The Office of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office was created on March 24, 1965, and operates under the Fulton County Commission in accordance with state and local statutes in the State of Georgia.

The office, is located at the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Center (FCMEC), 430 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. The FCMEC has facilities for forensic pathology, investigative, and support services to aid in the investigation of deaths defined by law as being subject to public inquiry.

This manual was written to familiarize those persons and organizations who work most closely with the FCME with our policies, procedures, and statutory duties. The goal of the manual is to outline our needs and duties so that agencies and organizations with whom we interact can understand our role and assist us in the orderly discharge of our responsibilities. It is hoped and expected that this information will result in a better understanding of needs that arise during death investigations, and how you, your agency, or your organization can assist the FCME in conducting quality death investigations.

The Medical Examiner is a physician and forensic pathologist who is authorized by Fulton County, Georgia, to investigate sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious or unnatural deaths that occur within the county. The main function of the Medical Examiner is the determination of the cause, manner, and circumstances of death which are of concern to the public health, safety and welfare.

There are several reasons why an accurate determination of the cause, manner, and circumstances of death is essential to our society:

• The innocent should be exonerated.
• Homicide, foul play, and unnatural death should be recognized
• Criminal and civil court proceedings should be provided with documented,  sound, and impartial medical evidence and opinion.
• Unrecognized hazards to public health and safety should be revealed.
• Occupational hazards should be detected and evaluated.