Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office - Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office

Mission and Responsibilities

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office (ACOME) is an independent agency tasked with investigating deaths that occur within the county under specific circumstances. Located in the Strip District, the office determines the cause and manner of death for cases involving violence, accidents, suicides, or when a person dies unattended by a physician. The agency plays a critical role in public health and the criminal justice system by providing impartial forensic analysis. Beyond death investigations, the office operates accredited forensic laboratories that analyze evidence such as DNA, firearms, and toxicology samples for law enforcement agencies.

Public Services

While the technical operations of the Medical Examiner, such as investigations and autopsies, operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, public administrative services are typically handled during standard business hours. The office manages the release of remains to funeral homes and issues cremation authorizations. Families and authorized individuals can contact the office to request autopsy reports or death investigation records, subject to legal restrictions. The facility is a secure environment due to the sensitive nature of its work and the presence of forensic evidence.

Location

The office is situated on Penn Avenue, a major thoroughfare connecting downtown to the Strip District. It is housed in a dedicated facility designed to support both morgue operations and advanced laboratory work. Visitors should be aware that this is not a general medical clinic but a specialized government facility with restricted access.