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Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

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OCME Presents the 2021 Annual Report

On behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), we are pleased to present the 2021 OCME Annual Report, which provides key statistical data stemming from our critical work in death investigation and certification, as well as a snapshot of our key achievements over the year.

OCME Surveillance Reports: Opioid-related Fatal Overdoses

The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigated a total of 2,515 deaths due to the use of opioids from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2024. This report examines the presence of opioids (heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, morphine, prescription opioids, and the general category of opiates) in deaths observed at the OCME.

2020 Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee (DDFRC) Annual Report

We proudly present the 2020 Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee Annual Report. We hope that this report will help to inform our public servants and community advocates to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.

2021 Violence Fatality Review Committee Annual Report

The District of Columbia’s Violence Fatality Review Committee (VFRC) is pleased to present its 2nd Annual Report. This Report covers data, discussions, and recommendations from the homicide and suicide cases reviewed by the VFRC in 2021.

Opioid Fatality Review Board 2021 Annual Report

In 2021, the United States experienced a record number of drug overdose deaths. From 2020 to 2021, there was a 12.5% increase1 in the number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates over 550 people died of a drug overdose in the District of Columbia in 2021-almost 10% more than 2020. The District also experienced numerous non-fatal overdoses in 2021. Many of the drug overdose incidences, both fatal and non-fatal, in the District can be attributed to the spread of Fentanyl and its analogs. The Opioid Fatality Review Board (OFRB) continues...

2020 Child Fatality Review Committee (CFRC) Annual Report

We proudly present the 2020 Child Fatality Review Committee Annual Report. We hope that this report will help to inform our public servants and community advocates.

artist's rendering of new office building

Consolidated Forensic Laboratory

The 2012 relocation to the state of the art Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) has enhanced the Agency’s profile and mission to provide effective and accurate death investigation and certification.

Featured Services

Public Dispositions

OCME provides public disposition services for unclaimed remains.

Fatality Reviews

OCME provides fatality analysis and recommendations to entities serving defined populations.

Authorization to Release Form

The DC OCME is implementing a standardized Authorization to Release Form.

Death Investigation, Certification

OCME provides forensic pathology, forensic investigations, and mortuary services.

Cremation, Anatomical Donation or Burial at Sea

OCME can usually process requests within 24 hours of submission.

Administrative Services

OCME's Administrative Division oversees agency operations and programs.

Epidemiology and Surveillance Reports

OCME Operating Status: OPEN Normal operating procedures are in effect

Office Hours

Office Hours: M - F, 8 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays.

Next-of-kin ID Hours: S-S, 10 am - 4:30 pm.

Funeral Directors Hours: S-S, 9 am - 6 pm.

Autopsy Reports: By Appointment Only- (202) 698-9111 or via e-mail at [email protected]

COVID-19 Burial Assistance and Managing Grief

The need to social distance to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed how we do things in our daily lives. It also means changes to the way in which we grieve the death of a loved one. While services and support may look different for the time being, there are still ways to safely stay connected and receive help and support throughout the grieving process.

For additional information, please use the link below.

MANAGING GRIEF OVER THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE DURING COVID-19 [PDF]

Latest

Jun 20 2024

Bowser Administration and Howard University Host International Symposium on Death Investigation

Medicolegal experts from across the globe share best practices and policies.

Dec 4 2017

National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper: Recommendations for the Definition, Investigation, Postmortem Examination, and Reporting of Deaths in Custody

Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. and Dr. Francisco Diaz, Deputy Chief Medical...

Dec 4 2017

The Violence Epidemic in the African American Community: A Call by the National Medical Association for Comprehensive Reform

Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. and Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt, Director of the...

Nov 20 2017

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Racine Sues, Warns Consumers About Austin Royster Funeral Home

Attorney General Karl A. Racine today filed a consumer lawsuit and a motion for a temporary...

Jun 14 2017

Statement from the District Of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has released the cause and manner of death for...

Apr 4 2024

OCME Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Oversight Hearing

Testimony of Dr. Francisco J. Diaz, Chief Medical Examiner Before the Committee on the Judiciary...

Feb 8 2024

OCME Fiscal Year 2023 Performance Oversight Public Hearing

Testimony of Dr. Francisco J. Diaz, Chief Medical Examiner Before the Committee on the...

Dec 4 2017

National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper: Recommendations for the Definition, Investigation, Postmortem Examination, and Reporting of Deaths in Custody

Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. and Dr. Francisco Diaz, Deputy Chief Medical...

Dec 4 2017

The Violence Epidemic in the African American Community: A Call by the National Medical Association for Comprehensive Reform

Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. and Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt, Director of the...

Apr 6 2016

District’s Medical Examiner Office Obtains Full Accreditation

The review followed a two-year overhaul of the office by the recently appointed chief medical...

Mar 23 2016

Solving Scientific Mysteries as a Medical Examiner

Dr. Roger Mitchell is profiled by Science Magazine.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Office Hours
M - F, 8 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays, Next-of-kin ID 10 am - 4:30 pm. Funeral Dir. 9 am - 6 pm.

Connect With Us
401 E Street, SW , Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 698-9000
Fax: (202) 698-9101
TTY: (202) 442-8797
Email: [email protected]

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