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Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
The mission of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is to ensure superior death investigations in an efficient system that and serves the needs of the Vermont citizens. 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. We work with local and state agencies to provide accurate and complete assessments of deaths that happen in Vermont. Our goal is to provide technically excellent and timely services, with compassion and sensitivity for the special needs of bereaved families.
Information on Private Property Burials
Contact Us
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Phone: 802-863-7320
In This Section
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.
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.
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.
Here is prevention information, support and resources for families who may be dealing with suicide, sudden infant death and bereavement.
To report a case or reach an OCME investigator for consultation, call our Vermont toll free number (888-552-2952).
Here are answers to questions frequently asked by next-of-kin of the deceased.