What goes on at Jefferson County’s new coroner’s office + why it matters

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When most people think of the coroner’s office, their first thought probably isn’t “cool!” It’s a department most of us hope we’ll never need. But behind the scenes, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office plays a vital role in public health and safety—one that just got a major upgrade.

This summer, the Jefferson County Commission officially cut the ribbon on a brand-new, 32,000-square-foot facility on Lakeshore Drive in Birmingham. Here’s why it matters.

Why it matters

While the word “coroner” may bring grim headlines to mind, the reality is much broader. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is deeply connected to community health.

Every investigation—whether it’s an accident, overdose or infectious disease—provides critical information that can help prevent future deaths and inform public safety strategies.

By working closely with healthcare providers, law enforcement and public health officials, the coroner’s team provides insights that shape policy and protect residents. The new facility will make that collaboration even easier, thanks to dedicated spaces for training and interdisciplinary meetings.

“Jefferson County created its Coroner Office in 1980, but now that office has a building designed specifically for its needs. This building supplies the latest in technology to enhance our death investigations, ample room to work and the ability to expand operations if required by a disaster or by future growth in Jefferson County.

We who work in the office are profoundly grateful for our new home.”

Dr. Gregory Davis, Chief Coroner/Medical Examiner for Jefferson County

This new coroner’s office is built for the future

The new building replaces the coroner’s former location at the old Cooper Green facility.

Designed by Poole & Company Architects with MWL Architects, the facility is as functional as it is forward-thinking.

Key features include:

• Room for expansion: The new coroner’s office is built to serve the needs of Jefferson County for the next 30+ years
• Increased examination space: More capacity for examination + storage, in case of natural disaster or mass casualty events
• Drive-thru port: A discreet drive-through port allows for respectful transfers, shielded from public view
• Cutting-edge technology: A new CT scanner will help expedite examinations and evidence recovery—state-of-the-art for death investigations in the United States
• Safety first: An isolation room allows for the secure examination of potentially infectious cases, protecting staff and the broader community.
• Privacy: Private rooms for families + a conference room to train law enforcement + attorneys

An important role in the Birmingham community

Let’s be honest: no one’s rushing to tour the coroner’s office on their lunch break.

But the work done here is essential, carried out with dignity and professionalism.

For Jefferson County, this ribbon cutting isn’t just about a new facility. It’s about ensuring that one of the most difficult, unseen jobs in public service has the resources it needs to be done well—today and for decades to come.

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