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Implications of Time of Death Rulings

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer. 

Implications in Manner of Death Ruling

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer. 

Obtaining Positive Identification

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer. 

Avoid These Scene Mistakes

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 experiences.  This unique group can consist of uniformed officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, forensic experts, coroner investigators, medical examiner investigators, as well as prosecutors and police administrative staff.   These scenes may also have fire ...

Training Focus: Autoerotic v. Suicide Scene Features

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer. 

Training Focus: Evidence

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer.   

There's a right way to be a Coroner; and then there is the other.

https://coronertalk.com/theres-a-right-way-to-be-a-coroner-and-then-there-is-the-otherThere has always been a discussion on removing coroners and rebuilding it with a medical examiner system.  However, that is rarely done because it just does not work like some would hope.  It is important to keep in mind the reason for these discussions usually stems from a coroner not doing their job and, in some way, negative attention gets paid to the situation or office.     As a rule, in the Unite...

Training Focus: Doll Reenactments

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer.   

Training Focus: Algor Mortis - Body Temp Loss

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer.   

Dangers of Hoarding

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 all the more reason people with hoarding disorder should have professional help to restore them to healthy living conditions. If children and ani...

Training Focus: Police v. MDI Death Investigations

Midweek training tips are short focused training to help you become a better investigator, and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor  or industry peer.   

Training Focus: Perception v. Reality - One matters more than the other

Midweek training tips are short focused training to help you become a better investigator, and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor  or industry peer.   

Technology and Paperless Office

A paperless office is a workplace that has minimal paper-based processes and relies on digitized documents and storage instead. This includes on scene notes and document scanning from a mobile device rather than taking the actual papers. Some Coroner offices still use pen and paper rather than a simply reporting database created for death investigations. While still other use a self-made option combining a text document and a data base software like excel or numbers. The use of digital fin...

Training Focus: Do you inspire or manipulate

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer.   

Training Focus: Report Writing - (Listen Anyway)

Midweek training episodes are short-focused training to help you become a better investigator and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor or industry peer.     

Report Writing - (Listen Anyway)

Midweek training tips are short focused training to help you become a better investigator, and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor  or industry peer.   

Get up - Don't Be Blue

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 15th is a good barometer to predict the most depressing day of the year. But why January 15th? If it takes about three weeks for a mindset to change, earmarking January 15th, 2024 ( or the third Monday)  as the most d...

External Body Exams - Yes or No?

Midweek training tips are short focused training to help you become a better investigator, and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor  or industry peer.   

Having a Preparedness Mindset

Midweek training tips are short focused training to help you become a better investigator, and human.  These short tips are a production of the Coroner Talk podcast and the Death Investigation Training Academy.  Training tips are given each week by an Academy instructor  or industry peer.     

Spontaneous Suicide

In this episode Darren has a conversation with a student about spontaneous suicide. They discuss what it is and does it really exist. Referred to sometimes as Acute Suicide or Impulsive Suicide, the debate is whether there are suicide deaths by people who just decide for no apparent reason to end their life and no reasoning is known or can be found during investigation. Also discussed in this episode is an invitation to you, the listener, to be a guest on the show. If you have a topic to d...

Jan Canty-What Now

After having to identify her husband by his severed head, Jan Canty started a life journey of discovering what being a survivor of violent crime is like.  In this episode we discuss the crime that changed her life forever and what she has done to survive this journey.  One accomplishment is her new book What Now -  Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide.  This work is a guide, not only for survivor families, but also as a resource to investigators and support teams in how best to...

Understanding Blood Patterns

In this episode I talk with Jeff Gentry about the importance of understanding blood stains. You don’t have to be an expert to recognize something is not adding up.  We also discuss his new online courses and a new Blood Pattern Guide he has written.  Links to all  material discussed can be found below.   New Guide to Blood Patterns https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Guide-Bloodstain-Pattern-Analysis/dp/B0BLQSFDX9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JCZH3L5RPIGO&keywords=gentry+blood+pattern&qid=1685798433&...

Introducing the all new MDI Investigator Course

In this episode, I introduce the all-new and expanded Medicolegal Death Investigator classroom course.  The course has a new location, new training, and many additional perks and features.  You can learn more about the course and the updates at: https://ditacademy.org/mldi

Don't F*up the Crime Scene

On this episode, I am a guest on the Don't F*up the Crime Scene Podcast with Kevin Hearst.  You can find more of his show at - https://www.spreaker.com/show/dont-fuck-up-the-crime-scene   I also introduce the all-new Medicolegal Death Investigator classroom course.  New location, new training, new experience.  Check it out at https://ditacademy.org/mldi/    

Introduction to Blood Pattern

In this episode, I share a small portion of a new online course, Introduction to Blood Pattern Analysis. You can find more about that course at the link below. https://www.ditacademyonline.org/courses/bpa-introduction

Analyzing Statements for Deception

In this episode, you will learn the importance of detecting deception in interactions with victims, witnesses, and suspects and be introduced to techniques used to analyze verbal or written statements. I talked with Mark Bailey about how a written statement can be analyzed for truthfulness or deception.  You can learn more about how to participate in classroom training on this topic by going to.   www.mebailey.com

Court Room Preparation and Testimony

Testifying in court can be terrifying if you are not used to it. Even experienced investigators need good reminders now and then on how to perform better. When testifying in court;  the eyes of the jury, the judge, the prosecutor, the defense, and the public– are on you! Your reputation and that of your department may be enhanced or destroyed by your courtroom presentation. A single ineffective presentation in the courtroom can result in the acquittal of a defendant, no matter the amount o...

