What Happens After Someone Dies in San Bernardino County Custody: Coroner Process Explained
When someone dies in San Bernardino County custody, the Coroner Division is the office families and funeral homes deal with for case questions and release of the deceased. Here are the practical details families usually need first: office hours, how releases work, whether viewings are allowed, autopsy costs, transportation fees, and where to get death certificates.
The San Bernardino County Coroner lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you need to go in person for information or paperwork, plan around those hours.
Mortuary releases follow the same schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. No releases happen on holidays, so factor that into your timing if you're coordinating with a mortuary or funeral home.
You can reach the Coroner Division at (909) 387-2978. If you're calling about a mortuary release, remember that releases only happen Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and not on holidays.
No viewings at the Coroner: The Coroner does not allow family viewings at its facility. There is no viewing room or space for families to see the body on-site.
When a death falls within the Coroner's jurisdiction, the family is not charged for the autopsy. Jurisdictional cases include homicide, suicide, accident, or unknown circumstances.
- ✓ If the Coroner would not conduct an autopsy, the legal next-of-kin may request a private autopsy.
- ✓ The charge for a private autopsy is $3,734.00.
- ✓ Payment must be made by cashier’s check or money order.
Under California Government Code Section 27472, the San Bernardino County Coroner is authorized to charge a transportation fee for a deceased person.
The Board of Supervisors approved a $348.00 transportation fee. This covers transport from the scene or a hospital to the Coroner's facility.
The Coroner does not issue death certificates. You'll request yours through the mortuary or funeral home handling the arrangements.
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