Death Notification – Best Practices
In this episode, we will kick off the theme for the month of January of proper death notification procedures. This episode is a replay of an online course that described the proper procedure for notifying families of the death of a loved one. Death notification is acknowledged to be one of the most difficult tasks...
20/20 Vision-What we do Matters
In this episode, the last of 2019, I discuss changes that are taking place in the new year. The podcast will go to monthly themes so we can dive deeper into training topics rather than bounce around through random unconnected topics. We also discuss the improvements and changes being made to the Medicolegal Death Investigator...
Merry Christmas 2019
This Christmas and during this season I would like to wish every one of you a Blessed Christmas and Holiday Season. Regardless of your religious faith Christmas is a season for giving and giving back. Its a season to remember those less fortunate than us and to bring some happiness to someone’s life. I would...
The William Jenkins Story – What to do After the Police Leave
In August 1997, sixteen year-old William Jenkins was on his second day of work at a fast-food restaurant in suburban Richmond, Virginia when the restaurant was robbed at closing time. While cooperating fully with the robber, William was shot and died instantly. His father, Bill Jenkins, quickly found that there were virtually no readily available...
Sammy Keyes – Student Success Story ep 235
In this episode, I talk with Samantha “Sammy” Keyes. Samantha is a Forensic researcher and has assisted in many cold cases and is currently working on several cases around the country. Sammy is a graduate of the Medicolegal Death Investigation Academy Online program and she has found the course to very helpful in her work....
Basics of Asphyxial Deaths
An asphyxial death refers to a multi-etiologic set of conditions in which there is inadequate delivery, uptake and/or utilization of oxygen by the body’s tissues/cells, often accompanied by carbon dioxide retention. This episode will introduce the listener to the four primary classifications of asphyxial deaths, which are; mechanical, inert-gas, environmental, and pathological. The podcast will...
Training the Trainer
In this episode, I answer several listener questions and discuss some upcoming training that I will be a student in. Plus, we look forward to the 2020 training schedule.
Venessa Tanner Story – Student Success
In this episode, I speak with Venessa Tanner. Venessa shares her story of becoming a Death Investigator and getting a job with the local Sheriff’s office as a DI. Her story is one that many can relate to as she struggled to find an open door and anyone who would listen to her. Through research...
Live – True Crime Conference
In this episode I play a recorded session I did at the True Crime Conference in St. Charles Missouri. I discuss the duties of a Coroner and introduce the Coroner Talk Podcast with a very interactive crowd.
Nursing Home Interactions ep230
A prevalent concern, but under-recognized, a public health problem of distressing and harmful resident-to-resident interactions in dementia in long-term care homes (LTC) (such as nursing homes and assisted living residences), is a major issue facing many countries today. This increase can, in part, be attributed to the growing population of older adults from the Baby...
Bulletproof Spirit
The burden of dealing with tragedies associated with the day-to-day duties of police officers, coroners, and medicolegal death investigators, often remains unspoken and follows the officers into their off-duty and personal lives. Failure to recognize and provide an acceptable outlet for the disappointment and frustration felt by officers and investigators at the end of their...
Respect is Earned
If you want to be seen as a professional, you must present a professional image and attitude that will command respect. You WILL NOT get the respect you need simply by your title. Respect is earned not granted. There has been a long history of perceived and actual unprofessionalism in the Coroner industry. This...
Psychology of Investigations
In order to determine the direction of an investigation and to prioritize leads, if necessary, death investigators must establish the manner of a death: natural, accident, homicide or suicide. The most overlooked aspect of death investigation is the psychological dimension, which can provide unique leads, correct false assumptions, enhance investigative awareness, and solve cases in...
A Medical Examiner’s View of the Coroner System ep225
In this episode, I talk with Forensic Pathologist Dr. Thomas Gilson of Cuyahoga County Ohio. We discuss the debate of Coroner v. Medical Examiner systems and what his thoughts and opinions are of the current status of death investigation in the United States. We also talk about the need for quality training for Medicolegal Death...
Plan B Forensics
I this episode I have a conversation with Dr. Suzan Entwistle, DO, C-MDI about how she has combined her education and experience as a trauma surgeon and death investigation to help families get answers about how their loved one died. Many times families are left with more questions than answers and the “system” in many...
Cops and Writers Sgt. Patrick O’Donnel ep 223
Looking to add an authentic edge to your crime fiction? Ride along with a real-life sergeant to give your story the accuracy your readers crave. Looking to add an authentic edge to your crime fiction? Ride along with me, a real-life sergeant to give your story the accuracy your readers crave. My name is Patrick...
Is your job causing burnout? ep222
The term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger, in his book, Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement. He originally defined burnout as, “the extinction of motivation or incentive, especially where one’s devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results.” Burnout is a reaction to...
