Overview
The medicolegal death investigation (MDI) system, which includes Medical Examiner and Coroner offices, serves a fundamental role for supporting public safety by conducting death scene investigations, performing forensic autopsies, providing cause and manner of death determinations, and completing death certificates. The goal of this webinar series is to present practices used, lessons learned, and challenges faced within the MDI community. Topics include drug-related fatalities, prescription drug monitoring programs, and forensic science data integration.
Webinars
Deaths in Custody: A Comprehensive Review
This webinar originally occurred on December 2, 2020
Presenter: Francisco J. Diaz, M.D.
The presenter explains the phrase “death in custody” and describes all phases of custody to include arrest, transport, booking, incarceration, and health care. The presenter will highlight case studies of deaths and provide an overview of a paper he co-authored that outlines the best practices for deaths in custody.
The Importance of Data to the MDI Community and Stakeholders
This webinar originally occurred on November 2, 2021
Presenter: Margaret Warner, Ph.D.
This webinar will cover the role and importance of data collected by medical examiners and coroners in the practice of MDI. The MDI community gathers information about decedents for identification and determining the cause and manner of death. This information is also used to support forensic science and medical research.
MDI Considerations for Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
This webinar originally occurred on November 4, 2021
Presenter: Chris Delcher, Ph.D.
Medical examiners/coroners (ME/C) have identified prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) as valuable data sources that can aid in carrying out their roles. The experience of ME/Cs with PDMPs indicates that PDMP data can assist in many phases of forensic investigations, both in the laboratory and in the field.
Data Systems Imperative in 21st Century Forensic Services
This webinar originally occurred on November 16, 2021
Presenter: Bruce Houlihan
Forensic science services cannot succeed in the 21st century without active information technology. Interoperability, agility, availability, and security are all critical. This presentation focuses on the preparation and best practices for implementing data systems that serve both internal operations and national strategies.
Death Certification by the Medical Examiner/Coroner
in Drug-Related Deaths
This webinar originally occurred on November 30, 2021
Presenter: Kelly Keyes, D-ABMDI
The role of a death certificate has evolved from a legal record of death to a document used extensively by public and private entities to monitor the health of our nation. As the public health usage of death certificates continues to grow, it has become increasingly important to complete death certificates in a clear and consistent manner.
Harnessing Data to Implement Real-Time Data-Driven Overdose Response Strategies
This webinar originally occurred on December 7, 2021
Presenter: Ali Burrell, M.P.H.
The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) is a near real-time suspected overdose event surveillance platform that allows participating agencies to develop and implement response strategies that are tailored to their communities. It was developed by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Related Resources
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar series has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
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.
