Medico-Legal Death Investigators (MLDIs) are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and work under the general direction of the Chief Medical Examiner. MLDIs are certified by the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners (NYSACCME) and in the process of pursuing National Certification through St. Louis University Death Investigation Program. MLDIs are trained in scene response to interpret deaths by determining as to whether a death is an actual Medical Examiner's case. They are also trained in securing the decedent and related specimens on scene for further testing.
MLDIs provide documentation, obtain medical records, contact primary care providers and next of kin of the deceased and secure the decedent in conjunction with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. These investigators are a contact for families to obtain information and status of autopsy arrangements and autopsy/toxicology report status. They also provide and arrange for transportation of the deceased to facilitate further examination.