Khan, Responds to the League of Women Voters of Naperville, IL

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What recommendations do you have for improving the systems and processes used by the Coroner’s office to conduct investigations?

I will implement advanced technology known as Forensic Genetic Genealogy, which converts sequenced DNA into files that can be uploaded to DNA Genealogy Database called GED Match and Family Tree DNA, to solve cold cases. This will minimize cost, time, and effort by law enforcement agencies to identify unknown victims within hours instead of years.

In addition to enhanced technology, I will also implement advanced investigative procedures such as, pollen and isotope studies, which can facilitate geographical movements and locations of unidentified victims.

I will make sure that county's death investigations are science-based, autonomous and kept separate from county politics, because I believe in justice and equality for everyone.

For the last 28 years, previous Coroner Pat O’Neil, did not implement any new processes or system improvements. Instead, he retired 2 months prior to the elections, so he can place his Deputy Laurie Summers as an Interim Coroner. He bypassed all Will County voters and forgot that people elect the Coroner not him.

In 2019, Coroner’s Office had an annual budget of $2,011,103.94 and 51% which is $1,029,653.76 was spent on Total Salaries. Only $850 was utilized for Continuing Education and Training, which is 0.04 %, not even 1 full percent. According to American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (AMDI), it almost costs $850 to train 1 employee.

With 17 full time employees at the Coroner’s office, I will make sure that all are well trained by allocating at least 1 % of the budget for Continuing Education, Training and Recertification.

If elected, I would seek additional grant funding for the Coroner’s office and decline to take pension as an added cost-saving measure.

What are your qualifications for the position of County Coroner?

I have 2 academic degrees, Masters and Bachelors, both in Criminal Justice which aligns well with the mission of Coroner’s office as Law Enforcement Agency. I was a member of Honors Society and recipient of Cum Laude Award for having one of the highest distinctions in academic studies. My medical and healthcare background include Pharmacy Technician license for over 18 years.

Paid for by Zohaib Khan For Will County Coroner 2020.

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