public health and law enforcement agencies to coordinate interdepartmental activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Witness and certify deaths that are the result of a judicial order.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task