Why the need for a State Medical Examiners Office?
The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner provides guidance and support to the County Medical Examiners who must investigate any and all violent, suspicious, and unexpected natural deaths that occur within their jurisdictions. The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner provides forensic autopsy, investigative, and consultative services when requested to do so by County Medical Examiner personnel. The ultimate goal of the forensic investigation and autopsy is to develop logical, scientific, and unbiased information necessary to determine the cause and manner of death for proper and accurate completion of the death certificate. The autopsy report, evidence collected, and court testimony provided are critical to both civil court and murder trials.
