Medical

Mission Statement

What does the Polk County Medical Examiner do?

The Polk County Medical Examiner provides forensic autopsy and investigative services when a death occurs under Medical Examiner jurisdiction (Iowa Code 331.802). Our mission is to establish credibility in death investigation in a system that will operate efficiently and serve the needs of the citizens of Polk County.

Our Goal:

To assist law enforcement agencies in determining a scientifically unbiased and logical cause and manner of death. The information gathered during a forensic death investigation and subsequent autopsy is critical to many civil court cases and murder trials. This information will also help us provide answers to assist you in understanding your loved one’s death.