Tactical Reload -Leadership ep221
Mindset Shift for the Next Generation of Law Enforcement Leaders Tactical Reload offers a road map for police and MDI professionals eager to succeed as America transitions from unrest to a new age of social enlightenment. Through honest personal stories and interviews with top police chiefs and thought leaders, Wilson thoroughly explores the present crisis...
Dream Job – a student success story ep220
Amanda Beasler was a hard-working emergency management professional employed by the state of Wisconsin. Her dream was to be a Medicolegal Death Investigator and like many others could not get her foot in the door. Although there is a loose connection between her “day job” and her dream job, she was not a boots on...
10 Mistakes at Death Scenes ep219
Due to the very nature of sudden and/or violent deaths, many things can and do go wrong in the first few hours after discovery. Death scenes have a way of bringing together many individuals with various responsibilities and experience. This unique group can consist of uniformed officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, forensic experts, coroner investigators,...
Fingerprinting Mummified Remains ep218
Postmortem fingerprint collection is a routine part of many forensic death investigations. Although the production of postmortem prints is usually straight forward, several obstacles and scenarios can make the collection difficult. A common challenge occurs when finger pads are mummified. Several current techniques allow for softening and rehydration of mummified finger pads; however, despite the...
Hell in the Heartland ep217
On December 29, 1999, high school friends Lauria Jaylene Bible and Ashley Renae Freeman spent the evening together celebrating Freeman’s sixteenth birthday. Bible received permission from her parents to spend the night at Freeman’s home. Earlier that day, the girls had spent time at a local pizza restaurant with Kathy Freeman. At approximately 5:30 am on December 30, 1999, a passerby...
Every Scene – Every Time ep216
The term every scene every time is certainly not new and is not unique to me. This term is credited to Steven C. Clark, Ph.D. of Occupational Research and Assessment, Inc. The term was first used in a 1999 NIJ research study setting out guidelines for death scene investigation and has since been updated to...
Linking Aspects of Investigations ep215
Every crime scene presents unique obstacles for the investigator, but in a death investigation, three elements will always exist 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 cannot be accomplished without weaving these three elements together....
How Bodies Burn ep.214
The human body burns predictably based it on its anatomical configuration of soft tissues and bones. Fire creates burn patterns to soft tissues: skin, fat, muscle, and then on select areas of the skeleton. These burn patterns convey how the body burned within its environment and if there was any traumatic injury present prior to...
Dangers of a Hoarding Environment ep213
Hoarding is a psychological condition that results in a person accumulating an enormous amount of trash and things of little-to-no value, or worse, more animals than can be properly cared for. Hoarding of any kind can pose several dangers to the occupant and neighbors, and certainly to animals if they are involved. These hazards can be deadly, and...
30-Years of EMS ep212
In this episode, I talk with Bill Patt. Bill has spent his career in EMS and for the last several years has been the supervisor of a large EMS district. Bill and I discuss the history of the EMS field in where the EMS field and the Coroner – death investigation field merge. We talk...
Sworn Statement – Dead Hiker ep211
Sworn Statement is a podcast exploring local cases and public safety issues here in Collier County. The first three episodes will focus on the case of the deceased hiker known as Mostly Harmless. Hikers found the man’s body in Big Cypress National Preserve in July 2018. Facebook tipsters quickly linked a composite image of the...
Testing Oral Fluids – SteelFusion ep210
SteelFusion offer rapid forensic and clinical toxicology testing utilizing Oral Fluid and Urine for the detection and quantification of illicit and prescription drugs. SteelFusion are the post-mortem Oral Fluid experts! Are you unsure about the interpretation of your toxicology results? Do you need an expert testimony witness to consult with? Do you know if your...
911 Behind the Mic with Brad England ep209
911 emergency dispatchers often are the first people contacted when emergency assistance is needed. They’re responsible for determining the nature of the calls they receive, as well as the location of the callers. They also are responsible for monitoring the location of emergency service personnel in their assigned territory. Using this information, 911 emergency dispatchers...
Reclassification of 911 Operators ep208
911 Call Takers and Dispatchers are often the first investigators involved in death calls 911 emergency dispatchers often are the first people contacted when emergency assistance is needed. They’re responsible for determining the nature of the calls they receive, as well as the location of the callers. They also are responsible for monitoring the location...
Dr. Maggot ep 207
The Science of Forensic entomology is the study of insects for medico-legal purposes. There are many ways insects can be used to help solve a crime, but the primary purpose of forensic entomology is estimating time since death. Once a person dies his or her body starts to decompose. The decomposition of a dead body starts...
Bloodhounds ep 206
Reprint Article by Linda Cole The Bloodhound is usually unfairly ranked as less intelligent than many dogs, but that doesn’t mean the breed isn’t smart. Finding people is where a Bloodhound outshines most dog breeds. They may not be the easiest breed to train, but if you’re lost in the woods this dog can put...
