If skeletal remains are found, which office should be notified?

When skeletal remains are discovered, the appropriate office to notify is the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This office is specifically responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or involve human remains. Their role includes determining the cause and manner of death, as well as identifying the deceased.

The Chief Medical Examiner's office has the expertise and resources necessary to handle such cases effectively, including conducting autopsies and working with forensic anthropologists to analyze skeletal remains. This specialized knowledge is crucial for ensuring that the remains are treated with care and that proper protocols are followed in the investigation.

While local police departments may initially respond to the scene and take preliminary action, and the FBI may become involved in certain cases, particularly if they are related to federal jurisdiction, the primary responsibility for handling human remains falls to the Medical Examiner's office. The Forensic Science Lab, while integral to analyzing evidence in a broader criminal investigation, does not directly manage the initial examination and identification of skeletal remains. Thus, notifying the Chief Medical Examiner's office is the correct course of action to ensure that the appropriate investigative protocols are initiated.