History

The office of Coroner was established in 1805 and, until 1845, the governor made appointments for this position. This office is a State office according to the Louisiana Constitution Article 5 Section 29, which states “In each parish a coroner shall be elected for a term of four years. He shall be a licensed physician and possess the other qualifications and perform the duties provided by law. The requirement that he be a licensed physician shall be inapplicable in any parish in which no licensed physician will accept the office.”
 
Recent Historical Highlights

2015	Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich runs unopposed and  is re-elected to another four year term as Coroner of  Jefferson Parish.
2014	The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office earns reaccreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners for forensic excellence in death investigation.
2013	In light of the increasing number of drug related deaths in Jefferson Parish, especially deaths related to heroin, Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich has embarked on a new and ambitious program of Community Outreach in the Jefferson Parish School System. Along with other organizations, Dr. Cvitanovich hopes to reach out to our youth and stem the rising tide of drug and suicide related deaths.
2012	Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich becomes the Coroner of Jefferson Parish on March 26 and assumes the duties of the office.
2010	Jefferson Parish voters overwhelmingly approve the renewal of the one mill ad valorem tax for the operation of the forensic facility and Coroner's Office.
2009	The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office earns accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners for forensic excellence in death investigation. This makes the office one of eight coroner's offices to achieve this high distinction throughout the nation.
2005	In the wake of hurricane Katrina, the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office remains functional for the metro region and performs humanitarian relief acts across the region.
2004	The creation and supervision of the Jefferson Regional DNA Lab is already ongoing, said lab obtaining state and federal accreditation. This lab is a cooperative effort between the Coroner, Sheriff and District Attorney.
2003	Innovative programs such as the Mental Health Task Force are created to better assist the medical and legal community in addressing mental health problems.
2000	With an endorsement by the Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Parish voters renew the one mil ad valorem tax for the continued growth and maintenance of the forensic facility.
1996	After careful planning and renovation of an existing building, the Jefferson Parish Forensic Facility opens at 2018 Eighth Street, Harvey, LA.  This project was finished on time and on budget.
1990	Jefferson Parish voters approve a one mil tax for the construction and operation of the Jefferson Parish Forensic Facility.
1988	Dr. Robert Treuting Elected, and becomes the second longest serving coroner in Jefferson Parish history.

Click to view Past Jefferson Parish Coroners and Terms of Service.