Welcome to the Alabama
Department of Forensic Sciences

  Reports and Public Records Requests

ABOUT DEATH INVESTIGATION

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences' Death Investigation Discipline offers forensic pathology and investigative services to various law enforcement agencies. They provide case consultations, perform examinations, and provide testimony to findings and conclusions. Our Death Investigation section is committed to the application of science and medicine to uphold justice. The medical facilities that offer these services are located in Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile.


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FAQs
A routine examination is typically completed in 1-3 hours; however, completion of Autopsy Report takes on average 45 days; longer or shorter based on complexity of case.​
Usually, a decedent is ready for release after one business day.
Your funeral home usually helps with this process. The Alabama Department of Public Health Vital Statistics provides death Certificates.
No, an examination does not usually hinder any funeral plans or viewings.
Unfortunately, no, safety procedures at our facilities do not allow for this practice.
No, our findings are provided to the Coroner and Law Enforcement involved in the investigation. We cannot provide you information without written District Attorney Authorization.
Contact the Coroner’s Office. This is usually accomplished with a “pending” Death Certificate but additional documentation may be required.