Evidence in Infant Deaths

Online Course Click Here:            Investigating Infant and Child Death  Death Investigator Newsletter:   Click Here for Newsletter Info. When it comes to all death investigations, but especially where an infant or child is involved, you should be led by the thinking that you only get one chance at your first chance. The trouble with infant death, more so than any other type of death, is the body is always moved from the place of discovery, making multiple scenes that need to be secured...

Infant Death - Scene Arrival First Contact

Online Course Click Here:            Investigating Infant and Child Death  Death Investigator Newsletter:   Click Here for Newsletter Info. When it comes to all death investigations, but especially where an infant or child is involved, you should be led by the thinking that you only get one chance at your first chance. The trouble with infant death, more so than any other type of death, is the body is always moved from the place of discovery, making multiple scenes that need to be secured...

Infant Death Investigation - The Foundation

Online Course Click Here:            Investigating Infant and Child Death  Death Investigator Newsletter:   Click Here for Newsletter Info. When it comes to all death investigations, but especially where an infant or child is involved, you should be led by the thinking that you only get one chance at your first chance. The trouble with infant death, more so than any other type of death, is the body is always moved from the place of discovery, making multiple scenes that need to be secure...

Preparedness Mindset

But having a preparedness mindset is critical as an investigator. We get used to the day-to-day calls and never put a lot of thought into the time we will be thrust into a large investigation. Whether that be a large, emotionally draining investigation or one that might be, or seem to be, above our ability to manage. We can never prepare for everything. But we can do a lot to prepare for the unexpected. In this episode, I talk about having a preparedness mindset and how to prepare for the ...

Death Investigator Newsletter Announcement

We have revamped an old idea into an interactive monthly newsletter—best of all, it's totally free.    To learn more and subscribe, go to deathinvestigatormagazine.com       

Survivor Support Programs

Support Services staff are trained professionals from various fields, including medicine, mental health, and law enforcement. The team is committed to providing sincere and compassionate support at a pace survivors are comfortable with. We maintain the highest level of confidentiality. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of a death, Summit County provides support services to family and friends of the decedent. Services can include counseling, emotional support,...

Suicide Investigations - What can the Body Tell Us?

Check out the online course here: https://www.ditacademyonline.org/courses/Suicide-and-Self-Harm An initial exam while still on the scene is imperative for the overall determination of cause and manner of death as well as collecting time sensitive facts and evidence. This exam is only the first of two external exams. This one being on the scene and the second one at autopsy. The on-scene exam documents what the investigator sees and what wounds, scars, tattoos, etc., are present on the...

Suicide Victimology

Check out the online course here: https://www.ditacademyonline.org/courses/Suicide-and-Self-Harm Victimology is the collection and assessment of any significant information as it pertains to the victim and his or her lifestyle. Investigators must know the victim and complete a victimology study on every suicide, you cannot properly investigate a death without it.  Ultimately you need to find out, in detail, who the victim was and what was going on at the time of their death. The best s...

Suicide Statistics Degrees of Certainty

Check out the online course here: https://www.ditacademyonline.org/courses/Suicide-and-Self-Harm Suicide deaths account for nearly 46,00 deaths in the United States, about one death every five minutes.  The number per year has continued to grow for the past several years.  Investigators face many challenges in this death, including when to rule a death a suicide and what degree of certainty must be obtained before making that ruling.  More information and statistics can be found on t...

MWT - Report Writing

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

MWT - Preparation Mindset

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

MWT - Police Functions v. MDI Functions

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

MWT - Perception Can Be Our Reality

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

MWT - Do you inspire or manipulate?

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

Genealogy DNA Case Study

Put simply, IGG describes the process of using information about genetic similarities and known family relationships to generate investigative leads. The basic information used in IGG falls into two categories: genetic relative information, which is generated by a genetic genealogy database based on its internal comparison of SNP profiles in the database; and genealogical and other often publicly accessible information, such as information from census records and obituaries, that describes f...

MWT-External Body Exams

Mid-Week tips are short episodes designed to give advice, tips, and ideas that can make your job easier and make you a better investigator. Some may be practical, and others may be experience-based opinions. To learn more about the podcast go to coronertalk.com To learn about our Academy and what courses we have that can prepare you for a career in the area of death investigation or to hone skills you currently have, go to ditacademy.org to learn more.  

Challenges of location NOK in transent society

In this episode, Darren and Wendy discuss the Evolution and challenges of locating and notifying NOK in a transient society. With the modern age we live in it is getting harder to located next-of-kin in some cases.  Issues such as homelessness and a transient lifestyle of a deceased can create huge obstacles.  In addition to the victim being mobile, the family may not stay in one place for very long causing public records to search to be a failed lead.  We give tips on locating NOK as we...

Challenges of social media in death investigations

In this episode, Darren and Wendy discuss the good and bad of Social media as it relates to death investigations.   Social media can be a big help in certain areas and a huge obstacle in others.  We discuss the pros and cons and give some caution in how best to use and manage social media in your investigations.

Avoiding Scene Mistakes

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 experiences.  This unique group can consist of uniformed officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, forensic experts, coroner investigators, medical examiner investigators, as well as prosecutors and police administrative staff.   These scenes may also have fire ...

Death with Dignity- Rx

In this episode, Wendy and Darren discuss the laws surrounding doctors prescribing suicide prescriptions and other forms of suicide assistance. Find all available training at.  ditacademy.org       

High Altitude Deaths

High altitude illness (HAI) is the current accepted clinical term for a group of disorders including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which occur in travelers visiting high-altitude locations. High-altitude illness is due to hypobaric hypoxia, is not associated with age or physical conditioning, and mild forms are easily treated. High-altitude cerebral edema and HAPE are medical emergencies that are fatal if not pro...

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