A comparison of forensic anthropology casework across two urban Midwest Medical Examiner's offices, 2013–2022

Abstract

Forensic anthropology has garnered greater attention in the academic and medicolegal communities with more practitioners embedded in Medical Examiner's and Coroner's offices. Practitioners have varied roles and responsibilities, leaving few opportunities to compare the nature, breadth, and outcomes of their casework. Sharing data provides the foundations upon which resource distribution, planning, and needs assessment can be based, providing essential information for training the next generation of professionals. This study reports on casework conducted by three forensic anthropology practitioners across two Midwest Medical Examiner's jurisdictions. Between 2013 and 2022, forensic anthropologists working as consultants at the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office (CCMEO) completed 140 cases, with the St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office (SLMEO) having an embedded anthropologist completing 288 cases. The greatest number of cases were recorded in 2022 for both agencies and entered the CCMEO in June and July, and the SLMEO between October and December. Recovery of decomposed and fully skeletonized decedents from outdoor surface contexts (CCMEO) and indoor scenes (SLMEO) was most common. Biological profile (CCMEO) and radiographic identification (SLMEO) were the most requested types of evaluation. Differences exist in timing, analysis, and report submission. Variation stems from contractual differences between offices, environmental contexts, and the type of consult requested. Greater discussion and comparison of the range of services and expertise that forensic anthropologists provide broadens the understanding of the field, informs our stakeholders, allows for the formulation of best practices, and serves as data upon which decisions regarding protocol, funding, resources, and need can be based.