Overview
Following the conceptualization of the popular MythBusters television series (Discovery Channel 2003-2016), this webinar series explores evidence-based methods, operational decision making, and case study findings to prove or disprove common beliefs about medicolegal death investigation. It is widely accepted that medical examiner and coroner (MEC) systems are disparate systems. Likewise, among MEC personnel and supporting forensic scientists there is perceived variance in understanding and implementing new technologies, resources, standards, policies, and procedures. With differing levels of training, exposure, and access to resources, false assumptions and beliefs, or myths, can develop. The goal of this webinar series, designed for those working in MEC offices and adjunct disciplines, is to BUST some of these myths through discussions and case studies by practitioners from the forensic community.
This five-part series provides information on various emerging topics in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) and related forensic disciplines. Each session will focus on a myth within the MDI community and provide evidence, research, and best practices to educate participants on that topic so they can make informed decisions within their offices. Various professionals from around the country will present and discuss topics of interest to the MEC community where there is a lack of consensus among the community. After each topic's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask the presenter(s) questions.
Webinars
MDI Myth: Talking with Decedent’s Families is Simple and Routine
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Presenters: Meghan Clark & Derek Coats
When working within a coroner or medical examiner's office, engaging with the bereaved is a daily task. While it can feel monotonous and routine, this webinar will challenge this myth and show that it should be anything but. It will provide insight on the importance of a trauma informed approach to supporting all grieving individuals. It will discuss the value of collaborating with trained professionals, such as victim advocates, and will discuss lessons learned from the presenters’ combined years of experience working with people experiencing trauma.
MDI Myth: We Don’t Need to Worry About Diversity in Medicolegal Death Investigation
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Presenter: Dr. Jan Gorniak
This session will bust the myth that diversity isn’t important and that there is already enough diversity within the MDI community. It will provide context on why diversity matters and simple steps to take to recognize when contextual bias can affect decision-making and the investigation process. Additionally, it will present steps MDI professionals can take to be more mindful and inclusive of how cultural backgrounds affect responses to issues of death. Death investigators should be sensitive to families’ cultural, ethnic, religious, and language diversity.
MDI Myth: Rapid Toxicology Screening Tools Can Replace Traditional Toxicology Testing – No Need to Confirm
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Presenters: Bobbi Jo O'Neal & Dr. Robert Middleberg
This session will bust the myth that new rapid toxicology screening tools can replace traditional toxicology testing. It will discuss the appropriate integration of current rapid toxicology screening tools into an MEC office; to be used for triaging cases rather than determination of toxicology related causes of death. Topics covered in this webinar will include rationale for rapid screening at different points in the investigation (e.g., triage of cases); differences between toxicology screening and confirmation testing; and exemplar case studies to highlight key points.
MDI Myth: Next-of-Kin are Easy to Identify and are Readily Present When a Loved One Dies
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Presenter: Charlotte Carter
This session will bust the myth that finding and establishing the next-of-kin (NOK) within a family is an easy process, as family members are readily available. Less than half of Americans have a will, which means if someone dies without one, their affairs are left to the NOK. This webinar will discuss why establishing the NOK is important to a MEC and provide some tips and tricks to aid in the NOK process. It will also discuss how this responsibility can vary between the MEC and local law enforcement agencies and provide strategies to balance that sometimes shared responsibility.
MDI Myth: Nobody Cares About or Uses MDI Data
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Presenters: Dr. Deirdre Amaro & Michael Staley
This session will bust the myth that MDI data is not incredibly useful and that nobody really cares. It will discuss how broadly the data is used, as well as various ways in which it can be shared. The episode will also provide examples of ways data from MEC offices led to policy or practice changes.
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar series has been provided by the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance's COSSUP, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
All Forensic Technology Center of Excellence live webinars are hosted using Zoom Webinar. Live webinars are archived and posted on our website within two weeks of their airing. Archived webinars do not require access to the Zoom platform.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this webinar series are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.
