PIO Cannot release a cause of death until ________.

PIO Cannot release a cause of death until ________.

• A. It is determined by the District Attorney.
• B. It is determined by the Medical Examiner.
• C. The Sheriff approves.
• D. After 24 hours.

Answer: (B)

The key point is that the cause of death is an official medical determination made by the Medical Examiner (or coroner). A Public Information Officer can release that information only after the Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death, because this finding is the authoritative, factual conclusion about what caused the death. The District Attorney, Sheriff, or any clock-like 24-hour rule do not determine the cause of death, and releasing before the Medical Examiner signs off could spread inaccurate or incomplete information.

The key point is that the cause of death is an official medical determination made by the Medical Examiner (or coroner). A Public Information Officer can release that information only after the Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death, because this finding is the authoritative, factual conclusion about what caused the death. The District Attorney, Sheriff, or any clock-like 24-hour rule do not determine the cause of death, and releasing before the Medical Examiner signs off could spread inaccurate or incomplete information.