Harris County is the third largest county in the U.S. in terms of population. Every day dozens of people die unexpectedly or in unknown ways requiring the specialties of a medical examiner.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences serves as the medical examiner office for the area, and it’s a big job. To put it in perspective, in 2023 the institute helped with over 21,700 cases. Despite serving such a large county, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences also helps many departments in the surrounding areas as well as families and the general public.
Managing so much is how the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has become one of the leading organizations of its kind, not just in Texas but in the country.
What It’s Like Being One of the Busiest Medical Examiner’s Offices in the Country
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has a lot of impressive credentials, which isn’t all that surprising considering that it’s one of the most active institutes of its kind in the U.S. The institute has seven accreditations and has been a member of the Texas Medical Center for 40+ years.
One thing that stands out about the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is what a great resource they are for the communities they serve. They provide the public with a lot of useful information that can be found on their website.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences also provides a wide variety of services, some of which are highly specialized. There has two divisions handling all of the work:
Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO)
Bodies that need to be examined in a death case will be in the care of the medical examiner’s office. In addition to determining the cause and manner of death, the MEO helps to collect and preserve evidence that’s used in criminal and civil cases. The MEO conducts:
- Forensic Investigations
- Forensic Pathology
- Morgue Services
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Imaging
- Histology Testing
Crime Laboratory (CIL)
The crime laboratory carries out a number of tests to examine evidence in criminal cases. The tasks include:
- Drug Chemistry Analysis
- Firearms Identification
- Forensic Genetics (serology/DNA)
- Forensic Toxicology Testing
- Trace Evidence Testing
The work of these departments is used to develop reports that summarize the findings. The reports are given to the family as well as being made available to local law enforcement, attorneys and courts.
Services Provided by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences handles a lot of services for a huge area in southeast Texas. The primary function for the medical examiner’s office is to determine the cause and manner of death. However, determining that can be done in a variety of ways using various testing methods.
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences can provide:
- Autopsies
A medical examiner at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences may need to perform an autopsy to figure out the cause and manner of death if that can’t be determined with an external examination alone. - Toxicology Testing?
A death can be due to poisoning or drug overdose, which can be determined with toxicology testing. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences also conducts toxicology tests for DWI cases. - Forensic Anthropology
When severely burned or skeletal remains are found forensic anthropology testing is used to help identify the individual and determine the cause of death. DNA testing may also be performed as a part of the forensic anthropology services. - Forensic Entomology
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is the only MEO in the country with a full-time forensic entomology specialist who examines insect activity for death investigations. - Morgue Services
The morgue helps to preserve bodies and will work with funeral homes to arrange transport services. - Histology
Looking at microscopic sized evidence requires removing tissue samples and examining them in a lab setting. A team of histotechnologists and pathologists work together to obtain and preserve samples. - Unidentified Persons Assistance
If a body is unidentified the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will help determine who the individual was and will work directly with families to make sure they are notified. - Case Studies
The specialists in the MEO carry out many tasks to aid in law enforcement in criminal and civil cases involving a death. From taking images at a crime scene to studying past medical records, the division plays a critical role in case studies and examining evidence.
Working With the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences While Planning Funeral Services
Planning funeral services is a little different at the onset if a medical examiner must perform an autopsy or review the death case. While the medical examiner’s office was getting its job done you likely had time to find a funeral home who is helping arrange the funeral services.
In order to move forward with the process, you’ll need to complete the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences release form allowing them to release the body to the funeral home. The form can also specify if the funeral home is allowed to pick up the deceased’s personal items that may be at the medical examiner’s office. We’ve provided a downloadable version of the form on our website. There are also tips for completing release forms that can help you gather together the necessary information.
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences Location Information
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences provides a lot of assistance to families that have to use their services. They have open lines of communication, giving people a number of ways to contact the institute.
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is located at:
1861 Old Spanish Trl
Houston, TX 77030
Business Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am-5pm
Email:
[email protected]
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences can be called at:
Main Office – (832) 927-5000
Administrative – (832) 927-5004
Family Assistance – (832) 927-5006
Need more information on the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences or arranging direct cremation services? Cremation.Green is available 24 hours a day to answer questions and help families with funeral services that are efficient and eco-friendly.
