The responsibility of the HCIFS Forensic Pathology Division, as specified by state law (Chapter 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure), is to determine cause and manner of death and to document and preserve evidence.  The HCIFS investigates sudden and unexpected deaths and deaths resulting from physical or chemical injury.  The investigation may include an external examination of the decedent, or a complete autopsy.  An autopsy is a complete external and internal examination of a dead body.  Findings are documented in unbiased reports that are available to families, to the police, to attorneys and to courts.  The forensic pathology division at the HCIFS is also an academic center; education of future forensic pathologists is one of the missions of this division.

In accordance with the policies and procedures set forth by the Chief Medical Examiner, the Forensic Investigator supervises the receiving of remains at HCIFS in order to protect and secure the body, personal property, and the integrity of any specimens. The Forensic Investigator is responsible for the decency in handling of the body for proper identification and notification of family. Forensic Investigators are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and assigned to both day and night shifts.