GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County is set to launch a new initiative that will greatly impact the way death investigations are handled in the area. The county’s four Justice of the Peace judges have been advocating for the hiring of death inquest specialists to assist with the increasing number of death cases in the region.
**A Monumental Achievement for Williamson County**
After months of discussions and negotiations with County Commissioners and County Judge Bill Gravell, the Justice of the Peace judges were pleased to see their efforts come to fruition. The Commissioners recently approved the budget for the hiring of four death investigators, with one designated as a supervisor. This decision was met with enthusiasm by the judges, who expressed their gratitude for being heard and supported by the Commissioners Court.
Judge Evelyn McLean, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 3, shared her appreciation for the decision, stating, “Today is a monumental achievement for the Williamson County Justices of the Peace. We each will be getting a full-time death investigator. I do want to say thank you to the Commissioners Court, because they heard the need that we had — they took action.”
The addition of death investigators will not only provide relief to the overburdened JPs but also ensure timely and efficient handling of death investigations across the county. With dedicated professionals responding to death calls, going to scenes, and preparing reports, the workload on the judges is expected to decrease significantly, allowing them to focus more on their court duties.
**Addressing the Growing Need for Death Investigations**
The need for specialized death investigation services in Williamson County has been on the rise, as evidenced by a 122% increase in death cases over the past decade. These cases encompass a wide range of circumstances, including natural causes, suicides, overdoses, and murders. The JPs have been vocal about the need for a medical examiner to address this surge in death investigations and ensure thorough and accurate determinations.
Judge KT Musselman, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 1, emphasized the importance of having skilled death investigators in the field to respond to death scenes promptly. She stated, “Ultimately having judges back on the bench, hearing cases in the courtroom and having skilled death investigators in the field responding to the scenes across the county serves the public. And it’s such a great day for Williamson County not only to have the leadership of the Justice of the Peace but the partnership of the Commissioners Court.”
The establishment of a medical examiner’s office is a crucial step in enhancing the county’s capabilities in handling death investigations. While Texas law mandates the creation of an ME’s office once the population reaches 2.5 million, Williamson County is taking proactive steps to establish one ahead of time. County Judge Bill Gravell highlighted the significance of this move as the county looks towards the long-term goal of setting up an ME’s office in the coming years.
**Looking Towards the Future**
As Williamson County prepares to hire death investigators in January, the judges are eager to be actively involved in shaping the future of death investigation services in the region. The collaboration between the JPs, Commissioners Court, and County Judge Gravell is essential in laying the foundation for a comprehensive and efficient system for handling death cases.
Judge Rhonda Redden, Williamson County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, expressed her gratitude for the support from the Commissioners Court and looked forward to working together on further initiatives. She stated, “We’re so grateful that we have taken this first step because without them, we wouldn’t be moving forward. So very appreciative to Commissioner’s Court. We absolutely look forward to working with them on the next steps.”
The hiring of death investigators will not only streamline the process of death investigations but also ensure that the necessary resources and support are available to the JPs. With the new hires receiving uniforms and sharing a vehicle, they will be equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
**Learning from Neighboring Counties**
Neighboring Travis County has set a precedent with its established ME’s office, which includes a range of positions dedicated to handling death investigations. From a chief overseeing the investigation division to investigators managing individual cases, Travis County has developed a robust system that prioritizes the thorough and accurate determination of causes of death.
The salaries for these positions in Travis County vary depending on the role, ranging from nearly $60,000 to over $120,000 per year. This serves as a benchmark for Williamson County as it looks to develop its own ME’s office and ensure that the necessary expertise and resources are in place to handle death investigations effectively.
In conclusion, the launch of death investigation services in Williamson County marks a significant milestone in enhancing the county’s capabilities in handling death cases. The collaboration between the Justice of the Peace judges, Commissioners Court, and County Judge Gravell underscores the commitment to providing timely and accurate determinations in death investigations. With the hiring of dedicated death investigators, Williamson County is poised to meet the growing demand for specialized services and ensure the efficient handling of death cases in the region.
