The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office is the agency responsible for investigating reportable deaths in Fresno County. The office performs medico-legal investigations for legal and public health purposes under the authority of state law. Just because the Coroner investigates a death does not mean there is a belief that a crime has been committed. It is the Coroner's legal responsibility to identify the deceased, to notify the next-of-kin or legal representative, and to protect the estate of the deceased until it can be turned over to the legal heirs or the Office of the Public Administrator.