Complete record review
The original autopsy report, photographs, histology, imaging and investigative materials, examined in full.
NAAG Forensic / Sheriff-Coroner Autopsy Service / Autopsy Integrity Program
Autopsy Integrity Program
When the first autopsy leaves questions, justice deserves a second look.
Prosecutor-initiated independent forensic pathology review, offered at no cost to prosecutorial agencies, so that charging decisions, trials and post-conviction reviews rest on findings that are complete, correct and able to withstand any scrutiny.
Medically reviewed by Evan W. Matshes, MD, FRCPC, D-ABP, Medical Director and Chief Forensic Pathologist · Updated
Why
Why this program exists.
Prosecutors carry the burden of proof, and in a homicide case that burden often rests on the autopsy. When the medical evidence is incomplete, unclear or open to challenge, the whole case is exposed. The guilty may go free. Worse, an innocent person may be charged. Neither outcome serves justice.
A prosecutor’s duty is to seek justice, not merely to win. That duty is best served by medicine that is complete, correct and independent.
The program puts the full depth of modern forensic medicine at a prosecutor’s disposal, ideally early in the investigation, while questions can still be answered and before decisions are made that are hard to undo.
When
When a second look is warranted.
Second autopsies are not routine, and they are never intended to replace or undermine the work of sheriff-coroner offices. They are reserved for cases in which a prosecutorial agency determines that an independent re-examination may materially assist its evaluation or legal review, such as:
- Concerns about completeness. Questions about the scope of the prior examination or its documentation.
- Unexamined evidence. Anatomic structures that were not examined or tested.
- Evolving science. New scientific standards or interpretive questions that bear on the original findings.
- Post-conviction or appellate review. Cases in which the medical evidence must be revisited.
- Complex cases. Pediatric, traumatic and skeletal cases that demand subspecialty expertise.
What we examine
Records
Tissue
Retained organs and tissues
Re-examination of retained organs, tissues and skeletal elements, with new histology and special stains when warranted.
Examination
Second autopsy
A complete, independent second examination of the decedent.
Exhumation
Disinterred remains
Examination of exhumed remains, when legally authorized. We undertake a disinterment examination only when it is legally authorized, scientifically justified, and requested by a prosecutorial authority.
Subspecialty
Subspecialty assessment
Targeted forensic neuropathology, forensic anthropology and osteology, and postmortem CT and radiology.
Deep Dive
The Deep Dive
In child deaths with questions of abuse, a full secondary laboratory investigation of the retained biological evidence.
Independence
Independence without compromise.
The program operates independently of the original certifying agency. We approach every case without a predetermined conclusion, and we report what the evidence shows. If our findings confirm the original examination, we say so. If they do not, we say that too, plainly, and we show our work.
This program is not prosecution-driven, outcome-driven or adversarial. It exists for one purpose: accurate fact-finding in the criminal justice system. A request for review is not a criticism of the original examination or the agency that performed it, and it does not prejudge the outcome of any case.
How it works.
Confidential inquiry.
The prosecutorial agency contacts us to discuss the case in confidence: suitability, scope and evidentiary considerations.
Scope and authority.
We agree on the questions to be answered and confirm the legal authority for any examination.
Independent examination.
Our forensic pathologists conduct the review or examination, bringing in subspecialists as needed.
Written report.
You receive a clear written report of our findings and opinions, whatever they show.
Eligibility
The program is available only to district attorney offices and other prosecutorial agencies acting within their statutory authority. Referrals must come from a prosecutorial agency. It is not available for private requests, civil litigation or other non-governmental referrals.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
What does the program cost?
Nothing. The Autopsy Integrity Program is offered at no cost to prosecutorial agencies.
Does a referral suggest the original autopsy was wrong?
No. A referral means a prosecutor wants certainty. When a review confirms the original findings, that confirmation is valuable in itself.
How early should we call?
As early as possible. Questions are easiest to answer during the investigative phase, while evidence and remains are available and before charging decisions are made.
Will you tell us if the findings do not support our theory of the case?
Yes. We report what the evidence shows, whatever it shows. That candor is the point of the program.
Can defense counsel, families or civil attorneys use this program?
Not this program, which is limited to prosecutorial agencies. Please contact NAAG about our other consultation services.
Will the sheriff-coroner be involved?
We respect the sheriff-coroner’s statutory role and work through the appropriate legal authority for every examination.
Further readingAll guides →
GuideSecond opinions in forensic pathology: when, why and how.When a second forensic pathology opinion is warranted, its forms (records review, second autopsy, Deep Dive), what to gather and who can request one.GuideDeaths in custody: the independent autopsy.What a complete in-custody death autopsy requires, why independence matters, what California AB 1108 changes in 2027, and how families can get one.
Contact
Talk to us about your county.
Call or email to discuss contract services, AB 1108 readiness, specimen consultations or a second autopsy review.
Phone1-800-985-5346
Agenciescoroner@naagforensic.com
Specimensadmin@naagforensic.com
OfficeNAAG Forensic PC
6335 Ferris Square, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92121
6335 Ferris Square, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92121