Responsible for responding to the scene of an incident to perform preliminary investigation on cause and manner of death, then releases a final autopsy report once investigation and testing is completed. The coroner's office may take custody of a person who has died in various circumstances including but not limited to a young person without documented medical history, a person with no legal next-of-kin or one that cannot be determined or identified during the initial investigation, or any person who has died due to unnatural circumstances. Also plays a role in developing the county’s Mass casualty/Fatality Plan in preparation for any catastrophic incidents, which could be caused by natural, accidental, criminal or infectious means. Does not provide copies of death certificates, contact NYS Department of Health or the local town, village, or city clerk in the municipality where the death occurred.