Can I get an autopsy report from the police?

Question

This person commited suicide and we his fam would like to know if he was under the influence of drugs. Also if maybe there would be a way to view it on the web or download it so all of us can see.

Answer 1

In most states, inquests and autopsy reports are considered public information as long as they are not part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The access to photos and information is balanced between two parties: The individual's right to privacy with the public's right to government records and activities.

I would call the county coroner's office (sometimes called the county medical examiner) and ask the person who answers the phone what information is available, and what the fee is to obtain it. Usually it is a photocopy type fee. If they balk, then follow up in writing, stressing the fact that you are doing this under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). They will respond and explain in legal terms why they feel you are or are not entitled to see the information requested. It usually does not make a difference whether or not you are family, except in the case of celebrity deaths...Dale Earnhardt for example.

It is an interesting area philosophically I think....the balance between individual privacy and public right to know....

Answer 2

You need to contact the medical examiner or the coroner of your county. If the person was an adult when they died, you may not have the right to the report, even if you are family. I very strongly doubt if the info is available on the internet. Information from an autopsy should be confidential.

But the bottom line is to contact the entity who performed the autopsy and ask for a copy. Sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

The death certificate should say the cause of death. You need to contact your local medical investigators office. They are the ones who did the autopsy and would have the complete report, not the police. I don't know where you are, but in New Mexico, the medical investigator is part of the local University, but I'm sure the police could give you the phone number. Good luck and God Bless - suicide is so hard for you. I'm sorry.

Answer 4

you want to the contact the medical expert or the coroner of your county. If the guy changed into an man or woman even as they died, you gained't have the right to the record, even if you're family participants. I very strongly doubt if the information is attainable on the internet. assistance from an post-mortem should be unique. despite the indisputable fact that the base line is to the contact the entity who executed the post-mortem and ask for a replica. Sorry on your loss.

Answer 5

The medical examiner is the one who conducts the autopsy and would be the original source of the document. I'd find him/her and contact the office.

Answer 6

you could probably get it from the morgue too or the coroners office