Decatur, GA – On September 1, 2016, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its morgue.  The Medical Examiner’s Office is crucial to the public because of the role it plays in death investigations as well as its ability to bring closure to families who have lost loved ones.  Over the years, Georgia’s population has grown which has had a direct impact on the volume of cases that the GBI’s Medical Examiners and Death Investigation Specialists have had to address.  This groundbreaking ceremony marked an important milestone in the growth of the morgue and illustrates the state’s ability to remain prepared while serving the public with a high standard of excellence.  In addition, Chairman Andy Welch of the Georgia House of Representatives made remarks at the ceremony.

The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office provides complete forensic pathology services to 153 of Georgia’s 159 counties in deaths which qualify as coroner cases under the Georgia Death Investigation Act.  Currently, there are three locations in Decatur, Savannah, and Macon, Georgia.  It is also accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).  In order to continue to maintain this accreditation, many requirements must be met and expanding the morgue will be one positive factor to support continued accreditation.  GBI’s Medical Examiner System is comprised of 13 forensic pathologists and 24 death investigation specialists.

Contact: Nelly Miles – Public Affairs Deputy Director | 404-270-8332