Ada County Coroner's Office Morgue Cooler / Freezer Expansion

The facilities of the Ada County Coroner’s Office, particularly the morgue cooler and freezer areas, are stretched to their limit and the addition of a cooler/freezer space is an urgent necessity for the facility. The current cooler/freezer is not adequate for current needs. The Ada County Coroner’s Office is a regional forensic facility providing forensic services to 33 other Idaho counties and 3 Native American Indian Reservations. The office’s ability to meet statutorily mandated medicolegal death investigation requirements and accreditation standards and to avoid evidence compromise is a constant concern. An award under this grant will be utilized to purchase and install an additional 40-body capacity morgue cooler and freezer space, providing the office with the equipment and ability to complete day-to-day operations efficiently and within accreditation standards and Idaho statutory requirements. Further, this cooler/freezer addition provides necessary space that is not currently available should a mass fatality event occur in Ada County and allows for the completion of all morgue/autopsy and death investigation operations mandated by Idaho statutes. This cooler/ freezer space will provide a secure environment for decedent remains, personal effects, and evidence, and ensures the health and safety of the public and coroner staff. Finally, new cooler/freezer space provides more effective use of the facility.

CA/NCF