know more: the monroe county medical examiner
It might be a little like the old TV show “Quincy,” but much of the job of the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s office is far more routine. Medical Examiner Caroline Dignan, M.D., heads up an agency of the county government that serves the public by investigating all reported deaths which are not attended by a physician and those which may not be natural in manner. Service is provided for Monroe County and many surrounding counties to aid in the administration of criminal and civil justice, and to provide accurate data that can be utilized for public health and educational needs.
But this county department has other major functions, including:
Archival Services
This office is charged with maintaining meticulous records that are related to cases investigated by this Monroe County Department. Most records are confidential and access to the records is controlled. They can, however, make records available in some situations, including to family members.
Investigation Services
The investigative staff, a team of professional investigators, is responsible for performing scene responses and subsequent investigations to determine specifics surrounding deaths that occur in the county. In some respects it’s like a TV show in that they gather evidence and specimens for further testing. This unit also provides the transportation of human remains to facilitate further examination.
Toxicology Laboratory
The Medical Examiner’s Office operates and maintains a state-of-the-art Toxicology Laboratory to provide the best scientific data related to the cases the office investigates.
They also perform chemical analyses on samples obtained at health care facilities and autopsies, and on samples submitted by police agencies for criminal proceedings.
Autopsy Services
An autopsy is a surgical procedure that is performed when needed to help establish a cause of death. Sometimes these are forensic autopsies, which may be performed when the death is the result of a criminal matter. This unit of the Examiner’s Office also collects documents and evidence for legal proceedings.
Disaster Preparedness
The department is also charged with being an integral part of the County’s disaster preparedness program. In the event of a major disaster, unit staff are trained to quickly and safely protect county residents by returning living conditions to normal as soon as possible. In this regard they work closely with other county agencies. Regular training is held to ensure a level of responder awareness, and safety is maintained for both traditional disaster scenarios as well as the threat associated with Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) / Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Agents.
Community Education and Lecture Services
While it may not be as exciting, the office is also charged with assisting the citizens of Monroe County by making representatives of the Office available as part of the Monroe County Speaker’s Bureau. Speakers give presentations on death and dying, violence, drugs, and other issues important to various constituencies in the community.
Office of the Medical Examiner
740 E. Henrietta Rd.
(585) 753-5905
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