ABSTRACT
It should be noted that access to the morgue facility is limited to those who have reason to be there and have been properly cleared. Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted. For the purpose of security, a magnetic card system may be employed that would open access to everything from the parking lot gate to the morgues and every door in the building. There is much sensitive material present, and unauthorized persons may attempt entry for any nefarious purpose. Photographs and other evidence have great value within the morgue area and the chain of evidence must be well protected. Unfortunately, their monetary value may increase a hundredfold on the outside. Passage of the Earnhardt Law (Appendix, Figure A.5) in Florida was essentially for the purpose of preventing any information from leaving the precincts of the medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) department. Individuals, as well as media, are prevented from obtaining access to this information without reason-approved by the courts-and may not distribute this to the public.
