“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”

Purpose

To provide accurate certification of the cause of death and to identify, document and interpret relevant forensic scientific information for use in criminal and civil legal proceedings necessary in the investigation of violent, suspicious and sudden unexpected deaths, by properly trained physicians.  Providing such information may prevent unnecessary litigation, protect those who may have been falsely accused, and lead to proper adjudication in criminal matters.

Medicolegal investigations also protect the public health: by diagnosing previously unsuspected contagious disease; by identifying hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace, in the home, and elsewhere; by identifying trends such as changes in numbers of homicides, traffic fatalities, and drug and alcohol related deaths; and by identifying new types and forms of drugs appearing in the state, or existing drugs/substances becoming new subjects of abuse.

Please view the Medical Examiners Act of 1953.

Administration

Director of Public Services: Barb Hankey

Manager: Casimir Miarka

Investigations

Led by our Investigations Supervisor, Jen Skridulis, the office currently has 8 full time investigators and 1 part-time investigator.

Under the direction of the medical examiner, the purpose of a medical examiner investigator (MEI) is to perform investigations of deaths that occur within Oakland County.  Investigators prepare detailed reports and analysis on the investigation of cases and ensure that evidence, death scene and specimens are preserved for authenticity in cooperation with local law enforcement.

To contact Investigations please call, 248-858-5099 or email OCMEinvestigators@oakgov.com.

Autopsy Technicians

Our office currently employs three full-time autopsy technicians and two part-time autopsy technicians.
 
An autopsy technician's job is to prepare the deceased for autopsy, assist the medical examiner or pathologist during the procedure, maintain the autopsy area, and release the remains to funeral homes.

Toxicology

Our office currently employs two full-time toxicologists.

The toxicologists perform scientific tests to identify toxic substances in biological samples and assist medical examiners in determining the cause of death.

Histology

Our office currently employs one part time histologist.

The histologist prepares and tests samples to discover irregularities, diseases and important specimen attributes which assist the medical examiner in determining the cause of death.

Clerical

Our office currently employs two full-time clerical staff and two part-time clerical staff.

The duties of the clerical staff include dictating reports, record keeping, billing, approving cremation permits, and maintaining the overall operations of the medical examiner’s office.

To contact clerical staff please call, 248-858-1932, or email OCMEclerical@oakgov.com.