Why Is the Sheriff Also the Coroner in Riverside County?
- 43 deaths in Sheriff custody from 2022–2024
- 1 death every 25 days
- 3 more lives lost in 2025 – and counting
The Problem: A Built-in Conflict of Interest
In Riverside County, the Sheriff also serves as the Coroner—meaning the same office that oversees people in custody is also responsible for investigating their deaths.
This creates a dangerous lack of accountability and transparency, especially in a system already known for a high rate of in-custody deaths.
It’s Time to Separate the Sheriff from the Coroner’s Office
The same office that oversees people in custody is also the one investigating their deaths.