Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is to investigate all deaths in the District of Columbia that occur as the result of violence (injury), as well as those that occur unexpectedly, without medical attention, in custody or pose a threat to public health.

OCME provides forensic services to government agencies, health care providers and citizens in the Washington DC metropolitan area to ensure that justice is served and to improve the health and safety of the public.

Hours of Operation

Our office hours are 8:00 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, except District holidays.

Next-of-kin identification hours are 10:00 am until 4:30 pm.

Funeral Director hours are 9:00 am until 6:00 pm.

To OCME Visitors

Please be advised that visitors to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are limited to Individuals conducting official business. Identification (by photo only) are provided to no more than three (3) family members or friends of the decedent at one time. In addition, due to the nature of business conducted at OCME, persons under 18 years of age are not allowed on the premises, and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will visitors be allowed access to decedents, biohazards, or confidential information.