The mission of the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s (M.E.) Office is to assure that all deaths which affect the public interest are properly investigated and reported in the prescribed time frame and manner so as to protect the decedent, as mandated in the Mississippi Code §41-61-63. These include homicides, suicides, accidental and unexplained deaths. The M.E.’s Office is responsible for performing postmortem examinations as ordered by the coroner of the county in which the death occurred.
Over 1400 autopsies were performed by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office in 2012. The office employs three board certified forensic pathologists, a forensic photographer, autopsy assistants and additional support staff. The office coordinates with law enforcement, federal and state agencies, hospitals, attorneys, funeral homes and families to provide accurate, efficient and compassionate service to the citizens of the state of Mississippi. Toxicology, histology and photography services are available on-site.
The M.E.’s Office assures that all coroners and their deputies meet required educational standards and provides continuing education courses in current forensic science topics. Staff members are on call 24-hours a day to assist coroners with cause and manner of death determination and coordinate transfer of decedents as needed.