Law to separate prosecuting attorney, coroner rolls hits Jan. 1

DAVENPORT — A state laws passed previously prohibits prosecuting attorneys from also serving as county coroners, effective Jan. 1.

This change affects counties with populations of less than 40,000, as current statutes require that coroners do not practice law, as outlined in RCW 36.24.170 and RCW 2.48.200.

Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Walser, who has held both positions since 2020, expressed mixed feelings about the change.

“It’s an old statute. When I first took over as prosecutor, I never thought it would land me a job as coroner,” he said.

While Walser acknowledged the practicality of the dual role in smaller counties, he noted, “It does make sense that the prosecutor serves as the coroner in a small county where the job does not exist. I have never seen any conflicts come to fruition.”

Coroner investigations typically take four to twelve weeks. They aim to gather evidence and determine whether a medical certificate can be issued or if further investigation is necessary.

“At the end of the day, it is going to be difficult for some counties,” he said. “We are not going to have to set up a $150,000 department.”

Despite the challenges, Walser mentioned that Lincoln County has found a workable solution. “We tentatively found a solution that works well for us,” he said.

In Lincoln County, the decision has been made to appoint a coroner.

Regarding the rationale behind the law, Walser stated, “I understand how the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners could see the beneifits in more populated counties and cities. I think it is kind of fixing a situation that wasn’t broken. I don’t think it won’t be the end of the world. Maybe there will be some conflict that will be better mitigated.”

He described his mixed emotions about stepping away from the role, noting, “I think it is bittersweet. I derive satisfaction from doing a job well, and I think I did that job very well.”

While he did not revel in all aspects of the position, Walser acknowledged the rewarding experiences it offered. “There were other aspects to the job that I found very unpleasurable that I will not miss doing. It was an experience. There are experiences that I look back on and think were rewarding. Being a coroner is going to be one of them.”