Greene County Medical Examiner's Office Forensic Improvement

The Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office in Springfield, Missouri, is requesting funds to improve the quality and efficiently of forensic death investigations. The Office is in need of a microscope, evidence drying locker, and two mortuary cots. The microscope will allow the Forensic Pathologist to examine tissue to help determine cause of death without the need of sending tissue to a third party for examination. The evidence drying locker would serve as a secure location to dry clothing and other articles prior to storage. This vital piece of equipment would ensure proper chain of custody as well as preserve evidence necessary for the prosecution of violent offenders. The two mortuary cots would be a resource that would be utilized on an everyday basis. With two new mortuary cots, staff could safely move the deceased to their desired location without the worry of damage or malfunction of the retired EMS gurneys and hospital cots currently being used. The proposed equipment will allow staff to properly determine cause and manor of death as well as preserve evidence necessary for the prosecution of violent offenders ensuring justice is served for those who cannot seek it.

CA/NCF