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Whenever
a death occurs under circumstances which raise
the public's interest, it needs to be investigated
and explained, as well as the cause and manner
of death determined. Tremendous importance should
be placed in the proper steps and procedures
taken at the scene of a death. How a death investigation
is handled at these crucial initial stages,
may later affect the administration of justice
and future criminal proceedings, the adjudication
of estates, and certification of death. |
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At
both Regional Medical Examiner's Offices, (Northern
RMEO & Southern RMEO), the men and women
first on the scene from our staff are the members
of the Medicolegal Death Investigations Section.
The Medicolegal Death Investigators at the Northern
and Southern RMEOs work closely with local,
county and state law enforcement officials.
While at scenes the Medicolegal Death Investigator
attempts to identify the recently deceased,
examine their medical records and photograph
both the scene and the deceased. The conclusions
and findings of the Medicolegal Death Investigators
are reviewed and shared with one of our Medical
Examiners. Then it is determined if a case will
be brought in for an external examination or
complete autopsy. The Medicolegal Death Investigations
Section of the Northern RMEO office responds
to the counties of Essex, Hudson, Passaic, &
Somerset. The Southern RMEO Medicolegal Death
Investigations Section reponds to the counties
of Cumberland and Cape May. Both operates 24hrs
a day, 365 days per year. Our current staff
of Medicolegal Death Investigators bring with
them a unique background and area of expertise.
Some our investigator’s backgrounds include
specialities in the areas of: forensic anthropology,
emergency medical services, mortuary services
and nursing. Many of our Investigators are also
registered members with The American Board of
Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). |
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