The Office of the Medical Examiner is mandated under state statute to investigate certain types of death. These deaths include sudden and unexpected deaths, accidental deaths, and violent deaths. The Medical Examiner has the authority under Public Act 181, P.A. 1953, as amended and the Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368, P.A. 1978, to order an autopsy to determine or confirm the cause and manner of death.

Medical Examiner Investigators have been appointed to be responsible for the gathering information, taking charge of a deceased person, and arrange for transport to a morgue facility for further postmortem examination as necessary.

The Office of the Medical Examiner is responsible for the identification of a deceased person and notification to the next of kin of the death unless such notification has been made by an officer from the state police, county sheriff, or municipal police department. The Office of the Medical Examiner is responsible for the issuance of death certificates for all deaths within the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. Cremation permits must also be authorized and issued by the Office of the Medical Examiner.