How often do you quit when things get tough? Would you describe yourself as an unshakable optimist? Do you view problems as opportunities or warning signs? How do you view failure and are you making sure that you don’t make the one mistake people make when learning from their mistakes? Things rarely work out the…

Underwater crime scenes present a unique set of obstacles not present in dry land situations.  Many agencies do not have the personnel to conduct adequate underwater investigations. These scene must be worked as dry land scenes in areas of scene control, evidence integrity and collection, chain of custody, and management.  However, these investigators must add…

The Coroner Talk Podcast has excelled  in 2015. We  reached many large goals and surpassed many mile stones.  I give complete credit to you, the listener and supporter of the Coroner Talk community.  In this episode I take a look back to what we have accomplished and a look forward to what’s to come, as well…

Warning: “This episode may be seen as confrontational ! The views expressed in this podcast are 100% the views of its host and producer of the show, and in every way is intended to bring change and viewpoints guiding the current coroner system of the United States. It is not however, intended to discredit any…

Too often we confuse “stress” with “trauma.”  Stress happens, but trauma happens TO you.  Stress is an expected part of life, good or bad, and can be managed by such things as exercise, moderation in habits such as alcohol, deep breathing and even therapy.  Trauma, on the other hand, either runs over you like a…

Toxicology testing is a vital piece of  the post mortem investigative puzzle.  Many investigators confuse the importance of toxicology in cases where no autopsy is being conducted. An even greater danger is submitting fluids for testing but then making an incorrect determination because of the miss-interpretations of the results. To better understand the dangers and…

Forensics is the study of the past as it relates to the present.  Criminal forensic is applying  science  to the law. In short it’s the study of known science and relating it to a crime scene for the determination and prosecution of a crime.  Many men and women are specially trained to collect evidence and in…

Police work and in particular, death investigation,   is one of the most stressful jobs in this country. Day after day, investigators see the worst of humanity; absorb the world’s negativity; and come home to families who  love them . How can you not  expect this to have an effect on your mind, body, and soul? Not…

Every crime scene presents unique obstacles for the investigator, but in a death investigation three elements will always exists to  some degree. These three elements make up the investigative triangle. Although independent in nature – they are interdependent in the investigation. A complete and accurate investigation can not be accomplished without weaving these three elements…