Department of Health and Social Services Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Joint Finance Committee Hearing Fiscal Year 2014 Richard T. Callery, M.D., F.C.A.P Division Director February 19, 2013

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments MISSION To promote the sound administration of justice through the investigation of sudden, accidental or suspicious deaths and the documentation and preservation of reliable qualitative and quantitative scientific analysis of chemical and biological evidence samples.

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments Cause and manner of death Positive forensic identification Homicides, suicides and accidents. Suspicious or questionable circumstances Unexplained infant deaths Persons with no primary care physician 49.8% increase in workload

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments OCME-North Wilmington, Delaware OCME-South Georgetown, Delaware Well below the national average of six to nine months. Carefully monitor all report and analysis requests regarding autopsy, toxicology and all other evidence. Met all statutory requirements for turn-around time for autopsy and inspection reports. Carefully monitor pending death certificate turn- around times from date of autopsy to final diagnosis

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments No court case overturned based on inaccurate or unscientific testimony

Delaware Health and Social Services * Documentary currently being filmed by a Washington DC producer.

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments Actively working on every unidentified human remains case Closed two more historic unidentified remains cases in 2012

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments Every forensic laboratory including DNA, Toxicology, Arson, and Controlled Substances fully accredited by ISO

Delaware Health and Social Services Overview & Accomplishments Exceptionally strong educational outreach program to the community.

Delaware Health and Social Services Challenges Death takes no holiday. We respond to death scenes, transport the dead and conduct autopsies 24/7, 365 days a year.

Delaware Health and Social Services 310% increase in criminal cases since origin of lab in Challenges

Delaware Health and Social Services Challenges

Delaware Health and Social Services Challenges Increasing drug laboratory workload and new legislation

Delaware Health and Social Services Thank You