ABSTRACT
Most states have laws that require notification of the medical examiner or coroner when deaths of prison inmates or other people in police custody occur. The same applies to patients at state or local government institutions, such as mental health facilities and similar institutions. Medicolegal investigation of such deaths fulfills two important tasks. One, investigation can help determine whether there has been some maltreatment, abuse, or injury to such patients in order to protect the public (patients). Two, the information gained can be used to address allegations (founded or unfounded) that abuse, maltreatment, or injury occurred, serving to protect the institution and its staff as well.
