The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) of New York City plays a vital role within the government as a leading forensic and investigative agency. Serving the city’s five boroughs, OCME is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in cases that fall under legal or suspicious circumstances, including accidents, homicides, suicides, and unexplained or unattended natural deaths. Staffed with board-certified forensic pathologists, medical investigators, and support professionals, the office ensures thorough, science-based death investigations that aid in public safety and the administration of justice.

Notably, OCME also operates the nation’s largest and only public DNA laboratory performing forensic casework, kinship analysis, and missing persons identification services. In mass fatality incidents—such as 9/11 and various natural disasters—OCME has played a key role in disaster response and victim identification, highlighting its expertise and preparedness. The department upholds transparency, scientific integrity, and compassion when working with bereaved families and collaborating agencies. It also supports academic excellence with residency and fellowship training programs for future forensic professionals.

Key Services:

– Forensic autopsies and certification of cause and manner of death
– On-scene medicolegal investigations and death reporting
– Forensic DNA analysis for criminal and identity cases
– Public disaster victim identification and mass fatality response
– Tissue recovery coordination in collaboration with transplant organizations
– Expert testimony and reporting for criminal justice proceedings
– Training and education programs in forensic pathology and related disciplines
– Maintenance of official death records for medicolegal cases