Native American Burial Rituals ep205
Most Native American tribes believed that the souls of the dead passed into a spirit world and became part of the spiritual forces that influenced every aspect of their lives. Many tribes believed in two souls: one that died when the body died and one that might wander on and eventually die. Burial customs varied widely...
National Coroner Week ep 204
Coroner Recognition Week January 27th – February 2nd with the focus day being January 29th. The first American Coroner was Thomas Baldridge of St. Mary’s, Maryland Colony appointed on 29 January 1637. The National Coroner Recognition week and the thin line color purple is a project focused on bringing awareness to the job of a...
Evil Guardian – Dr Scott Bonn ep203
Serial killers hold the fascination of the public, whether in true crime news accounts of individuals such as Ted Bundy or fictional depictions such as the television shows Dexter and Criminal Minds or popular movies such as the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” or “Silence of the Lambs.” Serial killers seem so purely predatory and...
Beating Back Blue Monday ep 202
A few years ago, the third Monday in January was labeled Blue Monday by many experts in the mental health field. But no matter what day of the week it occurs on, Anita Agers-Brooks, common trauma expert, and author of Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, believes January 21st is a good barometer to...
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day ep201
January 9th, 2019 There are over 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States, and they are honored on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.), being shown that the community recognizes the difficulty of their job and supports them as they provide a public service. The day is dedicated to all members of law enforcement, but...
Necessary Endings – The Retiring of Coroner Talk Podcast ep.200
In this episode, I discuss the ending of the Coroner Talk Podcast and the decisions we made going forward. After 4 years and 500 thousand downloads in over 140 countries, it was time to retire this work and move efforts somewhere else. . Death Investigator Magazine A digital magazine focused...
PostMortem Facial Reconstruction ep199
Post-Mortem Facial Reconstruction A Postmortem Reconstruction is developed by reconstructing facial characteristics of an unidentified deceased person with decomposed or damaged human tissue. The image will first show trauma to the victim and is repaired digitally or by applying paints directly to the photograph, covering the injured area making the features recognizable. The drawing repairs...
4C Cleaner ep198
Many investigators are unaware of the extreme risks that are present when dealing with blood and bodily fluids. There are many bloodborne pathogens (BBP) infections that can be transmitted through contact with another person’s blood or bodily fluid that may contain blood including but not limited to, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Most exposures...
ep 197 TYD Podcast
I this episode I share the conversation I had on the podcast Tending Your Dreams. The host draws out background information not regularly shared on this show. We also talk about the development of the Academy and the book CODE. This is an interesting episode because it gives a good behind the scenes look at...
ep196 Water Intoxication Death
Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning, hyperhydration, overhydration, or water toxemia is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by excessive water intake. Under normal circumstances, accidentally consuming too much water is exceptionally rare. Nearly all deaths related to water intoxication in normal individuals have resulted either...
ep195 Preventing Obstacles in Prosecution
Rules that Govern an Investigation The purpose of an investigation is to obtain information that will provide clues for further inquiry, establish facts on which to base probable cause and develop enough evidence to convict the perpetrator All of these actions are governed by a number of rules that apply to all facets of the...
ep194 Overview of Investigations
In our society, Public support is key in every aspect of policing from the needed appropriations to fund a department to the cooperation of individuals on the street. It is important to consider public perception when examining both the role and consequences of police in a democratic society. How the public views the police can...
ep193 North to Alaska
Alaska Medical Examiner The State Medical Examiner Office is responsible for conducting the medical/legal investigative work related to unanticipated, sudden or violent deaths. This includes determining cause and manner of death and providing consultation to law enforcement and the courts. The State Medical Examiner’s Office conducts autopsies, provides court testimony when necessary, and assists with...
ep192 I had to identify my husband’s head – a survivor’s story
A thousand questions littered my brain. The three letter word everyone waited for was lodged in my throat. My stomach wanted to heave. My knees buckled. Arms supported mine. I was a marionette. They waited patiently but no words came. The procedure was repeated. I again faced the decomposing, torn mask of a face that used to smile at me, at a...
ep191 From Surgical Tech to MDI
In this episode, I talk with Malory, a new Medicolegal Death Investigator. Malory knew she wanted to be a Coroner Investigator at 16 years old. Her career path took her down the Surgical Technologist route but the investigation dream still smoldered inside. Then, 20 years later, she was able to see her dream realized. I talk...
ep190 [pt2] Written Statements-Investigative Psychological Approach
Handwriting is more than a personality-type indicator. Handwriting is brain writing; the communication transaction concludes with a tangible time-stamped view of a person’s inner thoughts and emotions Twenty Reasons why to use handwriting as a supplement to pre-employment screens, interviewing for internal positions, forensic interviews, recruiting screens, and investigations. Dr. Doscher’s method …is noninvasive …is...
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