Office of The Chief Medical Examiner

It is the mission of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to ensure superior death investigations in a system that will operate efficiently and serve the needs of the citizens of Vermont. We do this by collecting and providing the best possible data to inform decisions at the individual, community, program and policy levels.

Statutory authority is provided under 18 V.S.A. § 5205. The OCME works with many other local and state agencies to provide an accurate and complete assessment of deaths occurring in Vermont. Our goal is always to provide technically excellent service in a timely fashion, with compassion and sensitivity for the special needs of bereaved families.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Phone: 802-863-7320

In This Section

Death Investigation Systems

Vermont law created a statewide medical examiner system in the mid-1950s. Death investigation relies on community-based death investigators coordinated through a central system led by a forensic pathologist – the Chief Medical Examiner.

Records & Reports

Final Reports of Autopsy can take weeks to several months to prepare due to the detailed studies that may be performed during the autopsy procedure.

What To Expect

One way of helping a family understand what happened to their loved one is by performing an autopsy. Here is information on what to expect about the autopsy procedure and information about burials.

Family Resources

Here is prevention information, support and resources for families who may be dealing with suicide, sudden infant death and bereavement.

Provider Resources

To report a case or reach an OCME investigator for consultation, call our Vermont toll free number (888-552-2952).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions by next-of-kin to the deceased.

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