Improving the Quality of Autopsy and Forensic Services

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office will use funds from the 2019 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant program to carry out a substantial part of a project intended to improve the quality of forensic services coroner’s office to improve the quality of forensic autopsy services received by bringing that service in-house. Funds for this project will be used to employ a full time Autopsy Technician, to purchase required equipment per OSHA standards and to meet SC Department of Health & Radiology requirements. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and equipment required to complete forensic autopsies to include computerization, microscopes and photography equipment. In addition, funds will be used to host three onsite training opportunities, which will provide the Coroner’s investigative staff and outside agencies with educational opportunities, which meet state and national certification requirements. This initiative will also make it possible for the Coroner’s Office to meet the required standards of operation for offices which operate an autopsy facility and are seeking office accreditation through the International Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners (IACME). The goal is to be re-accredited in 2020 for those offices who operate an autopsy facility. CA/NCF